SERVING WELL
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, you did not come to us to be served, but to serve. Please accept my thanksgiving and give me your heart to serve others.
Read 1 TIMOTHY 3:8-13
8 In the same way, deacons[a] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women[b] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
- 1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Have you ever had to fulfill a menial role within the church, or in Christian ministry? How did you feel about it? What would you say were the qualifications for serving well?Deacons were appointed to fulfill practical roles within the church. Perhaps we would regard these positions as less spiritual, but Paul emphasizes here that deacons must have an understanding of the deep truths of the faith (v 9). In Acts 6, where the first deacons were appointed to care for the practical needs of the church, the first qualification was that they were to be wise and full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3).
Deacons, whether male or female, must be self-controlled in their behavior and trustworthy in financial matters. They need to be above reproach in their behavior and their relationships, especially with their family. In John 13, Jesus set an example of serving with an attitude of love for others.
The list of qualifications for a deacon matches that for leaders in verses 1-7, but Paul suggests two benefits of serving well (v 13)—they will earn respect (I wonder if that respect is from fellow believers, those outside the church, or from God himself) and they will become more sure of their faith in Christ Jesus.
Apply
Pray using the words of this song by Graham Kendrick: ‘So let us learn how to serve / And in our lives enthone him / Each other’s needs to prefer / For it is Christ we’re serving.’*
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, when I am serving even the least of those in need, I am serving you. Help me to serve in ways that please you and bring you glory.
*‘The Servant King,’ Graham Kendrick 1983.
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