Deacons ~ 20230521 ~ Pastor Rodney Zedicher ~ Ephraim Church of the Bible ~ www.ephraimbible.org

05/21 Philippians 1:1; Deacons; Audio available at: http://www.ephraimbible.org/Sermons/20230521_philippians-deacons.mp3


We are studying Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi.

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Servant Leadership

The Apostle Paul introduces himself and his co-laborer Timothy simply as servants; literally slaves; Paul had learned from Jesus what it means to lead in Jesus’ kingdom;

Mark 10:42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Saints and Overseers

Paul addresses the saints; those set apart, sanctified, made holy by the blood of Jesus. He addresses the saints together with two groups of responsible leaders in the church; overseers and deacons. Both are plural, and both groups exist in the one church in Philippi.

We took last week to examine what the Bible has to say about overseers, a term which is used interchangeably with elders or shepherds or stewards; different descriptions or metaphors of one role or responsibility; those who watch over, protect and care for, those who lead and feed with the word, the flock of God which he purchased with his blood (Acts 20:17,28). Overseers /shepherds /elders were to be appointed in every church (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5).

Deacons

Today we will look at the other official role in the church, a role called ‘deacons’.

Deacon is another Greek word transferred over into English; [διάκονος] is the noun referring to the one who serves; it is translated as attendant, servant, minister, or transliterated as deacon.

[διακονία] is the noun referring to the service rendered; translated depending on context as serving or service, ministry, distribution, relief.

[διακονέω] is the verb to serve, translated, ministering, serving, helping, or delivering aid.

Servant (noun) [διάκονος]

We see the noun [διάκονος] ‘servant’ is used for servants in various capacities; Jesus uses it of every one of his followers who wishes to be great in his kingdom; ‘whoever would be great among you must be your servant’ (Mk.10:43).

It is used of the servants at the wedding in John 2 who fill the massive storage containers with the water that became wine (Jn.2:5,9). It is used in Jesus’ parables of a king’s servants who carry out his decrees of punishment (Mt.22:13);

Paul uses the term in Romans 13 to refer to government officials as ‘God’s servant for your good’ who ‘bear the sword’ to ‘carry out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer’ (Romans 13:4).

He even uses it to refer to false apostles as servants of Satan (2Cor.11:14-15)

Paul refers to himself and Apollos as ministers, servants of the gospel, of the new covenant, servants of God, of Christ.

He refers to Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchrea (Romans 16:1); Tychicus faithful servant (Eph.6:21; Col.4:7); Epaphras a servant of Christ on your behalf (Col.1:7).

Even Christ is said to be a servant to show God’s truthfulness and confirm the promises to the Jews (Rom.15:8).

Service Rendered (noun) [διακονία]

The noun [διακονία] referring to the service rendered is used of Martha’s hospitality, who was distracted with much serving (Lk.10:40); many times this word is used of the apostolic ministry (Ac.1:17,25; 21:19; Rom.11:13, etc.). [διακονία] is service as a Spirit given gift to build up the church (Rom.12:7; 1Cor.12:5). The whole church, every member, is to be equipped by its leaders ‘for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Eph.4:12).

There was a specific ministry given to Archippus (Col.4:17) and to Timothy (1Tim.4:5). The household of Stephanas’ devoted themselves to the service of the saints, possibly hosting the church in their home (1Cor.16:15).

Angels are even said to have ministry to those who are to inherit eternal life (Heb.1:14)

[διακονία] as Supporting Those in Need

There is another important use of the term [διακονία] to refer to the service of practical financial support of the poor. 2 Corinthians, Romans and Acts all mention this ministry (Acts 6:1; 11:29; 12:25; Rom.15:31; 2Cor.8:4; 9:1,12-13). In 2 Corinthians 8-9 it is clear that Paul is taking up a collection to be given to the poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem. Paul informs the church in Corinth of the eagerness of the churches of Macedonia (Philippi was the first church planted in Macedonia)

2 Corinthians 8:1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief [διακονίας] of the saints—

2 Corinthians 9:1 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, ... 12 For the ministry [διακονία] of this service [λειτουργίας] is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,

In Acts 6, (and we will come back to Acts 6 in a bit) there is the specific issue of the daily distribution, or food service to widows in the Jerusalem church.

To Serve (verb) [διακονέω]

The verb [διακονέω] also shows up in various contexts. Angels ministered to Jesus after his 40 day fast and temptation (Mt.4:11); Peter’s mother-in-law ministered to Jesus and the disciples after Jesus healed her (Mt.8:15). There were many women who ministered to Jesus and his disciples throughout his ministry; as they had received supernaturally and spiritually, so they gave back physically and tangibly. Martha, and her sister Mary extended hospitality to Jesus (Jn.12:2). At the crucifixion,

Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered [διηκόνουν] to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. (cf.Mt.27:55-56)

Luke tells us clearly that this ministry of the women to Jesus included practical financial support.

