Morning Moments

1Ti 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

I am convinced there are two main reasons for weakness among church leaders. The first is a lack of confidence, which comes from a deficient understanding of the Word of God, and secondly a lack of courage which comes from the power of the Holy Spirit.

HIS CONFIDENCE -

In the first place we must understand that there is no such thing in Scripture as the "office" of a deacon or a "board" of deacons. These imply authority which deacons DO NOT have Biblically.

The word translated deacon means to serve, wait upon, with emphasis on the work to be done and not on the relationship between lord and servant. This man may be far more spiritual than the pastor, but he does not have the same authority or responsibility. Neither is there any indication in Scripture for his being compensated financially for his work as there is for the pastor. There is no indication in Acts 6 that these men were "ordained". There were simply appointed to the task by the apostles.

The clarification of this, if properly taught, would do away with many a problem between pastors and deacons who view their place as a watchdog over the pastor.

The word translated "purchase" conveys the idea of relinquishing or giving up something more precious than money before the possession is gained. What is more precious than money? The answer is the same for everyone. It is one's own life, which is consistent with Jesus' demand for discipleship according to Acts 20:28, which tells us that the church was more precious to Jesus than HIS own life.

What is the "good degree" he given up his life for as he serves well? The word in Greek depicts an increment of measure. So this man, who is appoint to serve by his confidence in the living, loving Lord Jesus Christ who lives within him has "grown" in "measure" as a "servant" toward the likeness of Christ.

To be confident is not to be arrogant, and confidence and humility are the team of horses that lead. The confidence is in regard to Christ, whereas the humility is in regard to oneself.

HIS COURAGE -

When the early church prayed, they did not pray to be filled with the Spirit. They prayed for boldness and were filled with the Spirit. The word boldness conveys the idea of "openly speaking", or frankness and fearlessness. Being bold does not mean being rude and unmannerly. It doesn't mean one is brash and brutal, but it does mean this man speaks with courage and confidence that which God says. This man understands that he will give an account for every idle word and that by our words we will be justified or judged.

Maybe you are such a man as this whom God will use to rekindle godly leadership in the church you attend. May God give us such men.

BLESSINGS!