WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.140 Well, I want to encourage you to open up your Bibles, if you would please, to 1 Timothy chapter 3. 00:00:07.780 --> 00:00:13.220 We're continuing our study from last week and picking it up halfway through there at verse 8. 00:00:13.740 --> 00:00:23.160 ! Last week covering the first seven verses about elders and now trying to begin to work on the subject of deacons beginning in verse 8. 00:00:23.559 --> 00:00:28.839 If you're using the Pew Bible, I would encourage you to turn there with us. It's on page 992. 00:00:28.839 --> 00:00:33.460 It would be beneficial for you to be able to follow along with us in your Bibles. 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:41.579 Have you ever heard someone use the phrase, that's not my job? Anybody heard that phrase before? 00:00:43.500 --> 00:00:49.120 I wish I could say I never used that phrase. And I wish I could say I've never heard that phrase. 00:00:49.260 --> 00:00:53.939 But even in the home, you know how this works in a home setting. 00:00:53.939 --> 00:00:56.839 Hey, will you please pick up the dishes from the table? 00:00:57.439 --> 00:00:59.679 Well, that's not my job! 00:01:00.460 --> 00:01:06.519 Or, hey, would you be willing to help collect the trash and put it in the bin outside, please? 00:01:06.579 --> 00:01:09.079 Well, come on! That's just not my job! 00:01:09.560 --> 00:01:11.539 Maybe you've heard that phrase before. 00:01:11.780 --> 00:01:13.640 Maybe you've used that phrase before. 00:01:13.640 --> 00:01:21.420 Maybe even here in the church setting, you're encouraged to be a part of the ministry that's here. 00:01:21.939 --> 00:01:25.379 And, of course, there's lots of opportunities in children's ministry. 00:01:25.540 --> 00:01:28.760 And like, hey, I don't have the gift of children. 00:01:29.340 --> 00:01:31.939 I don't have the gift of those little rugrats. 00:01:32.060 --> 00:01:35.819 Now, you may have one or two or three or four running around your house, 00:01:35.819 --> 00:01:38.539 but for some reason, you don't have the gift of it here. 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:40.079 I get it. 00:01:40.500 --> 00:01:46.059 Or maybe you don't have the spiritual gift of mowing a lawn, sitting on a tractor. 00:01:46.419 --> 00:01:49.979 You do it every week when you're mowing your lawn at home. 00:01:50.519 --> 00:01:57.379 But we find different reasons not to be able to fulfill service opportunities here at church. 00:01:57.479 --> 00:01:59.919 And I get it, because there's lots to do. 00:02:00.299 --> 00:02:01.500 There's work to be done. 00:02:01.500 --> 00:02:09.379 But as we're going to see in the passage today, that God has called every single one of you 00:02:09.379 --> 00:02:16.240 who is a follower of Jesus Christ, every single one of us that calls ourselves a disciple, 00:02:16.780 --> 00:02:22.960 those who have bowed the knee before Christ in faith, asked forgiveness of our sins, 00:02:23.300 --> 00:02:25.060 you are now a follower of Him. 00:02:25.400 --> 00:02:27.099 You are a servant. 00:02:27.099 --> 00:02:32.979 And the word for servant in the New Testament is the word deacon. 00:02:33.979 --> 00:02:36.259 We're going to press into that a little bit more as we go. 00:02:36.959 --> 00:02:42.579 Here are some examples that I found on the Internet of people not doing their job. 00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:46.680 So this sign, illegally parked cars will be fine. 00:02:47.919 --> 00:02:49.259 I love that one. 00:02:49.900 --> 00:02:54.799 How many people did that have to get through in order for it to get hung up? 00:02:54.800 --> 00:02:58.420 You know, the person who is writing the letters, the person who is editing the sign, 00:02:58.680 --> 00:03:01.620 the person who is actually hanging it up and reading to themselves, 00:03:01.780 --> 00:03:03.540 oh, I like this sign. 00:03:03.740 --> 00:03:05.100 I can actually park here. 00:03:05.520 --> 00:03:06.260 I'll be fine. 00:03:06.640 --> 00:03:08.020 Or how about this? 00:03:08.040 --> 00:03:12.000 A person who is trying to connect pipes and realizes a rock is in the way. 00:03:12.760 --> 00:03:15.080 I don't know why that rock was so hard to move, 00:03:15.180 --> 00:03:18.500 but they're going to route the pipe around the rock. 00:03:18.620 --> 00:03:19.760 Or this next one. 00:03:20.200 --> 00:03:22.980 If you can't see, that's a possum that's on the road. 00:03:22.979 --> 00:03:27.479 And the people who are painting lines decided, 00:03:27.879 --> 00:03:30.620 we don't move possums, we just paint lines. 00:03:31.139 --> 00:03:33.639 So there you have it, a possum with some lines. 00:03:33.839 --> 00:03:36.659 And then on the side of the road, there's some moss that is growing, 00:03:37.139 --> 00:03:38.239 line that's going right through. 00:03:39.039 --> 00:03:40.519 Final picture here. 00:03:41.159 --> 00:03:43.459 This is a sidewalk, and if you can't tell, 00:03:44.259 --> 00:03:46.280 you know, a bike lane and walking lane, 00:03:46.419 --> 00:03:50.479 but for some reason, you're not going to get too far on this sidewalk. 00:03:50.479 --> 00:03:53.199 The tree is right in the way. 00:03:53.319 --> 00:03:55.439 And then finally, if you can't read this sign, 00:03:55.899 --> 00:03:58.340 it says this is a surgical lounge, 00:03:58.639 --> 00:04:01.179 and after hours, they are encouraged. 00:04:01.299 --> 00:04:04.419 The visitors who are sitting in the lobby waiting for their turn are encouraged, 00:04:04.759 --> 00:04:06.159 will you please answer the phone for us? 00:04:06.979 --> 00:04:08.319 We need some help around here. 00:04:08.539 --> 00:04:11.459 And it's easy to say, hey, time out, not my job. 00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:16.360 The truth is that God has given us a job to do. 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:21.699 And it's not only a good job, a good work. 00:04:21.800 --> 00:04:28.480 It is a way for us to point to the one to whom we follow. 00:04:28.939 --> 00:04:35.780 It's a way for us as God's people to demonstrate that the work of Christ is happening in our life, 00:04:35.779 --> 00:04:42.739 that the preeminent servant that we're going to just look at and remember throughout this entire passage today, 00:04:43.419 --> 00:04:48.919 that the preeminent servant, Jesus Christ, has and should have done a work in our life 00:04:48.919 --> 00:04:54.079 to make us servants, to make us deacons, as it were. 00:04:54.959 --> 00:04:58.159 So if you're with me there, in 1 Timothy chapter 3, 00:04:58.160 --> 00:05:01.320 there's a phrase that I put on your outline. 00:05:01.500 --> 00:05:06.780 I want it to kind of guide our thinking today as we work through this passage. 00:05:06.939 --> 00:05:08.960 And it's there on your outline. 00:05:09.080 --> 00:05:09.600 It says this, 00:05:10.320 --> 00:05:16.140 Elders serve by leading, and deacons lead by serving. 00:05:17.280 --> 00:05:21.940 Elders serve by leading, and deacons lead by serving. 00:05:21.939 --> 00:05:28.500 And we're going to fill this out and kind of develop this thought for us as we work our way through this passage. 00:05:28.899 --> 00:05:31.319 So if you're there with me in 1 Timothy chapter 3, 00:05:31.699 --> 00:05:33.959 let me read the passage for us, and we'll dig in. 00:05:35.100 --> 00:05:35.959 It says in verse 8, 00:05:35.959 --> 00:05:41.699 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, 00:05:41.919 --> 00:05:43.500 not greedy for dishonest gain. 00:05:44.099 --> 00:05:46.939 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, 00:05:47.680 --> 00:05:50.359 and let them also be tested first. 00:05:51.180 --> 00:05:54.139 Then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 00:05:54.819 --> 00:05:57.679 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, 00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:00.240 but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 00:06:00.919 --> 00:06:03.459 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, 00:06:03.459 --> 00:06:06.639 managing their children and their own households well. 00:06:06.859 --> 00:06:11.439 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves 00:06:11.439 --> 00:06:15.659 and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 00:06:16.620 --> 00:06:19.919 So similar to last week, I want to take this into sections. 00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:23.500 First, I want us to see the ministry of servant leaders. 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:25.479 What is it that they do? 00:06:25.740 --> 00:06:28.079 How do they benefit the church? 00:06:28.500 --> 00:06:30.279 What is the role that they play? 00:06:30.279 --> 00:06:33.299 And so as we dig into this, 00:06:33.379 --> 00:06:36.519 I want us to recognize this first word likewise 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:39.599 demonstrates to us that there are some similarities, 00:06:40.039 --> 00:06:42.739 but also some differences that they play. 00:06:43.039 --> 00:06:46.679 A deacon's role is both similar but different. 00:06:48.619 --> 00:06:51.479 This may seem really obvious, but it's important for us to note. 00:06:52.079 --> 00:06:54.099 To explore this word likewise 00:06:54.099 --> 00:06:57.559 and to recognize that there are some similarities here. 00:06:57.560 --> 00:07:03.560 And the fact that elders and deacons stand side by side in this passage 00:07:03.560 --> 00:07:07.500 will help us to recognize that there is something that they do, 00:07:07.879 --> 00:07:10.139 some distinction that they have in the church 00:07:10.139 --> 00:07:13.000 that allows it to play out in a healthy way. 00:07:14.660 --> 00:07:17.980 So, Paul introduces elders there in verse 1. 00:07:18.060 --> 00:07:20.620 I'm going to just draw your attention to verse 1 for a moment. 00:07:20.720 --> 00:07:21.019 It says, 00:07:21.019 --> 00:07:34.719 So, the likewise that is here draws attention to several similarities. 00:07:34.799 --> 00:07:37.180 I want to just draw your attention to them briefly. 00:07:37.299 --> 00:07:39.779 First is they have a distinct function. 00:07:40.459 --> 00:07:42.060 They have a distinct function. 