1 Timothy 3:8-13
Reflect
Immediately after Paul’s description for church elders, we get the only list of qualifications in the New Testament for the role of deacons. In its non-technical usage, this word simply means “one who serves”, and to some extent each of us as Christians are called to be one who serves. But in the context of this verse, as well as passages like Acts 6, we see that this can also refer to a specific position in the church that dedicates themselves specifically to meeting the tangible needs of the church and community. These may be things like caring for the poor and vulnerable, protecting church unity, and supporting the elders.
In Paul’s description in our passage today, he doesn’t talk at all about the specific duties that the deacons are supposed to do, rather he focuses on the quality of their character. And the first qualification listed is that they are to be someone worthy of respect.
Apply
This brings to mind a couple of questions for us to consider. First, who are some people near you who model a life that is worthy of respect? What is it about the way they live that you would hope to emulate in your own life? Second, when you do an honest evaluation of your life, would you say that it is one that is worthy of respect? And if not, what might need to change?
Pastor Dave
Pray
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor and his family.
- Pray for our Young Adults Pastor, Nathanael Trinh, his ministry, and his family.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Melissa Chaffee and her family.
- Pray for our Evening Event Hosts, Ethan Okken and Noah Okken
- Pray for our Communications Specialist, Katrina Grey.
- Pray for our McKernan Groups Assistant, Noah Okken and all the group leaders.