WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.400 Today's sermon text is 1 Timothy chapter 3 starting at verse 8. 00:00:08.580 --> 00:00:15.040 This is sermon number 6 on our 7 part series on life in the Father's house, the biblical church. 00:00:16.500 --> 00:00:22.699 As I read this, remember that this is God's inspired, inerrant, infallible, clear, and sufficient word. 00:00:23.219 --> 00:00:24.960 It's God's very own word for you. 00:00:24.960 --> 00:00:54.939 God's word says, 00:00:54.960 --> 00:01:08.939 This is the word of God. 00:01:09.640 --> 00:01:10.859 Thanks be to God indeed. 00:01:11.519 --> 00:01:12.079 Let's pray. 00:01:12.079 --> 00:01:16.939 Oh Father, please speak to your people. 00:01:17.719 --> 00:01:21.780 You are the chief shepherd of our souls and we praise you that you call up servants. 00:01:22.379 --> 00:01:27.140 You call up laborers into your field and the fields are ripe for harvest. 00:01:27.140 --> 00:01:31.019 We thank you, Lord, that we know the preciousness of every soul. 00:01:31.640 --> 00:01:36.400 The soul is so precious that you yourself died to save your people. 00:01:37.159 --> 00:01:41.680 We pray, Lord, that now through the ministry of your word, you will equip this church. 00:01:41.939 --> 00:01:49.400 You will grow us, edify us, mature us, make our roots go deeper so that you will be glorified in this congregation. 00:01:49.400 --> 00:01:51.300 We ask for Christ's sake. 00:01:51.680 --> 00:01:52.020 Amen. 00:01:53.219 --> 00:02:02.600 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, today I want to talk with you about the dignified knights of Christ's kingdom. 00:02:02.599 --> 00:02:06.479 Isn't that a beautiful way to describe what a deacon is? 00:02:06.979 --> 00:02:10.599 A deacon is a dignified knight of Christ's kingdom. 00:02:11.319 --> 00:02:18.019 We're going to walk through seven or so questions about deacons and then the blessing for deacons. 00:02:18.740 --> 00:02:20.500 So first, what is a deacon? 00:02:22.520 --> 00:02:24.680 I'm going to have you turn to a few different places today. 00:02:24.960 --> 00:02:28.160 The first one is please turn to Philippians chapter 1, verse 1. 00:02:28.660 --> 00:02:35.420 As you're turning there, listen to how Charles Spurgeon spoke of the perception of deacons in the 1800s in England. 00:02:36.580 --> 00:02:37.040 Quote, 00:02:37.039 --> 00:02:56.479 Maybe that's your thought as a deacon is a dragon. 00:02:56.959 --> 00:03:01.060 It's one that you have to get around and fight within the ministry. 00:03:01.699 --> 00:03:02.739 We'll find out soon. 00:03:02.819 --> 00:03:06.680 That was not how Spurgeon viewed the deacons within his own biblical church. 00:03:07.039 --> 00:03:11.939 But I think we will see perhaps why that does become the case in many congregations. 00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:14.759 So what is a deacon? 00:03:15.139 --> 00:03:17.219 The term deacon simply means servant. 00:03:17.859 --> 00:03:20.699 So in a broad sense, all Christians serve. 00:03:20.959 --> 00:03:23.620 All Christians serve both Christ and his body. 00:03:24.259 --> 00:03:27.739 So in the broadest meaning of that word deacon or to serve, 00:03:28.239 --> 00:03:31.620 it's the sense used in Romans 14, verse 18. 00:03:31.899 --> 00:03:36.680 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and men. 00:03:37.719 --> 00:03:38.900 So what's a deacon? 00:03:38.979 --> 00:03:39.879 A deacon is a servant. 00:03:40.939 --> 00:03:44.219 But there's also a biblical office called deacon. 00:03:44.759 --> 00:03:47.060 You've turned to Philippians 1, chapter 1. 00:03:47.620 --> 00:03:51.299 Listen to the three groups of people that Paul addresses at the church at Philippi. 00:03:51.419 --> 00:03:51.819 He says, 00:03:51.819 --> 00:04:06.219 So as he looks at the congregation, he sees all the saints. 00:04:06.639 --> 00:04:09.560 Within all those saints are officers. 00:04:09.560 --> 00:04:18.259 The two offices that he calls out are overseers, which is synonymous with bishops, pastors, elders, and deacons. 00:04:18.259 --> 00:04:21.539 So what is a deacon? 00:04:21.819 --> 00:04:23.779 A deacon is a biblical office. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:30.779 Our constitution puts it this way, that Jesus Christ alone is the head of his church, citing Colossians 1, 18. 