00:07:42.060 --> 00:07:46.939 The fact that elders qualifications and deacon qualifications are here 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:51.780 means that deacons, like elders, have a specific role to fill. 00:07:52.420 --> 00:07:54.980 Second, they provide some leadership in some way. 00:07:55.560 --> 00:08:01.180 Like elders, deacons provide a measure of leadership and service for the body. 00:08:01.899 --> 00:08:05.079 Third, they are selected on the basis of their character. 00:08:05.579 --> 00:08:07.060 Meaning, you're not just looking for competencies. 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:11.780 You're not just looking for somebody who can mow a straight line. 00:08:11.899 --> 00:08:16.480 You're looking for somebody who has a character quality about him. 00:08:16.720 --> 00:08:18.680 He's leading a team of individuals. 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:22.680 And you want to make sure that there is this spiritual maturity, 00:08:22.879 --> 00:08:26.399 this quality about his character that has been tested 00:08:26.399 --> 00:08:28.340 and it's demonstrated through his life. 00:08:29.519 --> 00:08:32.539 But unlike elders, there are some differences. 00:08:32.539 --> 00:08:39.079 First, they are not encouraged to aspire to the work. 00:08:39.839 --> 00:08:46.519 It's fascinating to me how simple and abrupt the very beginning of verse 8 is. 00:08:47.079 --> 00:08:50.059 Having provided an introduction for elders in verse 1, 00:08:50.599 --> 00:08:54.699 to begin this section on deacons with just one word, likewise, 00:08:55.259 --> 00:08:57.919 before spilling into the characteristics, 00:08:57.919 --> 00:09:03.599 draws some attention and I just want to draw this out as an observation for us 00:09:03.599 --> 00:09:06.759 that whatever a deacon is supposed to do, 00:09:07.319 --> 00:09:11.519 he doesn't necessarily aspire to this role of deaconing. 00:09:12.319 --> 00:09:18.979 Second, Paul does not mention a specific office like he does with elders. 00:09:19.439 --> 00:09:22.719 Aspire to the office of overseer, we see in verse 1. 00:09:22.720 --> 00:09:27.940 No such correlation is made here for us in this verse, verse 8. 00:09:28.519 --> 00:09:31.340 Now, while they have a title and they have a role to play, 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:36.080 Paul does not designate necessarily in this spot an office. 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:38.860 And I think that's important for us to notice. 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:43.620 Third, while it's clear that deacons serve in some ways, 00:09:44.040 --> 00:09:47.600 Paul does not indicate a specific work for them to do, 00:09:48.420 --> 00:09:50.480 like he does with elders in verse 1. 00:09:50.480 --> 00:09:53.060 He desires a noble task. 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:55.899 That is, the Greek words kalos ergon, 00:09:56.100 --> 00:09:58.800 which is the two words good work. 00:09:59.740 --> 00:10:02.399 Now, Paul could have talked about a work, 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:05.360 which he does in Ephesians chapter 4. 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:11.100 Ephesians 4, 11 and 12, he talks about a work. 00:10:11.840 --> 00:10:12.580 Notice with me. 00:10:13.680 --> 00:10:16.240 And he gave the apostles, speaking of Christ, 00:10:16.639 --> 00:10:19.100 the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 00:10:19.100 --> 00:10:22.000 to equip the saints for the work, that's ergon, 00:10:22.560 --> 00:10:25.340 of ministry, that is, diakonia, 00:10:26.220 --> 00:10:28.320 to building up the body of Christ. 00:10:28.399 --> 00:10:34.159 There is a ministry work, a deaconing, serving work to do, 00:10:34.680 --> 00:10:35.460 but guess what? 00:10:36.519 --> 00:10:40.860 Guess who is supposed to fill out the deaconing work 00:10:40.860 --> 00:10:42.639 in a service-related way? 00:10:42.639 --> 00:10:44.399 Every believer. 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:48.939 And elders are in place, pastors are in place, 00:10:48.939 --> 00:10:53.699 to help equip the saints to do and carry out the function of serving, 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:57.860 which is really just kind of the basic word for service throughout the New Testament, 00:10:58.299 --> 00:11:00.759 that we're all called to a measure of service, 00:11:01.139 --> 00:11:04.279 and pastors, elders, overseers are intended, 00:11:04.580 --> 00:11:07.039 they're put in place to help you serve better, 00:11:07.860 --> 00:11:10.360 to help you do what God has called you to do. 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:16.379 It's clear that deacons are important for the welfare of the church. 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:20.100 Otherwise, they wouldn't be listed here side by side with an elder. 00:11:20.779 --> 00:11:22.700 So let's develop this some more. 00:11:23.100 --> 00:11:27.879 Let's kind of understand a little bit more about what a deacon is supposed to do. 00:11:28.200 --> 00:11:32.740 And now I'm speaking more specifically about kind of this function of leadership, 00:11:33.399 --> 00:11:36.180 this service kind of leader, this deacon. 00:11:36.179 --> 00:11:41.039 We're going to look at their function in the early church from Acts chapter 6. 00:11:41.839 --> 00:11:45.699 If you've spent any time reading through the book of Acts, 00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:48.679 you understand how the church has developed. 00:11:49.059 --> 00:11:52.159 It's developed significantly from Acts chapter 2. 00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:54.679 There at the day of Pentecost, 00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:58.799 where Peter is preaching his first sermon in front of the masses, 00:11:59.000 --> 00:12:02.299 we find in Acts chapter 2, verse 41, 00:12:02.500 --> 00:12:04.099 this incredible response. 00:12:04.100 --> 00:12:05.100 It says, 00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:08.399 So that those who received the word were baptized, 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:12.420 and there were added that day about 3,000 souls. 00:12:13.700 --> 00:12:18.560 Now, this church of 120 believers exploded overnight, 00:12:18.980 --> 00:12:23.540 and then exploded to this church of 3,000 at least individuals. 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:27.399 And then as the church begins to interact with one another, 00:12:27.759 --> 00:12:29.340 they're growing in a spiritual way. 00:12:29.340 --> 00:12:35.440 We find in verse 47 of chapter 2 that the Lord was adding to their number each day 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:36.980 those who were being saved. 00:12:37.620 --> 00:12:41.360 This multiplication, this gospel work, these open hearts, 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:45.940 the ministry of the Spirit and convicting hearts and drawing them to faith, 00:12:46.280 --> 00:12:49.420 this multiplying work that's happening. 00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:53.300 Well, in Acts chapter 3, Peter and John will go to the temple. 00:12:53.299 --> 00:12:57.539 They go there to pray, and there at the temple, they meet a lame man, 00:12:58.299 --> 00:13:00.120 and they heal this lame man. 00:13:00.439 --> 00:13:02.319 They walk into the temple. 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:07.139 People recognize him and see the work of God in healing him, 00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:08.699 and they all are celebrating, 00:13:08.859 --> 00:13:13.479 and Peter capitalizes on the opportunity and preaches another message. 00:13:14.679 --> 00:13:20.019 And then in Acts chapter 4, we find that 5,000 more are added to the number. 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:23.139 So now we're at least at 8,000 plus. 00:13:24.340 --> 00:13:31.220 So that when the church is now in the process of laying down their possessions, 00:13:31.579 --> 00:13:33.960 selling their possessions, sharing with one another, 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:36.639 we find from Acts chapter 5, verse 14, 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:40.799 that more than ever, believers were added to the Lord, 00:13:41.179 --> 00:13:43.659 multitudes of both men and women. 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:47.100 The church is exploding in a very good way. 00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:49.540 Numbers of people are being added. 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:53.080 And then we turn our attention to Acts chapter 6. 00:13:53.639 --> 00:13:54.840 We find this in verse 1. 00:13:54.920 --> 00:13:55.180 It says, 00:13:55.519 --> 00:13:58.519 Now, in the days when the disciples were increasing in number, 00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:02.940 a complaint among the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews 00:14:02.940 --> 00:14:07.379 because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 00:14:07.540 --> 00:14:08.480 And that's the diakonia. 00:14:08.800 --> 00:14:12.240 That's the ministry of service that we find throughout the New Testament. 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:15.899 So now we've come to a crisis moment. 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:19.240 Now we've come to a point of decision. 00:14:19.959 --> 00:14:23.419 There's ministry to do, but there aren't enough people to go around. 00:14:23.879 --> 00:14:25.620 And a decision has to be made. 00:14:25.959 --> 00:14:32.220 What are the apostles going to do in terms of fulfilling the call to ministry that they've been given? 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:35.159 Well, so they devise a plan. 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:37.480 The plan shows up in verse 2. 00:14:37.480 --> 00:14:38.480 It says, 00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:38.480 00:14:38.600 --> 00:14:51.320 And that's our verbal form of deacon, this diakoneo. 00:14:51.320 --> 00:14:58.200 And so they recognized that the ministry that was in front of them was a significant work. 00:14:59.120 --> 00:15:03.340 But the ministry that they've been called to was also a significant work. 