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Qualifications for deacons and hope for the church

July 3, 2016 Speaker: Matt Series: Discipleship in the church

Topic: Discipleship Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:8–16

Discipleship in the church
Qualifications for deacons-outline
1 Timothy 3:8-16
Deacons must be godly, holding to the faith, and good managers of their households

1) Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, 3:8.
The word for Deacon simply means “servant”. Since all Christians are to serve the Lord and others, why is there a group of leaders called “deacons”? In what ways are these qualities vital for deacons?

2) They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, 3:9.
The “mystery of the faith” roughly means gospel. Why is it important that deacons hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience?

3) And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless, 3:10.
How might deacons be “tested”? Why do you think it’s necessary for deacons to be blameless?

4) Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things, 3:11.
Why do you think deacons’ wives must meet these standards?

5) Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well, 3:12.
Why must deacons be faithful husbands and good managers of their households?

6) For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus, 3:13.
In what ways is this an encouragement to deacons?

7) I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth, 3:14-15.
This is the central reason for Paul’s writing to Timothy. Comment on its significance.

8) Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory, 3:16.
These are aspects of Jesus Christ. Why does Paul call this the “mystery of godliness”? (“Mystery” means we couldn’t know these things unless God revealed them).

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