00:04:30.839 --> 00:04:35.019 And he has ordained that individual churches should be governed by himself. 00:04:35.420 --> 00:04:37.159 And how does Christ govern his church? 00:04:37.240 --> 00:04:41.199 He does it through officers whom Christ appoints. 00:04:41.199 --> 00:04:45.899 We saw in Acts 20 how when Christ appoints, he does it through the church as well. 00:04:46.659 --> 00:04:57.639 And these officers are endowed by his spirit with the gifts and graces needed to accomplish their work, citing Ephesians 4, which we have also seen in the series. 00:04:58.740 --> 00:04:59.800 So deacon is a servant. 00:05:00.060 --> 00:05:01.240 Deacon is a biblical office. 00:05:01.419 --> 00:05:04.180 And deacon is a dignified office. 00:05:04.879 --> 00:05:07.519 Look at a new text there that we read. 00:05:07.519 --> 00:05:09.299 1 Timothy 3, look at verse 8. 00:05:09.839 --> 00:05:12.139 We're told deacons must be dignified. 00:05:13.219 --> 00:05:17.620 I love how this poem by Ella Wilcox in the year 1919 put it. 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:21.099 Deacons, she wrote, are knights of truth. 00:05:21.599 --> 00:05:22.879 And she addresses them directly. 00:05:23.599 --> 00:05:26.359 Listen to this, potential deacons and officers. 00:05:27.659 --> 00:05:32.039 Sir Knight, have you pondered the meaning of all you have heard and been told? 00:05:32.040 --> 00:05:38.120 Have you strengthened your heart for its weaning from vices and faults loved of old? 00:05:38.680 --> 00:05:44.100 Will you honor in hours of temptation your promises noble and grand? 00:05:44.460 --> 00:05:50.879 Will your spirit be strong to do battle with wrong and having done all to stand? 00:05:51.780 --> 00:05:53.939 That's what a deacon is. 00:05:54.400 --> 00:05:56.900 A deacon is a knight of truth. 00:05:57.620 --> 00:05:59.420 We'll turn next, please, to Acts. 00:05:59.420 --> 00:06:02.300 Turn to the book of Acts chapter 6. 00:06:02.800 --> 00:06:06.860 As you're turning there, let me pose this question to you. 00:06:07.340 --> 00:06:12.280 If a church has elders, as we saw last week, why then are deacons needed? 00:06:13.840 --> 00:06:15.660 And here's where the problems creep in. 00:06:15.780 --> 00:06:21.720 I think it's common practice that most churches in America, at least, operate in an unbiblical way. 00:06:21.819 --> 00:06:26.020 They operate as if there were no spiritually qualified officers. 00:06:26.020 --> 00:06:28.960 Rather, there's just representatives on a governing board. 00:06:29.420 --> 00:06:32.699 Well, the church is not a parent-teacher organization. 00:06:33.199 --> 00:06:36.140 The church is not your homeowner's association. 00:06:36.379 --> 00:06:38.540 They just have volunteer board members. 00:06:39.100 --> 00:06:40.520 You've turned to Acts 6. 00:06:40.660 --> 00:06:42.400 Let's look at verse 2 together. 00:06:43.420 --> 00:06:46.240 In Acts 6, what we have are proto-deacons. 00:06:46.800 --> 00:06:48.360 This is like the forerunners. 00:06:49.060 --> 00:06:50.960 Do you remember Stephen and how he was martyred, 00:06:50.959 --> 00:06:53.839 proclaiming the gospel, and the Lord opened up the heavens, 00:06:53.839 --> 00:06:58.699 and he could behold the face of Jesus, and his own face glowed as he died. 00:06:59.399 --> 00:07:01.199 Well, before Stephen preached that sermon, 00:07:01.759 --> 00:07:05.299 listen to how he was appointed in this office of serving, 00:07:05.659 --> 00:07:07.919 which sets the pattern now for the church. 00:07:08.419 --> 00:07:12.500 And here, in this case, we have the 12 apostles appointing seven servants. 00:07:13.039 --> 00:07:16.279 And that sets the pattern for elders appointing deacons. 00:07:16.279 --> 00:07:20.899 So, Acts 6, 2, we read that the 12 summoned the full number of the disciples. 00:07:21.719 --> 00:07:25.679 So, everyone who's a disciple of Jesus, all the members of the church, gather around. 00:07:26.639 --> 00:07:27.579 And the apostles said, 00:07:27.679 --> 00:07:32.459 It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 00:07:34.359 --> 00:07:39.619 It is not right that we give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 00:07:39.620 --> 00:07:43.319 See, the apostles set the pattern for the church. 00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:44.500 And what is it that we should learn? 00:07:45.199 --> 00:07:50.180 One application I drew for myself is that elders ought to always lead by example. 