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:12.060 It wasn't that the apostles had to make a decision between the more important ministry and the less important ministry 00:15:12.060 --> 00:15:14.200 and to prioritize that, but to say, 00:15:14.460 --> 00:15:19.139 No, both ministries need to happen in this crisis moment of the church. 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:26.799 And so we need to distribute the load of ministry to other qualified men to help lead in this effort 00:15:26.799 --> 00:15:29.179 so all the ministry within the church can happen. 00:15:30.039 --> 00:15:35.779 Which, by the way, is really shocking to me that here we are, 00:15:36.039 --> 00:15:39.480 a church of 15,000, 20,000 or more, 00:15:39.480 --> 00:15:42.240 and now finally the apostles are recognizing, 00:15:42.680 --> 00:15:44.420 This is too big a load for us to handle. 00:15:44.779 --> 00:15:47.620 We need to draw in some other people to help us with this. 00:15:48.360 --> 00:15:50.320 And so that's what they do. 00:15:51.300 --> 00:15:56.740 This word to serve that we find in verse 2 is the verbal form of deacon. 00:15:57.680 --> 00:16:01.700 So the apostles are not going to oversee this ministry anymore. 00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:07.740 They're going to entrust this delegated ministry to a group of faithful men. 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:09.120 That's what we find in verse 3. 00:16:09.920 --> 00:16:11.080 Therefore, it says, 00:16:11.220 --> 00:16:14.420 Brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:15.779 full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, 00:16:16.259 --> 00:16:18.779 whom we will appoint to this duty. 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:22.980 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry, 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:26.120 that's important, diakonia of the word. 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:28.100 There is a ministry to do. 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:30.440 There is a ministry of the word. 00:16:30.440 --> 00:16:33.220 There is a ministry to these Hellenistic widows. 00:16:33.539 --> 00:16:37.399 Both ministries are vital for the health and progress of the church. 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:43.199 And so raising up leaders to help fulfill that ministry was essential 00:16:43.199 --> 00:16:46.779 to ensure that God's work was being done. 00:16:47.799 --> 00:16:50.720 These two ministries taking place here, both important, 00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:52.799 both by qualified men to fulfill. 00:16:52.799 --> 00:16:58.120 But I want to draw your attention to this phrase here at the beginning of verse 3, 00:16:58.459 --> 00:17:00.639 Pick out from among you. 00:17:00.859 --> 00:17:02.359 And I think that's significant for us. 00:17:03.559 --> 00:17:06.419 It means that these men have already shown a heart to serve. 00:17:06.420 --> 00:17:11.820 It means that these men are already doing the work. 00:17:12.620 --> 00:17:17.140 It means that these men have already demonstrated their proven character, 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:22.460 their dependability, their leadership, their spiritual maturity. 00:17:22.820 --> 00:17:23.800 They are vested. 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:24.800 They are trusted. 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:26.100 They are engaged. 00:17:26.340 --> 00:17:27.100 They are active. 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:28.420 They are dependable. 00:17:29.300 --> 00:17:30.840 In a very real way, 00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:35.980 they've already established themselves as servant kind of leaders. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:42.799 The title of deacon wasn't going to change anything about the way 00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:46.639 that they engaged the people, these Hellenistic widows. 00:17:46.639 --> 00:17:51.119 It was only going to activate the work that they were already doing 00:17:51.119 --> 00:17:53.000 and help to enhance it in some way 00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:56.959 so that the widows knew who to look to for this kind of help and leadership. 00:17:57.740 --> 00:18:00.439 It was to ensure that that work was going to continue. 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:01.320 It was going to be done. 00:18:01.799 --> 00:18:05.980 It wasn't that the title of deacon was going to change anything about that work, 00:18:06.400 --> 00:18:09.960 but just recognize the work that was already taking place. 00:18:10.860 --> 00:18:16.299 All this process was meant to identify these servant leaders 00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:18.640 who were already engaged. 00:18:19.460 --> 00:18:22.380 And notice the primary purpose of their ministry. 00:18:22.860 --> 00:18:24.700 There in the verse 4, 00:18:24.840 --> 00:18:28.420 we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. 00:18:28.420 --> 00:18:32.740 It was a compatibility between elders and deacons 00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:38.240 to allow the ministry of teaching and praying to continue. 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:42.660 That focus that the apostles had to continue to be enhanced. 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:45.160 So overseeing this ministry, 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:48.400 the apostles was to free them up, as it were, 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:50.100 to preach and to pray. 00:18:50.099 --> 00:18:53.599 We find this throughout the New Testament, 00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:56.799 these kinds of examples of faithful men 00:18:56.799 --> 00:19:00.879 who were willing to fill this kind of responsibility 00:19:00.879 --> 00:19:02.519 and serving in this kind of way. 00:19:03.139 --> 00:19:05.339 But it does beg the question, 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:06.819 then who is a deacon? 00:19:07.799 --> 00:19:10.339 And the scripture is clear about this too. 00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:13.379 So the goal for every believer 00:19:13.380 --> 00:19:15.880 is serving the body. 00:19:16.920 --> 00:19:17.600 Who is a deacon? 00:19:18.160 --> 00:19:20.620 And I want to confuse the subject, 00:19:21.020 --> 00:19:22.200 but I want to just suggest 00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:24.600 that everybody who is a follower of Jesus 00:19:24.600 --> 00:19:25.780 is a servant, 00:19:26.260 --> 00:19:29.340 and thus, in a very technical sense, 00:19:29.420 --> 00:19:32.020 is a deacon in that God has called them 00:19:32.020 --> 00:19:33.820 to servant kind of leadership. 00:19:33.820 --> 00:19:38.720 Of course, we find this preeminently 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:40.480 in our Savior Jesus. 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:43.480 You remember when the disciples, 00:19:43.799 --> 00:19:44.860 they're on this road, 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:47.839 and they're arguing about who is first 00:19:47.839 --> 00:19:48.779 and who is the greatest, 00:19:49.160 --> 00:19:52.019 and Jesus turns his attention to them, 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:53.839 and he confronts them, 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:54.380 and he says, 00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:55.380 he sits down, 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:56.380 he calls the disciples 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:58.100 in Mark 9, verse 35, 00:19:58.740 --> 00:20:00.240 if anyone would be first, 00:20:00.360 --> 00:20:01.920 he must be last of all 00:20:01.920 --> 00:20:04.640 and servant diakonos of all. 00:20:04.640 --> 00:20:09.200 God calls his people to be servants. 00:20:09.580 --> 00:20:10.320 And by the way, 00:20:11.060 --> 00:20:14.240 service is the building block of Christianity. 00:20:14.920 --> 00:20:16.320 Service is at the foundation 00:20:16.320 --> 00:20:19.180 and at the heart of spiritual maturity. 00:20:19.320 --> 00:20:21.759 It's what God has called every one of us to do 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:23.720 because it is preeminently 00:20:23.720 --> 00:20:26.060 a picture of Christ, 00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:29.000 as we find in Mark 10, 45, 00:20:29.880 --> 00:20:31.540 where Jesus says of himself, 00:20:31.720 --> 00:20:32.640 for even the Son of Man 00:20:32.640 --> 00:20:34.200 came not to be served 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:35.080 diakono, 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:37.519 but to serve diakono 00:20:37.519 --> 00:20:40.180 and to give his life a ransom for many. 00:20:41.799 --> 00:20:42.860 You want to be like Christ? 00:20:44.120 --> 00:20:45.960 You want to pattern your life 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:47.559 so that it looks like Jesus? 00:20:48.900 --> 00:20:51.000 Wear the robe of service. 00:20:51.860 --> 00:20:53.059 Choose to be, 00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:55.279 for lack of a better word, 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:56.120 a deacon. 00:20:56.720 --> 00:20:57.840 Choose to serve 00:20:57.840 --> 00:20:59.480 in a deacon kind of way. 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:01.620 Expend yourself like Jesus. 00:21:02.360 --> 00:21:03.600 Serve to the end 00:21:03.599 --> 00:21:04.299 like Jesus. 00:21:04.439 --> 00:21:06.259 Grow in service 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:07.219 like Jesus. 00:21:08.619 --> 00:21:09.359 That's what we're all called to. 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:11.279 We see examples 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:11.959 throughout the New Testament. 