There was a problem. The church had a meal program for widows, but some were being left out. To complicate things, the slight seems to have affected widows of a certain racial group. The senior leaders of the church were not particularly suited to deal with the issue and that’s how things got to be the way they were. Something had to be done. So, they looked for a set of servant-leaders who were particularly skilled at administration and care. These servant-leaders also had godly character, which was helpful in dealing with the emotionally-charged situation and the dear women who were affected. The end result was that the senior leaders were freed up to do what they were best at and this new serving team not only solved the problem, but became the forerunners of the future office of “deacon” in the church.

That story comes, as you may know, from Acts 6:1-7, and the account includes the resulting blessing in verse 7: "And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” I remember a conference speaker saying, “There’s nothing like the church when the church is working right.” Acts 6 is a prime example of that truism. It is the variety of gifts (talents), passions, and roles that fires up the church to be the best it can be at accomplishing the mission.

That’s relevant, of course, to what we’ll be looking at in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 this Sunday as we continue our series, The Good Fight. Having looked at the character and skill of the overseer (elder, pastor) last week, we now turn our attention to the office of deacon and the character that is necessary to serve in this essential role. While Harvest does not have that biblical title assigned to anyone, there are many who are serving in that office throughout our ministry, freeing up the elders and pastors to do their work and allowing the church to function, thrive, and fulfill its mission.

Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy)
Message: 8 – Tested First
Text: 1 Timothy 3:8-13
Todd Dugard
Harvest Bible Chapel
June 15, 2025

Acts 6:7

This strategic division of labor was a sign of strength in the first church, and it signals strength in churches today. Pastors (or deacons, for that matter) who try to do everything end up doing a disservice to everyone.
Matt Smethurst

If I am a servant in the church… (v. 8a)

διάκονος (diakonos) – servant, helper

Matthew 20:26

Make no mistake: the apostles did not delegate this problem to others because it wasn’t important, but because it was.
Matt Smethurst

…whose character has been tested (v. 8b-11)

γυνή (gunē) – adult female person; woman

…and family is on track (v. 12)

Harvest exists to glorify God by making more and better followers of Jesus who love God and love people.

I will gain for myself… (v. 13a)

…a good standing before others (v. 13b)

If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me.
D. L. Moody

Proverbs 22:1

Matthew 5:16

…and great confidence in Christ (v. 13c)

Hebrews 11:6a

– RESOURCES –

Characteristics of Deacons and Women Helpers
harvestbible.ca/deacons

Deacons - An Essay by Matt Smethurst
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/deacons/

Wives or Deaconesses? by Bill Mounce
https://www.billmounce.com/monday-with-mounce/wives-or-deaconesses-%CE%B3%CF%85%CE%BD%CE%AE-1-tim-3-11