Class Notes
LESSON 7 The Scriptural Qualifications of Deacons
I
n the previous lesson we looked at the qualifications that the New Testament gives for the position of elder. These qualifications are very high, and some people wonder if anyone can attain them. At least they give us a goal to work toward achieving. In this lesson we will do something similar, but this time, we will look at what the New Testament says about the qualifications for deacons, both male and female. To avoid the gender problem, we will refer to them collectively as the diaconate. Some churches use the word “deaconry” (which you will not find in a dictionary) instead of diaconate. The goals of this lesson are: •
To analyze the various qualifications that Scripture stipulates for the position of deacon.
•
To evaluate your life in the light of Scripture to see in what areas a person qualifies for the diaconate and in what areas he/she needs to work on.
Though 1 Timothy 3:11 uses the word “women,” it is commonly interpreted that this refers to female deacons. The NIV translates this word as “their wives,” although if you look in the marginal references you will find that this version also admits the possibility of a reference to deaconesses. We will use a comparative method with the New American Standard Version and the New International Version to get a better sense of what the qualifications for deacons are. You should write down your understanding of these qualifications. If you do not understand a particular term, you may look the passage up in another modern English translation. Later you will be asked to do a self-evaluation.
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Lesson 7 – The Scriptural Qualifications of Deacons
Class Notes
Spiritual Qualities References
NASV
NIV
Acts 6:3
Full of the Spirit
Full of the Spirit
Acts 6:3
Full of wisdom
Full of wisdom
I Tim. 3:9
Holding to the mystery of the faith
Keep hold of the deep truths of the faith
Your understanding
Doing all right
Needs work
Doing all right
Needs work
1. Why does a deacon need to be “full of the Spirit and wisdom” when his/her responsibility is principally one of managing benevolence and meeting physical needs rather than spiritual ones?
2. It is interesting that the Apostle Paul did not include this in the qualifications for an elder. Is being full of the Holy Spirit also a necessity for an elder?
Character qualities References
NASV
NIV
Acts 6:3
Good reputation
1 Tim. 3:8
Dignity
1 Tim. 3:8
1 Tim. 3:10
Not doubletongued Not addicted to much wine Not fond of sordid gain Tested
Not indulging in much wine Not pursuing dishonest gain Tested
1 Tim. 3:11
Dignified
Worthy of respect
1 Tim. 3:11
Not malicious gossips
Not malicious talkers
1 Tim 3:8 1 Tim. 3:8
Your understanding
People who are known Worthy of respect Sincere
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Preparing to Lead God’s People
1 Tim. 3:11
Temperate
Temperate
1 Tim. 3:11
Faithful in all things
Trustworthy in everything
3. Why does a deacon (male or female) need to have a good reputation?
With whom?
4. How would a deacon be tempted if he were “pursuing dishonest gain?”
5. Why would a person who is a gossip be especially dangerous in the diaconate?
Family Qualities References I Tim. 3:12 I Tim. 3:12
NASV Husband of only one wife Good managers of children and household
NIV Husband of but one wife Manage his children and his household well
6. Why must a deacon also have a model home life?
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Your understanding
Doing all right
Needs work
Lesson 7 – The Scriptural Qualifications of Deacons
Application:
Class Notes
1. If you are a deacon or deaconess, or are being trained for this position, how do you measure up? Please go over the list of qualities and indicate if you are doing reasonably well or if you need to work at acquiring some of these qualities.
2. What is the danger of a church choosing deacons and deaconesses who do not measure up to the scriptural qualifications?
3. How can a deacon or deaconess acquire the qualities that they need to fulfill well their ministry?
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