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:12.719 We don't have time 00:21:12.719 --> 00:21:13.719 for this this morning, 00:21:13.859 --> 00:21:14.719 but Timothy 00:21:14.719 --> 00:21:16.799 is referred to 00:21:16.799 --> 00:21:18.459 in 2 Timothy 4, 5, 00:21:18.759 --> 00:21:19.699 he's referred to 00:21:19.699 --> 00:21:21.639 as a deacon. 00:21:22.319 --> 00:21:23.119 His ministry 00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:24.539 is deacon-like. 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:25.740 Stephanas 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:26.500 and his family 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.339 was referred to 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:29.039 in 1 Corinthians chapter 16. 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:30.539 It was a deaconing 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.980 kind of ministry. 00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:33.359 The apostle Paul 00:21:33.359 --> 00:21:35.000 actually referred to himself 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:37.000 in 1 Timothy 1, 12 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:38.059 as he's filling out 00:21:38.059 --> 00:21:38.899 his own credentials. 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:40.659 He speaks of himself. 00:21:41.019 --> 00:21:41.599 His service 00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:42.819 was the deaconing 00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:44.240 kind of service 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:46.099 because foundationally 00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:47.859 every single believer 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:49.599 is a servant. 00:21:50.740 --> 00:21:51.019 Deacon. 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:53.500 You are a deacon 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.759 in that 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.920 you are called 00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:57.119 to serve 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:58.059 the body. 00:21:58.180 --> 00:21:59.200 You are called 00:21:59.200 --> 00:22:00.319 to look 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.180 like Jesus, 00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:02.319 to serve 00:22:02.319 --> 00:22:03.619 in that way. 00:22:05.319 --> 00:22:06.119 We find this 00:22:06.119 --> 00:22:06.680 in the church. 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:08.200 We saw this verse already, 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:08.700 but I want to 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:10.160 bring it back up. 00:22:10.200 --> 00:22:11.180 Ephesians chapter 4 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:12.319 verses 11 and 12. 00:22:13.059 --> 00:22:13.839 He gave 00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:14.819 the apostles, 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:15.400 the prophets, 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.019 the evangelists, 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:16.640 the shepherds, 00:22:16.700 --> 00:22:17.539 and teachers 00:22:17.539 --> 00:22:18.599 why? 00:22:18.899 --> 00:22:19.039 Well, 00:22:19.119 --> 00:22:20.119 to equip the saints 00:22:20.119 --> 00:22:20.619 for the work 00:22:20.619 --> 00:22:21.759 of ministry, 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:22.759 diakonia, 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:24.000 for the building 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:24.859 up the body of Christ. 00:22:25.119 --> 00:22:25.339 So, 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:27.519 we as pastors, 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:28.700 elders, 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:30.039 overseers, 00:22:30.200 --> 00:22:32.299 are preeminently 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:33.399 called 00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:34.960 to equip you 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:35.639 to serve 00:22:35.639 --> 00:22:36.200 like a deacon. 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:37.839 We're called 00:22:37.839 --> 00:22:39.000 to help build out 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:39.779 in your life 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.619 a heart 00:22:40.619 --> 00:22:41.420 and affection 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:42.920 for serving others. 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:45.240 In 2 Corinthians 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:45.920 chapter 9, 00:22:46.059 --> 00:22:46.720 verse 12, 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:47.519 Paul, 00:22:47.660 --> 00:22:48.259 in speaking about 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:48.740 the gift 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:49.319 that was given 00:22:49.319 --> 00:22:49.799 by the church 00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:50.380 of Corinth 00:22:50.380 --> 00:22:52.140 to the church 00:22:52.140 --> 00:22:52.660 in Jerusalem, 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:53.180 says this, 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.339 for this ministry, 00:22:54.900 --> 00:22:55.360 diakonia, 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:57.019 of this service, 00:22:57.440 --> 00:22:58.120 leturgia, 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.180 which is another 00:22:59.180 --> 00:23:00.019 word for service, 00:23:00.100 --> 00:23:00.980 is not only 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:02.079 supplying the needs 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:02.700 of the saints, 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:04.559 but also is overflowing 00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:05.440 in many thanksgivings 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:05.819 to God. 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:07.640 This expression 00:23:07.640 --> 00:23:08.900 of ministry 00:23:08.900 --> 00:23:09.700 and service 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:10.759 and pouring out 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:12.880 and spending self 00:23:12.880 --> 00:23:13.500 for the sake 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:15.140 of serving the body. 00:23:15.140 --> 00:23:17.160 in 1 Peter 00:23:17.160 --> 00:23:17.680 chapter 4, 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:19.200 verses 10 and 11, 00:23:19.560 --> 00:23:20.480 we find this, 00:23:20.520 --> 00:23:21.620 as each has received 00:23:21.620 --> 00:23:22.000 a gift, 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:24.840 and how many 00:23:24.840 --> 00:23:25.300 of us 00:23:25.300 --> 00:23:25.880 have received 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:26.300 a gift? 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:28.400 Every one 00:23:28.400 --> 00:23:28.860 of you 00:23:28.860 --> 00:23:29.580 in this room 00:23:29.580 --> 00:23:30.660 who has 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:31.580 the Holy Spirit, 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:32.740 who has asked 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:33.820 forgiveness for sin, 00:23:34.120 --> 00:23:34.940 has confessed 00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:35.480 your faith 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:36.040 in God, 00:23:36.280 --> 00:23:37.440 you have the Spirit, 00:23:37.560 --> 00:23:38.380 so you have 00:23:38.380 --> 00:23:39.820 a spiritual gift. 00:23:40.040 --> 00:23:40.240 So, 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:41.480 this applies 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.300 to everybody 00:23:42.300 --> 00:23:43.860 in this room 00:23:43.859 --> 00:23:44.439 who has 00:23:44.439 --> 00:23:44.979 the Holy Spirit, 00:23:45.240 --> 00:23:45.399 okay? 00:23:46.179 --> 00:23:46.500 So, 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:48.219 as you have 00:23:48.219 --> 00:23:48.979 received a gift, 00:23:49.119 --> 00:23:50.339 use it to serve 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.859 diakanao, 00:23:51.979 --> 00:23:52.459 one another, 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:54.279 as a good steward 00:23:54.279 --> 00:23:54.699 of God's 00:23:54.699 --> 00:23:55.319 varied grace. 00:23:56.059 --> 00:23:56.799 Whoever speaks 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:58.059 is one who speaks 00:23:58.059 --> 00:23:59.139 the oracles of God. 00:23:59.399 --> 00:24:00.359 Whoever serves 00:24:00.359 --> 00:24:01.179 diakanao 00:24:01.179 --> 00:24:02.519 as one who serves 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.259 by the strength 00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:04.599 that God supplies. 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.139 And here's 00:24:06.139 --> 00:24:06.799 the glorious 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:08.079 privilege 00:24:08.079 --> 00:24:09.039 of our service. 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:09.879 It's this, 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:11.500 in order that, 00:24:11.919 --> 00:24:12.759 in everything, 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:14.200 God may be 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:14.720 glorified 00:24:14.720 --> 00:24:15.859 through Jesus Christ. 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:16.539 To Him 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:17.579 belong glory 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:18.220 and dominion 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:19.539 forever and ever. 00:24:19.879 --> 00:24:20.099 Amen. 00:24:22.059 --> 00:24:23.579 When we put 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:25.440 the spiritual gifts 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:25.960 that God 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:27.180 has given to us, 00:24:27.319 --> 00:24:28.220 when we put them 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:28.879 to work, 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:30.660 we glorify God. 