Embracing the Humble Service of Deacons
Summary
In today's discussion, we delved into the significant roles of deacons within the church, drawing from Acts 6:6 and 1 Timothy 3:13. These scriptures provide a framework for understanding the responsibilities and spiritual significance of deacons. The process of ordination, as outlined in Acts 6, involves the congregation's participation in selecting deacons, followed by the pastor and deacons evaluating and training the candidates. This collaborative approach ensures that the church's leadership aligns with biblical principles rather than merely following bylaws or constitutions.
The act of laying on hands is a symbolic gesture that signifies the church's recognition and commissioning of individuals into the office of deacon. This practice, while not magical, carries profound symbolic meaning, representing the extension of authority and responsibility. It is a sacred moment where the church acknowledges the deacon's role in serving the congregation and supporting the pastor.
Serving well as a deacon is emphasized as a source of blessing not only for the individual but also for the pastor and the entire church community. A deacon's role is not one of authority but of service, humility, and support. When deacons serve with a humble heart, they bring blessings to their families, the pastor, and the church. This service aligns with the humility exemplified by Christ, fostering unity and spiritual growth within the church.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of spiritual authority within the church. While pastors hold a position of spiritual authority, deacons are called to serve and support, creating a harmonious relationship that benefits the entire church body. The ordination process and the role of deacons are not about titles but about fulfilling a God-given calling to serve with boldness and humility.
Key Takeaways:
- The ordination process, as outlined in Acts 6, involves the congregation's active participation in selecting deacons, ensuring alignment with biblical principles rather than merely following church bylaws. This collaborative approach fosters unity and spiritual growth within the church. [04:53]
- Laying on of hands is a symbolic gesture that signifies the church's recognition and commissioning of individuals into the office of deacon. It represents the extension of authority and responsibility, acknowledging the deacon's role in serving the congregation and supporting the pastor. [10:44]
- Serving well as a deacon brings blessings to the individual, the pastor, and the entire church community. A deacon's role is one of service, humility, and support, aligning with the humility exemplified by Christ and fostering unity and spiritual growth within the church. [16:07]
- Spiritual authority within the church is essential, with pastors holding a position of authority and deacons called to serve and support. This harmonious relationship benefits the entire church body, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling a God-given calling with boldness and humility. [17:34]
- The role of a deacon is not about titles but about serving with boldness and humility. When deacons serve well, they achieve a good standing before God and the church, bringing spiritual health and unity to the congregation. [20:27]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:53] - The Process of Ordination
[10:44] - Symbolism of Laying on Hands
[13:06] - Spiritual Authority and Responsibility
[14:35] - The Role of Deacons
[16:07] - Blessings of Serving Well
[17:34] - Harmonious Church Leadership
[18:32] - Serving with Boldness and Humility
[20:27] - Achieving Good Standing
[21:56] - Encouragement and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 6:6
- 1 Timothy 3:13
Observation Questions:
1. According to Acts 6:6, what was the role of the apostles in the ordination of deacons? How did they involve the congregation in this process? [04:53]
2. In 1 Timothy 3:13, what are the two outcomes mentioned for those who serve well as deacons?
3. What symbolic act is described in Acts 6:6, and what does it signify in the context of ordaining deacons? [10:44]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between pastors and deacons in terms of spiritual authority and service? [13:06]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the process of selecting deacons in Acts 6 reflect the importance of community involvement in church leadership decisions? [04:53]
2. What does the act of laying on hands symbolize in the ordination of deacons, and why is it considered significant? [10:44]
3. How does the sermon suggest that serving well as a deacon can bring blessings to the individual, the pastor, and the church community? [16:07]
4. In what ways does the sermon highlight the importance of humility and service in the role of a deacon, and how does this align with the example of Christ? [18:32]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the process of selecting deacons in your church. How can you actively participate in ensuring that this process aligns with biblical principles? [04:53]
2. The sermon emphasizes the symbolic meaning of laying on hands. How can you incorporate meaningful symbols or rituals in your spiritual practices to deepen your faith? [10:44]
3. Consider the role of humility in your own life. How can you cultivate a humble heart in your service to others, following the example of Christ? [18:32]
4. How can you support the deacons and pastors in your church to foster a harmonious relationship that benefits the entire church body? [17:34]
5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the blessings of serving others. How can you continue to serve well in your current roles and responsibilities? [16:07]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of spiritual authority. How do you perceive spiritual authority in your church, and how can you contribute to a healthy understanding of it? [13:06]
7. Identify one specific way you can support your church leadership this week, whether through prayer, encouragement, or another form of service. [21:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Congregational Participation in Ordination
The process of ordination, as outlined in Acts 6, emphasizes the active participation of the congregation in selecting deacons. This approach ensures that the church's leadership aligns with biblical principles rather than merely following church bylaws. By involving the congregation, the church fosters unity and spiritual growth, as members collectively discern and affirm those called to serve. This collaborative process not only strengthens the community but also ensures that the chosen deacons are spiritually equipped and supported by the entire church body. [04:53]
Acts 6:3-5 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church's decision-making processes to ensure they align with biblical principles?
