1 Timothy 4:6-16 (NASB)

⁶ In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. ⁷ But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; ⁸ for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. ¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. ¹¹ Prescribe and teach these things. ¹² Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. ¹³ Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. ¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

1) Nourished on the words of grace (6-10)
2) Exercising your gifts (11-14)
3) Be absorbed in these things (15-16)

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Five reasons why Biblical deacons are needed in the church:

a. A Biblical Office to fill

b. A Biblical Role to fulfill

c. A Biblical  Model to emulate

d. A Biblical Testimony to maintain

e. A Biblical Opportunity to seize

1 Timothy 3:8-13 (NASB)

⁸ Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,

⁹ but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

¹⁰ These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

¹¹ Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

¹² Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.

¹³ For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Theme: Five necessary guidelines which govern New Testament deacons so the church might benefit from their faithful service.

1. The Qualifications of a Deacon vv.8-9, 12
   1.  Men of Dignity v.8
   2. Not Double-Tongued v.8
   3. Not Addicted to much wine v.8
   4. Holding to the Mystery of the faith with a clear conscience v.9
   5. Beyond Reproach v.10
   6. Husbands of only one wife v.12
   7. Good managers of their children v.12
   8. Good managers of their own household v.12
2. The Test of a Deacon v.10
   1. Test qualifications
   2. Test result
3. The Responsibilities of a Deacon
   1. A presumption from the qualifications
   2. A prototype for deacons from Act 6:1-3
4. The Incentives for a Deacon v.13
   1. A high standing in the church
   2. A great confidence in their faith
5. The Role of Women and the Deacon v.11
   1. Another role in the church
   2. Helpers to the deacons
   3. Wives of deacons in the church
   4. The Four Qualifications
      1. Dignified
      2. Not malicious gossips
      3. Temperate
      4. Faithful in all things

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1 Timothy 3:8-13 (NASB)

⁸ Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, ⁹ but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. ¹¹ Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. ¹² Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. ¹³ For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Introduction:

Five reasons why Biblical deacons are needed in the church:

a. A Biblical office to fill
b. A Biblical role to fulfill
c. A Biblical model to emulate
d. A Biblical testimony to maintain
e. A Biblical opportunity to seize

Background of Pastoral Epistles:

Theme: Five necessary guidelines that govern NT deacons so the church might benefit from their faithful service.

1. The Qualifications of a Deacon vv.8-9, 12

a. Men of dignity v.8

b. Not double-tongue v.8

c. Not addicted to much wine v.8

d. Not found of sordid gain v.8

e. Holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience v.9

f. Beyond reproach v.10

g. Husbands of only one wife v.12

h. Good managers of their children v.12

i. Good managers of their own household v.12

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