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.299 Which, 00:24:33.019 --> 00:24:33.940 I think we can 00:24:33.940 --> 00:24:34.720 make the correlation 00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:35.480 without being 00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:37.000 in jeopardy 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:37.660 or danger 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:39.339 that if we choose 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:40.059 to shelf 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:40.799 our gift, 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:41.779 if we choose 00:24:41.779 --> 00:24:42.559 to push it 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.200 to the side, 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:44.279 if we choose 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:45.240 to just let it 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:46.180 languish, 00:24:47.079 --> 00:24:48.659 then at least 00:24:48.659 --> 00:24:49.539 as it relates 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.500 to service 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.659 and being a good 00:24:51.659 --> 00:24:52.240 steward, 00:24:52.819 --> 00:24:53.720 we are not 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:54.240 bringing glory 00:24:54.240 --> 00:24:54.619 to God. 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:59.460 What a privilege, 00:25:00.159 --> 00:25:01.000 what a responsibility. 00:25:02.460 --> 00:25:03.659 We are servants. 00:25:04.359 --> 00:25:04.940 The joy 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:06.099 of that entrustment, 00:25:06.379 --> 00:25:06.859 the joy 00:25:06.859 --> 00:25:07.940 of that stewardship 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:09.120 to put to work, 00:25:09.400 --> 00:25:09.900 the gift 00:25:09.900 --> 00:25:10.900 to serve 00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:12.220 as a deacon 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:13.019 as it were. 00:25:14.100 --> 00:25:14.720 The church, 00:25:15.019 --> 00:25:15.880 serving the church 00:25:15.880 --> 00:25:16.860 but especially 00:25:16.860 --> 00:25:18.320 and preeminently 00:25:18.320 --> 00:25:19.259 serving Christ. 00:25:20.320 --> 00:25:21.380 Maybe you're listening 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:21.720 and you're like, 00:25:21.799 --> 00:25:21.900 okay, 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:23.620 thank you Andrew, 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:24.700 I get all that 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:26.240 but I still don't know 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.420 who this deacon is 00:25:27.420 --> 00:25:28.480 here in 00:25:28.480 --> 00:25:30.240 1 Timothy chapter 3 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:30.920 and I don't know 00:25:30.920 --> 00:25:31.700 what this deacon 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:32.460 is supposed to do. 00:25:32.980 --> 00:25:33.860 So let's try 00:25:33.860 --> 00:25:34.680 to build that out 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:35.220 a little bit more. 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:37.299 We're going to see 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:38.259 that deacons 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:39.700 are there 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:40.600 to multiply 00:25:40.600 --> 00:25:41.700 the work of pastors. 00:25:42.579 --> 00:25:43.160 A deacon 00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:44.200 multiplies 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.019 the work 00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:45.740 of pastors. 00:25:46.600 --> 00:25:47.579 The Bible says, 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:48.160 by the way, 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:49.000 almost nothing 00:25:49.000 --> 00:25:49.700 about deacons. 00:25:50.460 --> 00:25:51.900 We find no job description. 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.799 We find no roles 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:54.579 and responsibilities. 00:25:55.319 --> 00:25:56.140 We only get 00:25:56.140 --> 00:25:56.900 a glimpse 00:25:56.900 --> 00:25:58.200 of the prototype 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:58.960 of deacons 00:25:58.960 --> 00:26:00.180 from Acts chapter 6 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:01.100 and we only have 00:26:01.100 --> 00:26:02.059 these qualifications 00:26:02.059 --> 00:26:03.160 for deacons 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:04.160 in one place 00:26:04.160 --> 00:26:05.740 in 1 Timothy chapter 3 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.779 and we only get 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:07.860 a glimpse 00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:08.460 of maybe 00:26:08.460 --> 00:26:09.240 what they do 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:10.580 through the use 00:26:10.580 --> 00:26:11.320 of the word 00:26:11.320 --> 00:26:11.980 servant. 00:26:12.300 --> 00:26:12.980 Diaconess 00:26:12.980 --> 00:26:13.940 is servant 00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:15.500 and so 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.540 it's still 00:26:16.540 --> 00:26:17.620 a little fuzzy 00:26:17.620 --> 00:26:18.279 as it were. 00:26:18.600 --> 00:26:19.400 What is it 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:20.000 specifically 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:21.180 that a deacon 00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:22.060 is meant to do? 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:26.080 I think the best 00:26:26.080 --> 00:26:26.600 way to answer 00:26:26.600 --> 00:26:27.660 this question 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:29.460 is to 00:26:29.460 --> 00:26:30.320 understand 00:26:30.320 --> 00:26:31.240 that we've 00:26:31.240 --> 00:26:32.800 just begun 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:34.099 chapter 3 00:26:34.099 --> 00:26:35.079 in a discussion 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:35.619 about elders. 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.279 And so I think 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:37.899 we can say 00:26:37.899 --> 00:26:39.259 with a fair amount 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:39.919 of certainty 00:26:39.919 --> 00:26:41.019 and without 00:26:41.019 --> 00:26:41.460 any 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:43.859 pushback 00:26:43.859 --> 00:26:45.139 that a deacon 00:26:45.139 --> 00:26:46.240 is not 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:46.899 an elder. 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:47.779 Would you agree? 00:26:48.599 --> 00:26:49.180 I think that's 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:49.839 pretty clear 00:26:49.839 --> 00:26:50.519 from the text. 00:26:50.919 --> 00:26:51.299 A deacon 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:51.960 is not an elder. 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:52.779 It's a separate 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:53.579 category, 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:54.720 a separate function. 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:56.119 So just to review 00:26:56.119 --> 00:26:57.139 from last week 00:26:57.139 --> 00:26:58.379 in understanding 00:26:58.379 --> 00:26:59.619 what elders 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.480 are meant to do, 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:01.940 we come to 00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:02.759 realize 00:27:02.759 --> 00:27:03.860 that elders 00:27:03.860 --> 00:27:04.980 are there 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:05.779 to exercise 00:27:05.779 --> 00:27:07.180 spiritual oversight. 00:27:07.860 --> 00:27:08.299 1 Timothy 00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:09.079 chapter 5. 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:09.900 They're there 00:27:09.900 --> 00:27:10.420 to preach 00:27:10.420 --> 00:27:11.160 and to teach. 00:27:11.519 --> 00:27:12.000 1 Timothy 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:12.799 chapter 5. 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:14.019 They are tasked 00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:14.559 with equipping 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:14.940 the saints 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:15.559 for ministry. 00:27:15.960 --> 00:27:16.400 Ephesians 00:27:16.400 --> 00:27:17.200 chapter 4. 00:27:17.680 --> 00:27:18.380 They are to 00:27:18.380 --> 00:27:19.220 guard the flock 00:27:19.220 --> 00:27:20.299 from false teachers 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.120 in Acts 00:27:21.120 --> 00:27:21.759 chapter 20. 00:27:22.259 --> 00:27:22.559 They're to 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.360 shepherd the flock 00:27:23.360 --> 00:27:24.059 by providing 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:24.960 some measure 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:25.620 of spiritual 00:27:25.620 --> 00:27:26.259 oversight 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:27.140 in 1 Peter 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:27.900 chapter 5. 00:27:28.319 --> 00:27:28.680 They're to 00:27:28.680 --> 00:27:29.380 hold firm 00:27:29.380 --> 00:27:29.920 the trustworthy 00:27:29.920 --> 00:27:31.120 word in order 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:31.980 to give instruction 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:33.000 and rebuke 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:33.400 those who 00:27:33.400 --> 00:27:34.000 contradict. 