00:07:50.740 --> 00:07:53.500 See, these apostles were, they were serving the tables. 00:07:53.740 --> 00:07:57.379 They were taking care of these Greek widows when no one else would. 00:07:57.800 --> 00:07:58.939 And they would also preach. 00:07:59.000 --> 00:08:01.519 As long as they can do both well, they should. 00:08:02.259 --> 00:08:03.620 But they also had to draw the line. 00:08:03.699 --> 00:08:04.160 They had to say, 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:06.040 It's not right that we give up preaching. 00:08:06.540 --> 00:08:07.920 It's not just deeds. 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:09.920 We need the word to be ministered. 00:08:11.100 --> 00:08:15.500 So, if the preaching of the word starts to be neglected because the physical needs are so great, 00:08:15.960 --> 00:08:18.460 then the elders must never give up preaching the word. 00:08:19.060 --> 00:08:24.720 But elders must do first and best that for which they were set apart. 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:27.680 See, each office has a purpose. 00:08:28.639 --> 00:08:30.460 Our constitution sets that out. 00:08:30.960 --> 00:08:33.279 The purpose and function of the deacon is this. 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:41.980 The office of deacon was ordained by the apostles to enable the ministers of the word to concentrate on the specific functions of their office, 00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:45.240 namely prayer and the ministry of the word. 00:08:45.720 --> 00:08:52.679 So, elders must not neglect preaching, teaching, and counseling because those are ministries of the word to God's people. 00:08:52.679 --> 00:08:59.179 Mark Dever pointed out that deacons serve to care for the physical and financial needs of the church. 00:08:59.620 --> 00:09:02.299 And they do so in a way that heals divisions. 00:09:03.000 --> 00:09:04.639 It brings unity under the word. 00:09:04.799 --> 00:09:06.599 It supports the leadership of the elders. 00:09:07.379 --> 00:09:10.159 Without the service of deacons, the elders will be freed. 00:09:11.159 --> 00:09:19.719 Without the service of deacons, the elders will not be freed to devote themselves to praying and serving the word of God to the people. 00:09:19.720 --> 00:09:22.200 That's the end of Mark Dever's quote. 00:09:22.899 --> 00:09:26.519 So, conclusion, if a church has elders, why are deacons needed? 00:09:27.100 --> 00:09:32.100 And it's because elders need deacons to serve the physical needs of the body. 00:09:32.740 --> 00:09:36.960 And deacons need elders to lead spiritually. 00:09:37.840 --> 00:09:43.480 Next question, what is our biblical pattern for setting apart deacons in the service of the church? 00:09:44.240 --> 00:09:45.820 We'll stay in Acts 6 there. 00:09:45.920 --> 00:09:46.820 See what's the next verse? 00:09:47.300 --> 00:09:48.100 Acts 6, 3. 00:09:48.100 --> 00:09:51.820 Therefore, brothers, the apostles said to the whole congregation, 00:09:52.379 --> 00:10:00.580 pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 00:10:01.139 --> 00:10:04.200 So, the work of deacons, it was assigned by the apostles. 00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:07.139 They said, we will appoint this duty to them. 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:10.139 The deacons did not make decisions for the whole church. 00:10:10.139 --> 00:10:18.360 Rather, the congregation was sought as a way of giving that vote of confidence. 00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:25.439 Pick out from among you men of good repute, full of the spirit and of wisdom. 00:10:25.440 --> 00:10:40.640 Our constitution sets forth an advisory ballot where the members can nominate men within the congregation who they believe fit that criteria of good repute, full of the spirit and of wisdom. 00:10:40.639 --> 00:10:44.779 And after they've been nominated, they're tested for six months at least. 00:10:44.779 --> 00:10:52.019 And then if they receive a two-thirds vote, then the elders then have the authority to appoint them to that office. 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:59.059 So, the congregation gets to put the brakes on and be part of that testing as well as the advising. 