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TITLE: Appointment of Deacons
TEXT: 1 Timothy 3:8-13
PROPOSITION: Deacons have a special office in the local church.
QUESTION: Why?
KEY WORD: Misunderstandings
SCRIPTURE READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
- There are several misunderstandings about the office of a deacon.
- In our worship today we will be ordaining 3 new deacons.
- I will be discussing some of the misunderstandings about deacons.
Qualifications
- Blameless
- Not perfect, innocent of all wrong, sinless
Blameless = not likely to be blamed, not suspected of wrong
First be tested - demonstrate leadership skills, accept responsibility
Do not appoint, then test - Many have gotten this backwards
Ruling their children and houses well - manage a household, pay bills, make decisions, train their children
This does not mean perfect children - Does he care for, oversee, guide them?
Duties and need for the office
Many think - “All of us serve, minister to others. Why do we need deacons?
If anyone can do the work: Why the need for an office?
Difference is NOT: Greater ability; Expertise, Level of involvement
Difference IS: Authority to function, Responsibility, Accountability
Many minister to the poor. Deacons can administer a program of work.
Bookkeeper vs. CPA; Para-legal vs. Lawyer; helper vs. electrician or plumber
Ordaining deacons
- Ordain
= Greek word means - to set down, set, place, appoint, designate
Ordain - just means to officially place in authority, set in office
Today - we will install, appoint, set in office, ordain 3 men
Ordain - not special spiritual power, but authority to do their work
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