I am excited to get into this section today. Continuing through the theme of what is expected of leadership, we get to take a look at the role of a deacon, or “servant”. Then we wrap up the chapter with a powerful truth and description of Jesus!
I personally like how the NLT version worded this section so I will use it:
1 Timothy 3:8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
Deacon : diákonos:—deacon, minister, servant.
I also wanted to note that the ‘part of speech’ was “masculine/feminine noun”. When I first read this verse in the context of a “servant”, I was thinking that these should be guidelines not just for those with a deacon title but anyone who is serving in any capacity. Seeing that the word could be used for a male or female further confirmed that in my heart.
Respected: semnós; venerable, i.e. honorable:—grave, honest.
Have Integrity: dílogos; equivocal, i.e. telling a different story:—double-tongued. (A further description: double tongued, double in speech, saying one thing with one person another with another (with the intent to deceive))
Not Heavy Drinkers: The KJV and NKJV words this as “not given to much wine.” The word “given” is this: proséchō; (figuratively) to hold the mind towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to:—, beware, be given to, give heed; have regard.
Dishonest with Money: aischrokerdḗs:—given to (greedy of) filthy lucre. (This is the same as “greedy for money” in verse 3 from the last blog post in 1 Timothy.)
Committed to the Mystery of the Faith: The original language words are just what you would expect in this case, but what does it mean? Why is our faith a mystery? For those who do not know Jesus, it IS a mystery. Why on earth would someone willingly turn from living a life just like the rest of the world? They don’t understand the great tragedy of being separated from God for all of eternity. They don’t understand that life on earth will be the best they ever experience forever without accepting Jesus’ sacrifice and payment for the sins they commit. Why would God even do such a thing, why not just give up on mankind and let us wallow in our eternal consequences? Because God is love. Because, GOD. Not us. Not even for us to fully comprehend just to thankfully accept! I’m so thankful that I don’t have to have all of the answers. I can simply put the entirety of my trust in Him and rest in His peace. THAT is a mystery I will gladly hold tight to!
Clear Conscience: katharós; of uncertain affinity; clean (literally or figuratively):—clean, clear, pure.
10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
I appreciate this verse. Imagine a sheep with a shepherd. Sheep cannot do much for themselves, much like a baby. The wellbeing and livelihood of the sheep rests upon the shoulders of the shepherd. The shepherd leads and takes care of the sheep. If I were a sheep, I would hope the one shepherding me honestly had my wellbeing at heart. This is the same concept, church leadership needs to get to know people and watch them before entrusting them to an area of leadership, or for a better description – servantship.
Examined: dokimázō; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve:—allow, discern, examine
11 In the same way, their wives[e] must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
This is great too! Man and wife become one flesh. They become a team. Even if the husband is the one who will technically be leading in a certain area, the wife is looked at too and expected to be of good reputation.
Respected: semnós; venerable, i.e. honorable:—grave, honest.
Not Slander Others: diábolos; a traducer; specially, Satan:—false accuser, devil, slanderer. Oh My Goodness! Did you read that?! Read it again… Don’t worry, I’ll wait…… slandering is of the devil! If that doesn’t make you want to watch your tongue I don’t know what will. The last word I ever want used to describe me is the word thats description is Satan himself. This is serious stuff people!
Self-Control: nēpháleos; sober, i.e. (figuratively) circumspect:—sober. (also, temperate)
Faithful in Everything: pistós; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful:—believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Verse 12 is very self explanatory to me. It is the very standard that we would use to describe any man who is a good husband and father. It is a must when stepping out to serve more than just those in his household.
I love the promise given in verse 13! When you are faithful in your work for the Lord, you will be rewarded with respect and have increased confidence in faith in Jesus. So awesome!
14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith[f]:
Christ[g] was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.[h]
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
What a powerful way to end this chapter! The church of the living God is any who accept Jesus’ sacrifice, turn from their previous sinful ways, and follow Him. How great is it that we get to become one with the pillar and foundation of truth. YES! So awesome! We no longer have to be confused, or afraid, or lost. He is our strength, He will never let us down because His foundation is sure, and we have the gift of being completely open and vulnerable with Him because HE IS TRUTH and will never deceive us. What a joy and a powerful message to share with a dying and lost world!
Before you leave take a moment to read the description of Jesus in verse 16 one more time.
Have a blessed day in the Lord.
With His love,
Courtney
More Than Gold 