00:10:59.059 --> 00:11:02.519 The next verse, Acts 6, verse 4 says, 00:11:03.279 --> 00:11:10.659 We, these are the apostles, the ministers of the word, we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 00:11:11.219 --> 00:11:13.239 One commentator pointed out, 00:11:13.679 --> 00:11:19.659 Deacons are primarily responsible for administering the benevolent and business affairs of the church. 00:11:19.659 --> 00:11:29.620 The deacons, therefore, fulfill the duties of their office in cooperation with and under the responsibility, ultimately, of the elders. 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:36.240 Some deacons, though, were also gifted in other areas of ministry and they were at liberty to use those gifts. 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:38.919 We just mentioned Stephen, how he stood up. 00:11:39.059 --> 00:11:42.879 He was an evangelist and he's declaring the gospel to unbelievers. 00:11:42.879 --> 00:11:51.659 So, deacons are not limited to physical service, but they must be engaged in physical service to be deacons. 00:11:53.220 --> 00:11:54.320 Reflect on this. 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:56.860 Are you such a man? 00:11:57.200 --> 00:12:06.200 Do you aspire to be a man full of the spirit, full of wisdom, that's dignified before the congregation, of good repute? 00:12:07.159 --> 00:12:09.639 Back to Ella Wilcox's poem, 00:12:09.639 --> 00:12:15.059 Will you ever be true to a brother in actions as well as in creed? 00:12:15.580 --> 00:12:21.899 Will you stand by his side as no other could stand in the hour of his need? 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:25.199 Well, let's turn to our last text next. 00:12:25.299 --> 00:12:27.299 Please turn to 1 Timothy chapter 3. 00:12:27.699 --> 00:12:29.480 This is the text we read at the beginning. 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:32.039 As you're turning there, I'll pose the question, 00:12:32.199 --> 00:12:37.620 How ought you, congregation, evaluate men who may become deacons? 00:12:37.620 --> 00:12:39.960 How ought you evaluate them? 00:12:40.560 --> 00:12:43.100 You know you have a part in nominating. 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:48.340 You know you have a part in testing and then ultimately voting to affirm a deacon. 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:51.259 So, what's your criteria to evaluate? 00:12:52.320 --> 00:12:54.500 In 1 Timothy 3, let's start at verse 8. 00:12:54.500 --> 00:12:57.500 Deacons likewise. 00:12:58.379 --> 00:13:05.120 The likewise is in reference to the first seven verses of this chapter, which break down the qualifications of an elder. 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:11.419 And so, you see that the deacons are considered like an elder in the spiritual qualification. 00:13:11.419 --> 00:13:23.159 So, spiritually, deacons and elders are standing shoulder to shoulder, spiritually mature, spiritually qualified in the same way that their functions and their gifting will be complementary. 00:13:24.399 --> 00:13:26.679 Elders desire the task of overseeing. 00:13:26.899 --> 00:13:31.759 Elders aspire to do that work of being able to teach and to edify. 00:13:32.099 --> 00:13:33.979 And elders must rule well. 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:37.659 And deacons, their wives are included in the criteria. 00:13:37.800 --> 00:13:41.779 Their wives must share the husband's love for the people in the congregation. 00:13:41.779 --> 00:13:44.879 And their wives also must show maturity. 00:13:45.320 --> 00:13:47.620 There's no qualification given for an elder's wife. 00:13:47.720 --> 00:13:49.539 The calling is on that man. 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:53.580 But both offices, elder and deacon, stand shoulder to shoulder. 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:56.240 They are spiritually equal before God. 00:13:56.899 --> 00:14:01.019 The same weight of spiritual requirement is on both. 00:14:01.019 --> 00:14:06.779 So, spiritually, deacons likewise must be qualified as elders. 00:14:07.659 --> 00:14:09.340 Let's pick up on that same verse. 00:14:09.579 --> 00:14:12.899 See, deacons also must be, in one word, trustworthy. 00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:14.220 Look at verse 8. 00:14:15.220 --> 00:14:22.519 Deacons must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:26.779 Deacons must be men who deserve respect. 