00:27:34.260 --> 00:27:34.620 Titus 00:27:34.620 --> 00:27:35.300 chapter 1. 00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:36.440 We understand 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:37.480 from 1 Timothy 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:38.180 chapter 1 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:39.640 that leaders 00:27:39.640 --> 00:27:41.240 and spiritual 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:42.520 pastors 00:27:42.520 --> 00:27:43.340 are there 00:27:43.340 --> 00:27:44.220 to charge 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:44.540 some 00:27:44.540 --> 00:27:45.080 if they teach 00:27:45.080 --> 00:27:45.500 no other 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.020 doctrine. 00:27:47.360 --> 00:27:47.740 They're also 00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:48.220 to set an 00:27:48.220 --> 00:27:48.880 example for 00:27:48.880 --> 00:27:49.420 the believers. 00:27:49.840 --> 00:27:50.300 1 Timothy 00:27:50.300 --> 00:27:51.320 chapter 4 00:27:51.320 --> 00:27:52.280 verse 12. 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:53.320 They're to 00:27:53.320 --> 00:27:54.080 have nothing 00:27:54.080 --> 00:27:54.580 to do with 00:27:54.580 --> 00:27:55.820 foolish controversies 00:27:55.820 --> 00:27:56.840 or quarrels 00:27:56.840 --> 00:27:57.460 but to be 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:57.960 kind, 00:27:58.340 --> 00:27:59.080 enduring evil, 00:27:59.079 --> 00:27:59.980 correcting opponents 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.720 with gentleness. 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:01.759 2 Timothy 00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:02.799 chapter 2 00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:03.599 verse 23 00:28:03.599 --> 00:28:04.339 and 24. 00:28:04.859 --> 00:28:05.740 That is the 00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:06.559 function and 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:07.240 role of a 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:07.699 pastor, 00:28:08.339 --> 00:28:08.839 leader, 00:28:09.240 --> 00:28:09.839 overseer. 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:11.439 It is not 00:28:11.439 --> 00:28:12.019 the role 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:12.939 of a deacon. 00:28:14.399 --> 00:28:14.899 But 00:28:14.899 --> 00:28:17.119 the function 00:28:17.119 --> 00:28:18.039 that deacons 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:18.559 have, 00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:20.359 although different 00:28:20.359 --> 00:28:21.460 from an elder, 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:22.399 is compatible 00:28:22.399 --> 00:28:23.779 with an elder. 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:25.099 and so 00:28:25.099 --> 00:28:25.980 they are 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:26.619 side by 00:28:26.619 --> 00:28:27.339 side in 00:28:27.339 --> 00:28:27.980 this passage 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:28.680 for a 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:29.000 significant 00:28:29.000 --> 00:28:29.399 reason 00:28:29.399 --> 00:28:29.759 because 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:31.379 pastors 00:28:31.379 --> 00:28:32.899 and elders 00:28:32.899 --> 00:28:33.960 need the 00:28:33.960 --> 00:28:34.500 support 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:36.000 and the 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:36.399 help 00:28:36.399 --> 00:28:37.220 in ministry 00:28:37.220 --> 00:28:38.759 of others. 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:40.460 There are times 00:28:40.460 --> 00:28:41.639 when ministry 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:42.279 gets to be 00:28:42.279 --> 00:28:42.859 unwieldy 00:28:42.859 --> 00:28:43.660 and they need 00:28:43.660 --> 00:28:44.920 the supportive 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:45.960 help and 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:46.940 service of 00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:47.899 other gifted 00:28:47.899 --> 00:28:48.539 and qualified 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.700 men to come 00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:50.379 alongside them. 00:28:50.380 --> 00:28:52.340 It is 00:28:52.340 --> 00:28:53.560 then with 00:28:53.560 --> 00:28:54.100 the discretion 00:28:54.100 --> 00:28:54.980 of the 00:28:54.980 --> 00:28:55.320 elders 00:28:55.320 --> 00:28:55.820 then to 00:28:55.820 --> 00:28:56.240 determine 00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:57.620 how the 00:28:57.620 --> 00:28:58.340 deacons 00:28:58.340 --> 00:28:58.920 will be 00:28:58.920 --> 00:28:59.340 put to 00:28:59.340 --> 00:28:59.680 work. 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:01.280 As I 00:29:01.280 --> 00:29:01.540 have said 00:29:01.540 --> 00:29:01.740 in the 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.080 opening, 00:29:02.760 --> 00:29:03.000 elders 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:04.240 will serve 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:05.540 by leading 00:29:05.540 --> 00:29:06.820 and deacons 00:29:06.820 --> 00:29:07.660 will lead 00:29:07.660 --> 00:29:08.300 by serving. 00:29:09.760 --> 00:29:10.040 Deacon 00:29:10.040 --> 00:29:10.760 multiplies 00:29:10.760 --> 00:29:11.500 the work 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:12.080 of pastors 00:29:12.080 --> 00:29:13.500 by carrying 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:14.280 various 00:29:14.280 --> 00:29:15.260 ministry 00:29:15.260 --> 00:29:16.000 burdens 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:17.280 so that the 00:29:17.280 --> 00:29:17.760 church can 00:29:17.760 --> 00:29:18.620 remain healthy 00:29:18.620 --> 00:29:19.740 and pastors 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:21.039 can continue 00:29:21.039 --> 00:29:21.400 to devote 00:29:21.400 --> 00:29:21.819 themselves 00:29:21.819 --> 00:29:22.259 to the 00:29:22.259 --> 00:29:22.680 primary 00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:23.120 work 00:29:23.120 --> 00:29:23.640 of 00:29:23.640 --> 00:29:24.140 equipping 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.680 and 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:25.319 discipling 00:29:25.319 --> 00:29:26.279 and teaching 00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:26.759 and preaching. 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:28.339 It's not 00:29:28.339 --> 00:29:28.859 that every 00:29:28.859 --> 00:29:29.700 pastor, 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:31.339 especially, 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:31.819 it's not 00:29:31.819 --> 00:29:32.240 that any 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:32.720 pastor 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.839 will be 00:29:33.839 --> 00:29:34.539 independent 00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:35.440 of service 00:29:35.440 --> 00:29:35.980 because 00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:37.500 at the 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:38.019 foundational 00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:38.599 level, 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:39.539 since we're 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:40.279 all called 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:41.000 to service 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:41.480 kind of 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:41.859 ministry, 00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:42.700 you would 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:43.400 expect your 00:29:43.400 --> 00:29:44.319 pastors to 00:29:44.319 --> 00:29:44.779 serve as 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:45.019 well. 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.019 But the 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:46.500 deacons come 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.220 alongside to 00:29:47.220 --> 00:29:48.160 help support 00:29:48.160 --> 00:29:48.940 that effort. 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:50.500 We don't have 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:50.980 time this 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:51.559 morning to 00:29:51.559 --> 00:29:52.720 build out 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.740 this next 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:54.019 point, 00:29:54.099 --> 00:29:54.660 the life 00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:55.680 of a servant 00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:56.000 leader. 00:29:56.819 --> 00:29:57.660 We find in 00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:58.420 verses 8 to 00:29:58.420 --> 00:29:58.920 13, 00:29:59.359 --> 00:29:59.920 we're going to 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:00.500 turn our 00:30:00.500 --> 00:30:01.039 attention to 00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:01.740 that a little 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.380 bit more 00:30:02.380 --> 00:30:03.559 next week, 00:30:03.640 --> 00:30:04.140 but I just 00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:04.400 want to 00:30:04.400 --> 00:30:04.940 kind of give 00:30:04.940 --> 00:30:05.640 you a preview 00:30:05.640 --> 00:30:06.099 of what we're 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:06.680 talking about. 00:30:07.500 --> 00:30:08.339 The life of a 00:30:08.339 --> 00:30:08.900 servant leader. 