Day 2: Symbolism of Laying on Hands
The act of laying on hands is a profound symbolic gesture that signifies the church's recognition and commissioning of individuals into the office of deacon. This practice represents the extension of authority and responsibility, acknowledging the deacon's role in serving the congregation and supporting the pastor. While not magical, this sacred moment is a powerful expression of the church's trust and affirmation of the deacon's calling. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual authority and responsibility entrusted to those who serve. [10:44]
1 Timothy 4:14 (ESV): "Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you."
Reflection: In what ways can you recognize and affirm the spiritual gifts and callings of others in your church community?
Day 3: Blessings of Serving as a Deacon
Serving well as a deacon brings blessings not only to the individual but also to the pastor and the entire church community. A deacon's role is one of service, humility, and support, aligning with the humility exemplified by Christ. When deacons serve with a humble heart, they foster unity and spiritual growth within the church. This service is not about authority but about being a vessel of God's love and grace, bringing blessings to their families, the pastor, and the congregation. [16:07]
Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: How can you embody the humility of Christ in your service to others today?
Day 4: Harmonious Church Leadership
Spiritual authority within the church is essential, with pastors holding a position of authority and deacons called to serve and support. This harmonious relationship benefits the entire church body, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling a God-given calling with boldness and humility. When pastors and deacons work together in unity, they create an environment where spiritual growth and community thrive, reflecting the love and grace of Christ to the world. [17:34]
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Reflection: What steps can you take to support and encourage the leaders in your church, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation?
Day 5: Serving with Boldness and Humility
The role of a deacon is not about titles but about serving with boldness and humility. When deacons serve well, they achieve a good standing before God and the church, bringing spiritual health and unity to the congregation. This service is a reflection of Christ's love and sacrifice, calling each believer to serve others selflessly and with a heart full of grace. By embracing this calling, deacons and all believers can contribute to a vibrant and spiritually healthy church community. [20:27]
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: In what ways can you serve others with boldness and humility, reflecting the love of Christ in your daily interactions?
Quotes
"Being a true servant of Jesus Christ is not a popularity contest. It is truly being a servant of God to serve the people of Christ. These men were being appointed to wait on tables, not to preach the word, not to lead, not to have authority or any of that nature, but to serve the body of Christ. Deacons deac, deacons serve." [00:09:34] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When the pastor and the body are in agreement, then you lay hands on the men for that task of the office of deacon. And so we can have all the administrative stuff we want and all these kinds of things. That's fine. But the scriptural part here is very sacred, I believe." [00:12:56] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It is an extension, right? So I don't know why God chose it but it's almost like the extending of authority and responsibility, right? So the apostles had authority. Pastors should have spiritual authority. Now, some people will disagree with that. I will say this. I'm just like you. I put my pants on one leg at a time." [00:13:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Whenever there's sometimes breakdowns in the church, because we're talking about this tomorrow, because when things go right, God blesses greatly, is that deacons are not positions of authority. They're positions of great responsibility of service, where the responsibility of the pastor, the responsibility of preaching the authority of the word of God, and leading the church to follow Jesus." [00:14:02] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But when deacons have a humble heart, and deacons serve, and deacons follow the intentions of Acts 6, look out, church, at the blessing. But first, the blessing to the man. When a deacon serves well, that man is blessed. I would say that home is blessed. I think there's a humility that comes over, a humbleness to serve." [00:17:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Secondly, it is a blessing to the pastor to be surrounded by such godly, humble men that serve him. Not his good pleasures, God's good pleasures, but that serve the pastor, and serve the church, and minister to my family. The number one service of a deacon, if he takes care of his, pastor, a right-hand man, let's just call it like that, and takes care of my family, and makes sure that's the priority number one, look out, that's a good place to be." [00:17:38] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And I serve with the same humility that Christ did in Philippians chapter two, and he emptied himself and gave himself out for the church. What an awesome, unifying, humbling experience. Now, to see deacons like that is just such a blessing." [00:19:36] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But when the title and responsibility come together in the right way, it is a powerful, powerful experience. And it says right here, there is, they have great boldness in their faith. It's not that the title made them anything special. The laying of hands didn't make anything special." [00:20:32] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Oct 03, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?