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:28.419 They must be honorable. 00:14:28.419 --> 00:14:33.959 They must have the fruit of the Spirit increasingly displayed in their lives. 00:14:34.059 --> 00:14:39.479 They must be filled with a love for God that overflows into a love for God's people. 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:44.719 They must have a high view of Christ and a high view of His church. 00:14:45.339 --> 00:14:47.679 So, as you look around in the congregation, you think, 00:14:47.679 --> 00:14:52.379 if this church is a fortress, an outpost in the kingdom of Christ, 00:14:53.079 --> 00:14:54.659 who's a man that we want on the tower? 00:14:55.439 --> 00:14:59.879 Who's a man that we want at the gate, dragging in the wounded soldiers? 00:15:00.979 --> 00:15:02.059 Who is noble? 00:15:02.439 --> 00:15:03.379 Who is honorable? 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:08.819 And who will sacrifice in such a way within the fortress of King Jesus? 00:15:08.820 --> 00:15:11.980 They must be trustworthy. 00:15:12.560 --> 00:15:15.440 They must not be double-tongued, Paul wrote. 00:15:16.800 --> 00:15:18.540 Double-tongued could mean two different things. 00:15:18.640 --> 00:15:21.500 It could mean saying one thing to one person, something different to another. 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:24.800 Or it could just mean that you say one thing but do another. 00:15:24.920 --> 00:15:26.600 In both cases, you would be disqualified. 00:15:26.820 --> 00:15:28.120 That's double-tongued. 00:15:29.180 --> 00:15:31.140 So, they must be spiritually qualified. 00:15:31.300 --> 00:15:32.220 They must be trustworthy. 00:15:32.220 --> 00:15:34.700 And the last word sums it up. 00:15:35.580 --> 00:15:37.340 They must be blameless. 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:39.560 They must be blameless. 00:15:40.340 --> 00:15:40.940 Look at verse 9. 00:15:41.000 --> 00:15:45.460 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:47.700 Verse 10. 00:15:47.860 --> 00:15:53.899 Let them also be tested first, then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 00:15:54.620 --> 00:15:55.540 Charles Spurgeon said, 00:15:55.639 --> 00:15:59.700 If deacons cannot be trusted, they ought not be deacons at all. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:06.520 But if they are worthy of their office, they are worthy of our full confidence. 00:16:08.280 --> 00:16:09.759 Our Constitution says, 00:16:09.900 --> 00:16:13.440 Elders will recommend men that are members. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:18.320 And those men must be tested for six months before a formal vote. 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:19.800 That's intimidating, isn't it? 00:16:19.860 --> 00:16:20.560 That's daunting. 00:16:21.580 --> 00:16:24.200 How am I going to be tested for six months? 00:16:24.560 --> 00:16:28.580 And how can anyone consider themselves blameless before God? 00:16:28.580 --> 00:16:33.120 Well, congregation, we need to follow the pattern given to us. 00:16:33.280 --> 00:16:38.700 And during this period, the members must be asked to be in earnest prayer for the deacons. 00:16:39.280 --> 00:16:44.860 They and their families will face spiritual battle while they're being tested and certainly once they're in office. 00:16:45.660 --> 00:16:56.580 And also, during this time, it's your responsibility to bring any information forward to the elders that may be useful for the purpose of either commending or disqualifying prospective candidates. 00:16:56.580 --> 00:17:01.240 You are watching out for Christ's bride. 00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:08.759 And is it possible for anyone to consider you blameless and worthy of being appointed? 00:17:09.500 --> 00:17:11.819 Well, take encouragement from Charles Spurgeon's words. 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:16.059 Listen to how he described the deacons at the first congregation where he served. 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:17.579 Spurgeon said, 00:17:17.579 --> 00:17:43.599 May it be said of us. 00:17:43.599 --> 00:17:46.099 Next question. 00:17:46.219 --> 00:17:51.359 Does the Bible support the office of deaconess? 00:17:52.339 --> 00:17:55.500 Well, women were certainly important supporters in Christ's ministry. 