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:09.500 Let me read 00:30:09.500 --> 00:30:10.539 this passage 00:30:10.539 --> 00:30:11.339 one more time 00:30:11.339 --> 00:30:12.519 and then I'll 00:30:12.519 --> 00:30:13.819 show you a 00:30:13.819 --> 00:30:14.099 couple of 00:30:14.099 --> 00:30:14.700 tables that 00:30:14.700 --> 00:30:16.019 demonstrate the 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:16.900 similarities and 00:30:16.900 --> 00:30:17.420 the differences 00:30:17.420 --> 00:30:18.539 between an 00:30:18.539 --> 00:30:19.299 elder and a 00:30:19.299 --> 00:30:20.099 deacon so 00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:20.539 you can see 00:30:20.539 --> 00:30:20.839 that for 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:21.919 yourself and 00:30:21.919 --> 00:30:22.500 then like I 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:22.940 said we'll 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:23.579 explain it 00:30:23.579 --> 00:30:24.859 more next 00:30:24.859 --> 00:30:25.200 week. 00:30:26.200 --> 00:30:26.480 It says 00:30:26.480 --> 00:30:27.399 deacons likewise 00:30:27.399 --> 00:30:27.859 must be 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:28.339 dignified, 00:30:28.940 --> 00:30:29.399 not double 00:30:29.399 --> 00:30:29.720 tongue, 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.279 not addicted 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:30.700 to much 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:31.059 wine, 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:31.919 not greedy 00:30:31.919 --> 00:30:32.539 for dishonest 00:30:32.539 --> 00:30:32.859 gain. 00:30:33.359 --> 00:30:33.700 They must 00:30:33.700 --> 00:30:34.139 hold the 00:30:34.139 --> 00:30:34.500 mystery of 00:30:34.500 --> 00:30:34.960 the faith 00:30:34.960 --> 00:30:35.680 with a clear 00:30:35.680 --> 00:30:37.359 conscience and 00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:37.859 let them also 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:38.779 first be tested 00:30:38.779 --> 00:30:40.019 then let them 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:40.639 serve as 00:30:40.639 --> 00:30:41.039 deacons. 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:41.960 If they prove 00:30:41.960 --> 00:30:42.460 themselves 00:30:42.460 --> 00:30:43.139 blameless, 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:44.440 their wives 00:30:44.440 --> 00:30:45.220 likewise must be 00:30:45.220 --> 00:30:45.659 dignified, 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.819 not slanderers, 00:30:47.099 --> 00:30:48.059 but sober-minded, 00:30:48.059 --> 00:30:49.339 faithful in 00:30:49.339 --> 00:30:50.119 all things, 00:30:50.879 --> 00:30:51.519 let the deacons 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:52.700 each be the 00:30:52.700 --> 00:30:53.519 husband of one 00:30:53.519 --> 00:30:54.919 wife, managing 00:30:54.919 --> 00:30:56.099 their children and 00:30:56.099 --> 00:30:56.759 their households 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:57.179 well. 00:30:58.179 --> 00:30:58.799 For those who 00:30:58.799 --> 00:30:59.500 serve well as 00:30:59.500 --> 00:31:00.339 deacons gain a 00:31:00.339 --> 00:31:01.519 good standing for 00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:02.259 themselves and 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:03.679 also great 00:31:03.679 --> 00:31:04.899 confidence in the 00:31:04.899 --> 00:31:06.039 faith that is in 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:07.220 Christ Jesus. 00:31:08.819 --> 00:31:10.200 There are 15 00:31:10.200 --> 00:31:11.359 qualifications for 00:31:11.359 --> 00:31:12.779 elder, there are 00:31:12.779 --> 00:31:13.799 nine qualifications 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:15.359 that are given to 00:31:15.359 --> 00:31:16.319 us here for 00:31:16.319 --> 00:31:17.479 deacons and 00:31:17.479 --> 00:31:18.579 there are five 00:31:18.579 --> 00:31:20.119 qualifications that 00:31:20.119 --> 00:31:21.219 find really good 00:31:21.219 --> 00:31:22.479 comparison and 00:31:22.479 --> 00:31:23.299 overlap with one 00:31:23.299 --> 00:31:23.559 another. 00:31:23.759 --> 00:31:25.019 There are things 00:31:25.019 --> 00:31:25.759 that are similar. 00:31:26.079 --> 00:31:27.179 What is the same? 00:31:27.919 --> 00:31:28.679 And here's a table 00:31:28.679 --> 00:31:29.659 that will demonstrate 00:31:29.659 --> 00:31:31.039 several of those 00:31:31.039 --> 00:31:31.740 things that are the 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:32.039 same. 00:31:32.740 --> 00:31:33.339 They are above 00:31:33.339 --> 00:31:34.019 reproach. 00:31:34.599 --> 00:31:35.159 They have the kind 00:31:35.159 --> 00:31:36.539 of character that 00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:38.579 is not guilty of 00:31:38.579 --> 00:31:39.119 blame. 00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:40.219 They're blameless. 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:42.680 There is this 00:31:42.680 --> 00:31:45.140 essence of their 00:31:45.140 --> 00:31:46.880 character that you 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:48.059 can't attach blame 00:31:48.059 --> 00:31:48.339 to. 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:50.140 These are individuals 00:31:50.140 --> 00:31:52.259 who are faithful to 00:31:52.259 --> 00:31:53.579 their wife. 00:31:53.940 --> 00:31:55.039 They're a one woman 00:31:55.039 --> 00:31:55.420 man. 00:31:55.620 --> 00:31:56.400 We talked about that 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:57.220 last week. 00:31:57.579 --> 00:31:58.279 There is this 00:31:58.279 --> 00:32:00.039 faithfulness to their 00:32:00.039 --> 00:32:00.519 partner. 00:32:00.940 --> 00:32:02.160 There is a desire of 00:32:02.160 --> 00:32:02.920 their heart to make 00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:03.860 sure that they're 00:32:03.860 --> 00:32:05.500 guarding their eye as 00:32:05.500 --> 00:32:07.740 Job says in his 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:09.019 book. 00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:10.700 He guards his eye. 00:32:10.900 --> 00:32:12.039 He has a single 00:32:12.039 --> 00:32:13.400 mind and a single 00:32:13.400 --> 00:32:14.639 heart for the woman 00:32:14.639 --> 00:32:15.460 that God gave to 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:15.680 him. 00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:17.480 He's not given to 00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:18.019 much wine. 00:32:18.400 --> 00:32:19.319 He's not greedy for 00:32:19.319 --> 00:32:19.639 gain. 00:32:19.900 --> 00:32:20.940 He manages his house 00:32:20.940 --> 00:32:21.240 well. 00:32:21.539 --> 00:32:22.359 You can see the 00:32:22.359 --> 00:32:23.599 quality of leadership 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:25.319 and service that 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:26.859 echoes itself through 00:32:26.859 --> 00:32:27.599 his family. 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:29.259 You can recognize 00:32:29.259 --> 00:32:30.279 that their needs are 00:32:30.279 --> 00:32:31.559 met, that they're 00:32:31.559 --> 00:32:33.379 cared for, that 00:32:33.379 --> 00:32:36.480 dad has paid 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:37.480 attention to them. 00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:39.519 There's a measure of 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:40.720 stability and respect 00:32:40.720 --> 00:32:41.700 in the home. 00:32:42.660 --> 00:32:43.460 But there are some 00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:43.920 things that are 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:44.380 different. 00:32:44.940 --> 00:32:45.620 What is different? 00:32:46.400 --> 00:32:47.700 And this next table 00:32:47.700 --> 00:32:48.960 will help show some 00:32:48.960 --> 00:32:49.599 comparisons. 00:32:50.559 --> 00:32:52.259 While elders have 00:32:52.259 --> 00:32:53.059 some qualifications 00:32:53.059 --> 00:32:54.299 regarding their 00:32:54.299 --> 00:32:55.660 tongue at not being 00:32:55.660 --> 00:32:57.700 quarrelsome, deacons 00:32:57.700 --> 00:32:58.900 are told not to be 00:32:58.900 --> 00:32:59.860 double-tongued. 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:01.059 They're not to be 00:33:01.059 --> 00:33:02.180 hypocrites in the way 00:33:02.180 --> 00:33:02.839 they speak. 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:04.860 Speaking one way to 00:33:04.860 --> 00:33:05.980 one person a different 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:06.700 way to a different 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:07.160 person. 00:33:08.220 --> 00:33:09.000 For elders, they're 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:09.920 not violent but 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:10.279 gentle. 00:33:11.180 --> 00:33:12.960 And for deacons, they 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:13.720 hold the mystery of 00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.039 the faith. 00:33:14.120 --> 00:33:15.039 And we'll talk about 00:33:15.039 --> 00:33:16.299 that some more next 00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:17.180 week, especially in 00:33:17.180 --> 00:33:18.539 light of the mission 00:33:18.539 --> 00:33:20.339 that God has called us 00:33:20.339 --> 00:33:21.640 as a church to be on. 00:33:22.559 --> 00:33:23.380 They're not a recent 00:33:23.380 --> 00:33:23.880 convert. 00:33:24.860 --> 00:33:25.500 And for deacons, 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:26.120 there's not a 00:33:26.120 --> 00:33:27.640 qualification for how 00:33:27.640 --> 00:33:29.099 soon they can become 00:33:29.099 --> 00:33:30.019 a deacon because 00:33:30.019 --> 00:33:32.160 essentially, we're all 00:33:32.160 --> 00:33:33.539 to be deacons the 00:33:33.539 --> 00:33:34.420 moment we become 00:33:34.420 --> 00:33:35.700 Christians in 00:33:35.700 --> 00:33:36.639 following after Jesus. 00:33:36.759 --> 00:33:37.559 But of course, we're 00:33:37.559 --> 00:33:38.720 building and growing 00:33:38.720 --> 00:33:39.960 through that process 00:33:39.960 --> 00:33:41.399 of doing it better. 00:33:42.680 --> 00:33:43.839 But they do need to 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:44.259 be tested. 00:33:45.539 --> 00:33:46.319 We find this 00:33:46.319 --> 00:33:47.079 qualification, it's 00:33:47.079 --> 00:33:48.039 actually in verse 11, 00:33:48.259 --> 00:33:49.000 for their wives. 