Those Who Serve Well (1 Timothy 3:10-13)

Last week we began the section in 1 Timothy about the qualifications for deacons. This week, we’ll continue Paul’s line of thought. 

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. (1 Timothy 3:8-10)

This is really just stating plainly the point we considered last week. Before someone should be allowed to serve as a deacon, they must be tested. Take a close look at their lives and, if they prove blameless in regard to dignity, speech, addiction, greed, faith, and conscience, let them serve. This means that some who wish to be deacons will need to be turned away. 

Don’t look at the deacon role as a starter role for potential elders. Some churches treat deacons like JV and elders like varsity. But their Character and grasp of the faith must be just as strong as elders’. The only difference is that they do not have to be able to teach. 

Having already considered that matter last week, let’s move on to verse eleven, which shifts gears a bit. 

Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. (1 Timothy 3:11) 

Several things to think through here.

First, the Greek word translated “wives” could also be translated “women.” So, we’re either looking at qualifications for deacons’ wives, possibly indicating that men and women served as couples, or female deacons.

For what it’s worth, I tend to think it’s referring to female deacons. If it were about the deacons’ wives, it seems like there would be a parallel reference to overseers’ wives in the previous passage. Surely if it is important that deacons’ wives have godly character, it is also important that overseers’ wives have godly character too. It seems more likely that this is referring to female deacons or deacon couples.

Either way, the same high standards apply.

• Dignified: Esteemed, respectable, venerable, honorable. It’s the same word we saw in verses four and eight. God really cares that church leaders be dignified, whether male or female.
• Not slanderers: Believe it or not, this is the Greek word diabolos, translated “devil” a couple of times later in the letter. It means someone who accuses, usually falsely.
• Sober-minded: Not intoxicated, clear thinking.
• Faithful in all things: Trustworthy, dependable, and reliable across the board.

Let’s keep reading.

Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. (1 Timothy 3:12)

Here we have the same qualification repeated from verse four. Like elders, deacons need to be maritally faithful and good household managers. Since we’ve talked a good bit about this in relation to elders, I’m eager to move on to our last verse for this week’s devotion.

The concluding reason Paul gives for these high standards for deacons is this:

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. (1 Timothy 3:13)

The reason to keep these qualifications in mind when appointing deacons is that those who serve well (nobly) gain (acquire) two things.

First, “a good standing for themselves.” It’s not clear what this means, but it might mean that they’ll be well-thought of in the church, which is valuable.

Second, “great confidence in the faith.” There is a relationship to the deacon’s service and his or her faith. If they serve well, it will deepen and expand their faith in Jesus.

The thought I want to leave you with is this: Deacon ministry is important. Let’s not neglect our deacons. Let’s not allow the church to look at deacons with less esteem than they look at elders/pastors. Let’s honor the office of deacon by maintaining high standards for becoming one and expecting the same high level of dedication we do from elders.