00:17:55.980 --> 00:18:00.799 In Luke 8 verses 1 through 3, we read how the women, they were given by name. 00:18:01.219 --> 00:18:05.019 They ministered unto Jesus out of their own substance. 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:12.339 So they had resources that they managed for the sake of Christ's ministry and of Paul's ministry. 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:21.059 We read that Lydia was a woman of means and Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, was a fellow tent maker of Paul. 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:27.119 So they were using their means as well to support the ministry of Christ through the church. 00:18:27.119 --> 00:18:32.059 On one hand, we read in 1 Timothy 2.12, Paul said, 00:18:32.139 --> 00:18:37.339 I do not permit a woman to teach nor to usurp authority over a man. 00:18:38.119 --> 00:18:44.059 And so regardless of your conclusion about the role of deacon and how that applies to women, 00:18:44.839 --> 00:18:51.959 that is made very clear that the men do not get a, you know, be on the back seat. 00:18:51.960 --> 00:18:56.360 The men are called to step up when the Lord calls you and take that responsibility 00:18:56.360 --> 00:19:01.039 and to take that authority that's been delegated by Christ on behalf of the church. 00:19:01.640 --> 00:19:07.079 We read in our sermon text for today the tricky verse, and it's verse 11. 00:19:07.940 --> 00:19:11.539 The more I've studied it, I'll tell you, though, it's not too tricky to me anymore. 00:19:13.140 --> 00:19:15.640 Verse 11 of 1 Timothy 3 says, 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:19.819 Wives or women, it could be rendered either way. 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:26.779 Likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 00:19:27.700 --> 00:19:31.259 Now, the natural reading, it makes you pause. 00:19:31.439 --> 00:19:32.419 Who is in view here? 00:19:32.460 --> 00:19:34.599 Is it all of the women within the congregation? 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:42.639 Or is it women attached to these one-woman men, these deacons that are men? 00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:47.439 Because to better understand the context of who is being referred to in verse 11, 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:50.740 we need to look at the verse right before and the verse right after. 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:54.160 The verse right before says the deacon must be tested. 00:19:54.400 --> 00:20:00.059 So a natural reading makes you realize that who is in view when you're testing the deacon, 00:20:00.140 --> 00:20:01.559 it's the person closest to him. 00:20:01.640 --> 00:20:02.620 It's his wife. 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:05.039 And now look at the next verse, verse 12. 00:20:05.580 --> 00:20:11.500 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their households well. 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:17.140 So it's these men who are deacons that are in view in the verse right before and in the verse right after. 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:21.140 And the context is testing the man's life. 00:20:23.599 --> 00:20:27.480 These women, they must be dignified, not slanders. 00:20:28.099 --> 00:20:31.440 It reminds me of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, Lady Piety. 00:20:31.859 --> 00:20:33.240 They must be sober-minded. 00:20:33.400 --> 00:20:35.279 That reminds us of Lady Prudence. 00:20:35.640 --> 00:20:38.019 And they must be faithful in all things. 00:20:38.019 --> 00:20:40.140 That reminds us of Lady Charity. 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:43.040 And these ladies, these three ladies of the church, 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:48.680 they were the ones who ministered to Christian on his pilgrimage at the Palace Beautiful. 00:20:48.900 --> 00:20:53.360 The Palace Beautiful, in his analogy, it's an extended metaphor. 00:20:53.600 --> 00:20:54.620 It was the church. 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.020 That's the Palace Beautiful. 00:20:56.200 --> 00:20:56.840 It's the church. 00:20:57.500 --> 00:21:01.340 So within the church, you will learn from these godly women practical holiness. 00:21:01.860 --> 00:21:02.780 That's Lady Piety. 