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:50.000 And we'll develop that 00:33:50.000 --> 00:33:51.220 some more next week 00:33:51.220 --> 00:33:51.599 as well. 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:52.879 But there's nothing 00:33:52.879 --> 00:33:53.740 about hospitality. 00:33:54.259 --> 00:33:55.039 There's nothing about 00:33:55.039 --> 00:33:55.700 a good reputation. 00:33:55.819 --> 00:33:56.420 Not that those things 00:33:56.420 --> 00:33:56.980 don't matter. 00:33:57.879 --> 00:33:58.960 And again, as we come 00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.899 back to this next week, 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:01.019 we'll see the 00:34:01.019 --> 00:34:01.940 significance of the 00:34:01.940 --> 00:34:03.900 way Paul describes 00:34:03.900 --> 00:34:04.700 their function. 00:34:05.619 --> 00:34:06.559 But I do want to end 00:34:06.559 --> 00:34:07.180 with this. 00:34:07.619 --> 00:34:08.460 There is a reward. 00:34:09.199 --> 00:34:10.519 What is the reward? 00:34:11.139 --> 00:34:11.860 And the reward is 00:34:11.860 --> 00:34:12.840 found for us in 00:34:12.840 --> 00:34:13.679 verse 13. 00:34:14.539 --> 00:34:15.860 Those who serve well 00:34:15.860 --> 00:34:18.159 as deacons gain a 00:34:18.159 --> 00:34:19.059 good standing for 00:34:19.059 --> 00:34:20.780 themselves and also 00:34:20.780 --> 00:34:22.539 great confidence in 00:34:22.539 --> 00:34:24.039 the faith that is in 00:34:24.039 --> 00:34:25.320 Christ Jesus. 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:27.960 They gain a good 00:34:27.960 --> 00:34:28.900 standing for 00:34:28.900 --> 00:34:29.539 themselves. 00:34:29.539 --> 00:34:31.219 One commentator 00:34:31.219 --> 00:34:32.179 says, this linear 00:34:32.179 --> 00:34:33.480 aspect of this verb 00:34:33.480 --> 00:34:34.759 to gain or to 00:34:34.759 --> 00:34:37.039 inquire helps us 00:34:37.039 --> 00:34:37.800 understand this 00:34:37.800 --> 00:34:39.860 ongoing process. 00:34:40.699 --> 00:34:41.519 There is this 00:34:41.519 --> 00:34:42.920 process of growing 00:34:42.920 --> 00:34:43.980 and developing and 00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:45.159 being sanctified 00:34:45.159 --> 00:34:46.300 through serving 00:34:46.300 --> 00:34:46.920 others. 00:34:47.719 --> 00:34:48.500 And as people 00:34:48.500 --> 00:34:49.779 watch and evaluate 00:34:49.779 --> 00:34:50.719 their life, they're 00:34:50.719 --> 00:34:51.960 going to see this 00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:53.420 growing concern for 00:34:53.420 --> 00:34:54.480 individuals, this 00:34:54.480 --> 00:34:55.539 growing heart to 00:34:55.539 --> 00:34:57.099 spend themselves for 00:34:57.099 --> 00:34:58.679 others, this desire 00:34:58.679 --> 00:35:00.259 to be useful to 00:35:00.259 --> 00:35:01.539 Jesus and especially 00:35:01.539 --> 00:35:03.059 to point to his 00:35:03.059 --> 00:35:04.059 perfect service. 00:35:05.799 --> 00:35:07.480 And as they are 00:35:07.480 --> 00:35:08.460 moving and growing 00:35:08.460 --> 00:35:09.339 in this good 00:35:09.339 --> 00:35:10.940 standing, they're 00:35:10.940 --> 00:35:11.960 growing in confidence 00:35:11.960 --> 00:35:12.960 and faith as well. 00:35:13.539 --> 00:35:14.379 And the reason for 00:35:14.379 --> 00:35:15.440 that is because as 00:35:15.440 --> 00:35:17.239 they see the Lord 00:35:17.239 --> 00:35:18.519 working in their life 00:35:18.519 --> 00:35:19.379 and helping them to 00:35:19.379 --> 00:35:20.399 grow in their 00:35:20.399 --> 00:35:21.819 expression of service 00:35:21.819 --> 00:35:23.779 for others, they're 00:35:23.779 --> 00:35:25.000 recognizing that the 00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:26.239 process of Philippians 00:35:26.239 --> 00:35:28.879 chapter 1 verse 6 is 00:35:28.879 --> 00:35:29.699 playing out. 00:35:30.219 --> 00:35:31.259 That he who began a 00:35:31.259 --> 00:35:32.859 good work in them has 00:35:32.859 --> 00:35:34.079 been faithful to 00:35:34.079 --> 00:35:35.579 complete it, is being 00:35:35.579 --> 00:35:36.819 faithful to complete 00:35:36.819 --> 00:35:37.000 it. 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:39.459 This growing process of 00:35:39.459 --> 00:35:40.779 God sanctifying their 00:35:40.779 --> 00:35:42.379 life helps to confirm 00:35:42.379 --> 00:35:44.419 the fact that they 00:35:44.419 --> 00:35:45.039 have the fruit of the 00:35:45.039 --> 00:35:46.759 spirit, they're loving 00:35:46.759 --> 00:35:48.219 God's people, and 00:35:48.219 --> 00:35:48.859 they're growing in 00:35:48.859 --> 00:35:49.819 service for others. 00:35:51.399 --> 00:35:52.139 But as we turn our 00:35:52.139 --> 00:35:54.519 attention now to the 00:35:54.519 --> 00:35:55.679 preeminent servant to 00:35:55.679 --> 00:35:58.380 Jesus, we remember 00:35:58.380 --> 00:36:00.300 what Jesus demonstrates 00:36:00.300 --> 00:36:02.579 to us again from Mark 00:36:02.579 --> 00:36:03.820 chapter 10 verse 45. 00:36:05.159 --> 00:36:06.820 Even the Son of Man 00:36:06.820 --> 00:36:08.739 came not to be served, 00:36:09.500 --> 00:36:11.639 but to serve and to 00:36:11.639 --> 00:36:12.960 give his life a ransom 00:36:12.960 --> 00:36:13.659 for many. 00:36:14.900 --> 00:36:15.920 Jesus has demonstrated 00:36:15.920 --> 00:36:17.559 for us the foundational 00:36:17.559 --> 00:36:19.800 level of growing in 00:36:19.800 --> 00:36:20.780 spiritual maturity. 00:36:20.780 --> 00:36:23.160 it begins with 00:36:23.160 --> 00:36:24.480 recognizing who Jesus 00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:26.880 is, and begins with 00:36:26.880 --> 00:36:28.580 recognizing what we 00:36:28.580 --> 00:36:30.820 really deserve in light 00:36:30.820 --> 00:36:32.740 of judgment, and the 00:36:32.740 --> 00:36:33.820 privilege that we have 00:36:33.820 --> 00:36:36.120 of now being united in 00:36:36.120 --> 00:36:38.080 Christ, and being able to 00:36:38.080 --> 00:36:39.660 serve Christ's body. 00:36:41.700 --> 00:36:43.260 Do you realize, as you 00:36:43.260 --> 00:36:44.260 look around, you'll be 00:36:44.260 --> 00:36:45.320 the people who are 00:36:45.320 --> 00:36:47.000 sitting with you on your 00:36:47.000 --> 00:36:47.220 pew. 00:36:47.219 --> 00:36:48.539 the people who are 00:36:48.539 --> 00:36:50.459 sitting before you and 00:36:50.459 --> 00:36:51.059 behind you. 00:36:51.739 --> 00:36:53.099 That they are part of 00:36:53.099 --> 00:36:53.819 God's family. 00:36:53.939 --> 00:36:56.199 So when you serve the 00:36:56.199 --> 00:36:57.739 family of God, when you 00:36:57.739 --> 00:37:01.179 serve God's children, you 00:37:01.179 --> 00:37:02.299 are serving God. 00:37:03.059 --> 00:37:04.299 What an incredible 00:37:04.299 --> 00:37:04.859 privilege. 00:37:05.279 --> 00:37:05.899 What an incredible 00:37:05.899 --> 00:37:06.480 responsibility. 00:37:07.719 --> 00:37:10.159 And so as we do this, as 00:37:10.159 --> 00:37:12.219 we grow in service for 00:37:12.219 --> 00:37:15.000 others, we have the joy 00:37:15.000 --> 00:37:16.639 through service of 00:37:16.639 --> 00:37:17.980 pointing to Christ. 00:37:18.460 --> 00:37:19.300 Because let me tell you, 00:37:19.420 --> 00:37:21.019 our world does not 00:37:21.019 --> 00:37:21.539 serve. 00:37:21.639 --> 00:37:23.019 They don't serve by 00:37:23.019 --> 00:37:25.019 their own desire. 00:37:25.260 --> 00:37:27.039 They don't choose to 00:37:27.039 --> 00:37:27.460 serve. 00:37:28.179 --> 00:37:30.739 But when we follow in 00:37:30.739 --> 00:37:31.820 the footsteps of Christ, 00:37:32.400 --> 00:37:33.800 when we choose to do the 00:37:33.800 --> 00:37:35.840 things that really we 00:37:35.840 --> 00:37:36.760 don't get attention for, 00:37:37.199 --> 00:37:38.320 we don't get promoted 00:37:38.320 --> 00:37:40.840 for, we demonstrate that 00:37:40.840 --> 00:37:41.920 there is a work of God in 00:37:41.920 --> 00:37:43.860 our lives, and we point 00:37:43.860 --> 00:37:45.220 to Christ, the gospel 00:37:45.220 --> 00:37:47.019 through our service. 00:37:47.880 --> 00:37:48.519 I'm going to pray for 00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:48.660 us. 00:37:48.680 --> 00:37:49.660 I'm going to invite the 00:37:49.660 --> 00:37:50.820 men to come forward. 00:37:51.019 --> 00:37:52.700 We'll commemorate and 00:37:52.700 --> 00:37:54.140 remember this work of 00:37:54.140 --> 00:37:55.880 Christ, of drawing us 00:37:55.880 --> 00:37:56.840 into himself. 00:37:57.660 --> 00:37:59.820 And then we'll close our 00:37:59.820 --> 00:38:00.320 time together. 00:38:01.740 --> 00:38:02.840 Father, thank you for 00:38:02.840 --> 00:38:03.500 sending Jesus. 00:38:04.900 --> 00:38:06.360 Thank you for overcoming 00:38:06.360 --> 00:38:06.980 our sin. 00:38:08.039 --> 00:38:09.059 Thank you for making a 00:38:09.059 --> 00:38:11.500 way of forgiveness, in 00:38:11.500 --> 00:38:13.480 salvation, in cleansing, 00:38:13.860 --> 00:38:15.340 and relationship with 00:38:15.340 --> 00:38:15.519 you. 00:38:16.420 --> 00:38:18.300 Thank you that that new 00:38:18.300 --> 00:38:20.260 relationship, that new 00:38:20.260 --> 00:38:21.920 position that we enjoy 00:38:21.920 --> 00:38:24.740 because of Jesus, has not 00:38:24.740 --> 00:38:28.079 only drawn us in to this 00:38:28.079 --> 00:38:32.079 rich union with God, but 00:38:32.079 --> 00:38:33.800 has drawn us in to 00:38:33.800 --> 00:38:34.460 fellowship with one 00:38:34.460 --> 00:38:34.720 another. 00:38:35.900 --> 00:38:37.440 And the distinct joy that 00:38:37.440 --> 00:38:39.000 we have because of the 00:38:39.000 --> 00:38:39.760 work of the Spirit in our 00:38:39.760 --> 00:38:42.099 life to serve those around 00:38:42.099 --> 00:38:43.519 us and to point to 00:38:43.519 --> 00:38:43.839 Christ. 00:38:44.839 --> 00:38:47.619 Oh God, may we grow in 00:38:47.619 --> 00:38:48.319 this service. 00:38:49.219 --> 00:38:51.639 And may all glory and 00:38:51.639 --> 00:38:53.400 praise redound to you 00:38:53.400 --> 00:38:54.819 because of it. 00:38:54.920 --> 00:38:55.759 In Jesus' name. 00:38:56.039 --> 00:38:56.259 Amen. 00:38:56.259 --> 00:38:56.360 Amen. 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.180 00:38:57.179 --> 00:39:27.159 Thank you.