1 Timothy 3:8–13 “The Qualifications of Deacons”

1 Timothy 3:8-13 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• The Servant Song
• Chris Tomlin – I Will Follow
• Here I Am, Lord – Dan Schutte

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Serving Others | A Lesson About Service – Lesson for Kids
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• No Matter What I’m Facing | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• No, Not One | Shipwrecked VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Apostle then presents several qualifications for “deacons” (v. 8). A deacon is someone who assists the overseer by serving the needs of the congregation. Because of the nature of their duties, the expectations for deacons in terms of maturity are somewhat lower than those of overseers. Thus, unlike with overseers, the Apostle lists virtues in only two areas.

First, in terms of spiritual character, a deacon must be “worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, not pursuing dishonest gain, and keeping hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience” (vv. 8–9).

Second, in terms of family life, a deacon must be “faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well” (v. 12).

Here the Apostle adds: “In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers, but temperate and trustworthy in everything” (v. 11). In denominations that do not acknowledge female leadership in the church, the word “women” here is interpreted as referring to deacons’ wives. But this twists the passage to fit the interpreter’s own stance. It is more accurate to understand that the Apostle is speaking here about the qualifications for female deacons. This interpretation is supported by the fact that in Romans, the Apostle refers to Phoebe as a “deacon” (Rom. 16:1).

When a deacon faithfully fulfills their office, their faith grows. That is why the Apostle says they “gain great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus” (v. 13). To “gain an excellent standing” means they may even be recognized as overseers. In Acts, we see that Stephen and the six other Hellenistic leaders were chosen to handle the ministry of “serving” (the work of deacons), but later all became evangelists. Though they were originally appointed to distribute food, in carrying out that task, they grew spiritually and became proclaimers of the gospel.

Meditation:

The word “deacon” originally referred to a servant who waited on others at the table. For believers to gather regularly for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission, there needed to be people who, like servants who anticipate their master’s needs, recognize and serve the needs of the congregation. Such service also required a certain level of spiritual maturity, because serving in the church must flow out of the love that has been received from God. If someone serves with merely human motives, they will eventually be hurt and fall into temptation. When that happens, even the faith they once had can become endangered, bringing harm both to themselves and to the community.

When someone with a measure of maturity in faith serves as a deacon out of gratitude for God’s grace already received, it benefits both themselves and others. A deacon grows in faith through service. Within the community of faith, when we serve others, we develop “spiritual muscles.” Just as physical muscles grow by being wounded and then healed, so also spiritual muscles grow as we experience wounds and pain in the process of serving others. However, this requires a level of spirituality sufficient to endure those wounds and difficulties. That is why the office of deacon should not be entrusted to someone who is unprepared.

The statement that faithfully serving as a deacon leads to “a good standing” means that one may later be entrusted with the opportunity to serve as an overseer. The reason this is described as a “good standing” is not because it comes with greater honor or power, but because it allows one to serve more people in more meaningful ways. As Jesus taught, offices in the church are not meant to elevate someone so that they can rule over more people, but to lower oneself further so that one can serve more people. The one who humbles themselves the most and serves the most in the church is the greatest.

Prayer:

Lord, do not let our faith remain locked within us. According to the grace You have given, help us to serve our brothers and sisters inside the church and our neighbors outside the church. And when we experience wounds and pain in the process, let us recognize that our spiritual muscles are being strengthened, so that we may give thanks and rejoice. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Serving others in the church is not about gaining power or honor but about growing in faith and love. When we serve—even when it is hard or painful—God strengthens our “spiritual muscles” and helps us become more like Jesus, who humbled Himself to serve all.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What does it mean to “serve” someone? Can you think of a way you can serve at home, school, or church this week?
  • The Bible says serving can sometimes be hard or even hurt a little. Why do you think helping others can still make us stronger?
  • Jesus said the greatest person is the one who serves the most. How can you be “great” in God’s eyes?
    
• Youth
  • The devotional says “spiritual muscles” grow when we serve others, even through wounds and pain. Can you think of a time when helping or serving someone was hard, but it helped you grow?
  • Why do you think the Bible says that serving should come from God’s love, not just from human motives? What’s the difference?
  • In today’s world, leadership is often about power or recognition. How does Jesus’ teaching about leadership through serving challenge the way you think about your own future goals?