00:21:03.340 --> 00:21:07.759 In the world, you are in the world, but you're set apart to be God's hands and feet. 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:11.720 You will learn prudence, how to walk in the wisdom of God's word. 00:21:12.099 --> 00:21:13.279 And you will learn charity. 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:19.480 Charity means love, to be full of faith in Christ, which overflows in love for others. 00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:27.700 So I think the natural reading and looking at our confession of faith and also our constitution, 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:36.380 we can affirm confessionally that the office of deacon is designed by God for men. 00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:41.160 The term deaconessus had not been developed until much later. 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:46.820 So that's how our church constitution sets it up. 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:50.940 The elders shall nominate to the congregation a fitting number of men 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:54.560 who evidence the scriptural qualifications for that office, 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:57.380 according to the church's current needs. 00:21:57.380 --> 00:22:05.080 I can empathize with the challenges of this doctrine and this teaching, 00:22:05.080 --> 00:22:09.840 and I encourage your liberty of conscience to even disagree with my conclusions 00:22:09.840 --> 00:22:13.980 or what the constitution sets forth from our confession. 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:22.260 And I can't imagine this church or any church without such godly women serving in many different and important ways. 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:29.180 But Reformed Heritage Church teaches that biblically all Christians are to serve Christ and his church. 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:33.619 There are many ways for each one to grow and to serve, 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:38.019 and that men must be called up into the office of deacon. 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:42.240 So finally, the blessings for deacons. 00:22:42.379 --> 00:22:43.240 Look at verse 13. 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:48.759 For those who serve well as deacons, they gain good standing for themselves 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:52.119 and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:58.279 It sounds like a principle of works, doesn't it? 00:22:58.879 --> 00:23:02.839 Deacons who serve well, they gain a good standing for themselves. 00:23:03.180 --> 00:23:03.539 Hold on. 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:08.240 Don't they have their standing as being justified by the finished work of Christ alone? 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:09.200 Yes, they do. 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:10.480 Good catch. 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:15.160 But deacons, by serving well, what does that mean to gain a good standing within the church? 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:17.420 I think the rest of the verse explains it. 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:22.759 This means that as you serve as the deacon, as you show God's love for the people, 00:23:22.820 --> 00:23:28.120 and he fills you with more love for his church than you ever knew you could find inside of you, 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:36.120 you gain great confidence in your faith that is in Christ Jesus 00:23:36.120 --> 00:23:42.380 by standing in this place that you've been called up into as an officer of the church. 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:48.800 So church, your application is to look around. 00:23:49.400 --> 00:23:53.380 When you see those men and their wives serving the church in many ways, 00:23:53.840 --> 00:23:55.200 encourage them, thank them. 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:59.360 Consider what one week of worship together here would be like without them 00:23:59.360 --> 00:24:01.000 and point that out to them. 