1 Timothy – Week 4 – Day 5

READ 

1 Timothy 3:8-9 

8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 

“In the same way” tells us that the requirements for deacons are similar to those of the overseers. The main difference seems to be that deacons are not required to teach, although some could, no doubt. The “mystery” of the faith is something not revealed in the Old Testament but now is known by the deacons. Even though not required to teach, deacons are to be doctrinally sound and live what they believe. 

REFLECT 

These high standards for deacons are similar to those for the overseers. Churches are blessed who require these high standards and experience problems if they do not. 

RESPOND 

For the background on differences between church officers, read Acts 6:1-6. The word “deacon” is not used in this passage but the dividing up of responsibilities is evident. Of special note is that those who served tables were to be spiritual just as those over them were to be.