Luke 8:2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them [διηκόνουν] out of their means.

Paul mentions the service of the household of Onesiphorus to him in his chains (2Tim.1:16-18) as well as of Onesimus (Phm:13)

Peter uses the verb to point to the Old Testament prophets serving us (1Pet.1:12), and he uses it to point to grace gifts enabling us to serve one another (1Pet.4:10-11)

[διακονέω] as Administering Support to those in Need

Paul uses the verb also to refer to his bringing financial aid to Jerusalem (Rom.15:25; 2Cor.8:19-20); he says in 2 Corinthians 8 of Titus and the preaching brother;

2 Corinthians 8:19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered [διακονουμένῃ] by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered [διακονουμένῃ] by us,

The financial gift was being ‘deaconed’ ar administered by Paul and his co-workers, so Paul felt obligated to carry the money with appointed delegates of the churches so that in handling the money, there would be accountability and they would be seen to be above reproach.

Jesus will use our service, our ‘deaconing,’ ministering to the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, those lacking clothing, the sick and those in prison as evidence of the genuineness of our faith in him.

Matthew 25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister [διηκονήσαμέν] to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’

Qualifications for the Diaconate (1 Timothy 3:8-13)

Here in Philippians, we have deacons or servants distinguished as a group of leaders alongside the overseers. In 1 Timothy, Paul encourages those who aspire to serve as overseers, and he gives the necessary qualifications for the overseer/shepherd/elder. Then in verse 8 he gives the necessary qualifications for those who fill the office of deacon:

1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons [Διακόνους] likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons [διακονείτωσαν] if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons [διάκονοι] each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons [διακονήσαντες] gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Every believer is a saint, and every follower of Jesus is called to serve, to minister to others, but not every believer is called or qualified to fill the office of deacon of the local church. Every deacon must first be a saint, but not every saint can serve as a deacon.

Acts 6 and the Division of Ministry

In Acts 6, although the title ‘deacon’ does not appear, the noun form of the word pointing to the service rendered by a deacon appears twice and the verb ‘to serve’ or ‘to deacon’ appears once. Acts 6 tells of the Apostles officially recognizing the seven who were appointed to serve. Acts 6 comes after Acts 2-5. To understand Acts 6, we need to know what was happening. In Acts 2, when the gospel was proclaimed and the Lord God called people to himself, and people believed, and the church was growing exponentially, we are told:

Acts 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The gospel changes people. Jesus re-orders what is important to us. 1 John 3:16 says:

1 John 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

The gospel, that Jesus, out of love, laid down his life for us, transforms us, births his love in us. We see this happening at the birth of the church in Acts. In Acts 3, Peter and John have no money, but heal the lame man who was begging. This gets them taken into custody by the religious leaders, but the church continued to grow from 3,000 to 5,000, and by the end of chapter 4,

Acts 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

In Acts 5, we see corruption entering already, Ananias and Sapphira seeking to buy status through benevolent giving, lying to the Spirit, and falling down dead as Jesus purified his church. The sharing was not compulsory; it was voluntary.

Acts 6 we see the grumbling beginning in the body:

Acts 6:1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution [διακονίᾳ].

The Greek speaking Jews from the dispersion were feeling slighted in the daily distribution for needy widows. This is the word for service rendered. So the Apostles took action.

Acts 6:2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve [διακονεῖν] tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry [διακονίᾳ] of the word.”

Here we have the first division of labor. The daily service to widows and the unity of the church is essential, but so is the service of the word. It is not right to neglect the one to do the other. So they gave qualifications for those who would deacon tables and manage the daily deaconing of resources. They would devote themselves to prayer and deaconing the word. So the assembly chose seven,

Acts 6:6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

Every believer is a minister, called and equipped to do the work of the ministry. Deacons, men of character, alongside their overseers/shepherds are appointed in the church to administer equitably the practical care for those in need in the body. This is meant to free the overseers/shepherds to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

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2023.05.21 Sermon Notes

Deacons; Philippians 1:1

Jesus taught and modeled servant leadership

Mark 10:42-45

Overseers/Elders/Shepherds appointed in every church

Acts 20:17,28; 14:23; Titus 1:5

Deacons

diakonos (n.) one who serves

diakonia (n.) the service rendered

-as support of those in need (Acts 6:1; 11:29; 12:25;

Rom.15:31; 2Cor.8:4; 9:1,12-13)

diakoneo (v.) to serve

-as administering support to those in need (Rom.15:25;

2Cor.8:19-20)

Deacons must be qualified

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Generosity in the church

Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37; 1 John 3:16-18

Division of Ministry;

table ministry/ministry of the word and prayer

Acts 6:1-6

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Pastor Rodney Zedicher ~ Ephraim Church of the Bible ~ www.ephraimbible.org