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.140 Commend them. 00:24:02.860 --> 00:24:04.280 Tell them that you are praying for them. 00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:07.880 And then consider nominating them when that time comes. 00:24:08.880 --> 00:24:10.740 Spurgeon wanted us to think that way too. 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:12.880 He encouraged the church to ponder that. 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:13.220 He said, 00:24:13.440 --> 00:24:19.079 Deprive the church of her deacons and she would be bereaved of her most valiant sons. 00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:23.440 Their loss would shake the pillars of our spiritual house. 00:24:23.620 --> 00:24:28.599 But thanks be to God that such a calamity will never befall us. 00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:32.440 For the great head of the church in mercy to the church 00:24:32.440 --> 00:24:36.740 will always raise up a faithful succession of men 00:24:36.740 --> 00:24:41.720 who will use the office well and earn unto themselves a good decree 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:44.819 and much boldness in the faith. 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:48.400 I want to encourage every single one here 00:24:48.400 --> 00:24:51.299 that this spiritual criteria for deacons and their wives, 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:54.620 it's a criteria given to all of us. 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:57.440 Every Christian ought to aspire toward that. 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:59.940 It's held out to every single person. 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:05.440 You must strive to become qualified and to not disqualify yourself by your life. 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:08.820 We must all hold to that mystery of the faith in Christ. 00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:13.019 We must all strive to gain more and more confidence in our faith 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:15.180 with a clear conscience. 00:25:16.799 --> 00:25:19.340 And last, I want to talk to you future deacons. 00:25:20.920 --> 00:25:22.600 Don't disqualify yourself. 00:25:22.599 --> 00:25:27.199 And if God calls you through a church like this, 00:25:27.899 --> 00:25:30.679 make up your mind to say yes. 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:36.779 Step up into that good standing of this noble office. 00:25:37.699 --> 00:25:39.559 Hear the words of the poem again. 00:25:39.719 --> 00:25:43.000 Sir, knight of the world's oldest order. 00:25:43.679 --> 00:25:45.519 Sir, knight of the army of God. 00:25:45.679 --> 00:25:49.079 You have crossed the strange mystical border. 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:52.279 The ground floor of truth you have trod. 00:25:52.599 --> 00:25:55.759 You have entered the sanctum sanctorum, 00:25:56.059 --> 00:25:58.039 which leads to the temple above, 00:25:58.339 --> 00:26:02.679 where you come as a stone and a Christ chosen one 00:26:02.679 --> 00:26:06.000 in the kingdom of friendship and love. 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:10.959 You might be thinking, I'm not a noble knight. 00:26:11.819 --> 00:26:13.919 My conscience accuses me. 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:14.679 I'm weak. 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:15.459 I'm afraid. 00:26:16.079 --> 00:26:17.980 I am not faithful enough. 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:24.779 Then you trust in the great faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:28.880 Through him you have pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:29.480 like we sing, 00:26:30.140 --> 00:26:34.680 his own dear presence to cheer and to guide you. 00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:38.960 He will give you strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. 00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:44.600 You can say blessings are all mine in Christ with 10,000 beside. 00:26:45.420 --> 00:26:49.860 If you love Christ, you will serve his bride well. 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:55.960 May King Jesus call up these dignified knights of his kingdom. 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:57.100 Amen. 00:26:57.100 --> 00:26:57.220 Amen.