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Servant Leadership - Pt. 3

January 25, 2015 Speaker: Ken Ramey

Topic: Servanthood

Sunday Service

Selected Scriptures

In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Paul provided a list of objective, observable, tangible qualifications to guide Timothy and us in selecting the type of men who should serve as deacons. He listed EIGHT FEATURES of a man God has called to be a deacon.

1. DIGNIFIED
Service to the Lord in his church is a high calling and a deacon should conduct himself in a dignified manner, which is honoring to God and the office in which he serves.

2. NOT DOUBLE-TONGUED
He must say what he means and mean what he says. He should be consistent with the way he speaks to all - both inside and outside of the body.

3. NOT ADDICTED TO WINE
This is the same standard as for elders. A deacon must not abuse alcohol and remain of sober mind.

4. NOT FOND OF SORDID GAIN
A deacon must serve with pure and sincere motives. He looks to give and to serve others and not seek glory for his service (1 Timothy 5:2). They should also guard against the temptation to take from the money of the church for personal gain.

5. DOCTRINALLY AND ETHICALLY SOUND
A deacon does not necessarily have to be able to teach, but he must love to study the Word and live out sound doctrine in his life (1 Timothy 1:5, 1:19, 4:2); A deacon must guard what he believes ( guard against heresy) and teach and how he lives out his life (hypocrisy) (1 Timothy 4:16).

6. ABOVE REPROACH
The character of a deacon candidate must be carefully examined to determine if they are worthy to serve in that position. To be ‘above reproach’ means that he should live his life in such a way as to remain blameless so that others cannot question his character.

7. THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE
He should be a faithful husband and his marriage should be beyond reproach. He should lead an exemplary family.

8. GOOD MANAGER OF CHILDREN AND HOUSEHOLD
The truest test of a man’s managerial ability is the manner in which he leads his family. If he cannot properly lead his family, then he cannot be expected to lead those in the church body well.

Thank God for providing our church with additional men to serve as elders and deacons. Ask God to help these men in their new role and pray that the entire leadership team at LBC would continue to faithfully function the way God intends with integrity and unanimity.