1 Timothy 3:8-13 (ESV)
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
October is a customary time when congregations near and far recognize and honor their pastors. I appreciate this as a pastor, for the Lord uses such encouragement to stir me up to more faithful and loving service. For me, it is truly a joy to serve the flock of Providence (Heb 13:17b). Even outside the month of October, it is evident that folks at Providence are remembering their leaders and considering the “outcome of their way of life” (Heb 13:7). So on behalf of the PBF elders, allow me to extend a sincere sentiment of thanks.
But the text above doesn’t focus on pastors, but rather centers on deacons. The pastors of Providence would not be effective without faithful deacons. (It would be worth your time to read that sentence again and again!) Trust me, we are so grateful for God’s design in giving the church pastors and deacons to lead the flock well. So this month, as you consider showing appreciation to the pastors, let me encourage you to thank with even more fervor those who serve as deacons.
Most of the above text focuses on present life as a deacon—keeping oneself qualified and effective in diaconal service. This is good because all God’s ministers should take their roles seriously and strive by His grace to fulfill their offices in such a way that honors the risen Christ. Verse 13, however, teaches what happens after a deacon has served well. The CSB (Christian Standard Bible) is helpful here, mainly because it renders the tenses clearly:
13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The “have served” component is important—very important. As deacons serve faithfully within a local church context, a trajectory is being traveled. The end of the road (as it were) is a type of position that leads to perhaps even greater service within the church. Verse 13 tells us two things are acquired as a result of serving well as a deacon: 1) a good standing and 2) great boldness. The original language undergirding the term “good standing” points to a step up, a kind of advancement. Some commentators define this as deacons advancing from the office of deacon to service as a pastor. This might happen, but the text neither demands it or clearly points in that direction. The thought is for a deacon to gain a higher estimation within a local church, including a deeper level of respect and honor. Good deacons are looked up to not necessarily because the serve their diaconal office well, but because they live and serve as faithful Christians. (For those of us at Providence, think about the influence past deacons have had on us over the years. Many have served as deacons, and many have a good standing in PBF—serving even now faithfully and effectively.)
Not only does a good deacon acquire a good standing, but he also acquires great boldness. What kind of boldness does the apostle Paul have in mind? Great boldness could refer to increased trust in the sufficiency of the gospel due to seeing its impact played out in real-life ministry scenarios. It could also refer to one not having any regrets before God for how he served as a deacon. In my opinion, a blending of both points is most accurate and helpful. In fact, boldness in living out the gospel should lead one to a fruitful ministry—one without disappointment.
We should be particularly thankful for the deacons whose official terms have ended but still have a lasting impact on the body of Providence. For those deacons who serve well now, let us encourage them unto more faithful service knowing God is granting them further rapport within our church. This will, by God’s grace, lead to greater influence in the body once they lay down an official title. All this translates to God’s people being built up in the faith. When our deacons serve with excellence for the glory of Christ, so the people are strengthened to love the Lord and others with greater vigor.
Please join me in sincerely thanking our deacons (past and present). As a young pastor, I assure you I would not be fruitful without these godly men around me. Let us praise God for them and understand their greatest impact on the body of Providence might come as they serve not as deacons but as bold brothers in the faith. We need such men. We need our deacons.
Pastor Jason
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