Unsung Heroes
January 13, 2013 Speaker: Ken Ramey
Topic: Deacons Passage: Acts 6:1–7
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In Acts 6:1-7, Luke explained how the twelve apostles wisely managed the rapidly expanding ministry of the early church by delegating the temporal tasks of the church to capable, qualified men so they could maintain their spiritual priorities to pray and preach.
This morning, Pastor Ramey teaches on the role and significance of Deacons in the church body as prescribed in God's Word.
1. DISCRIMINATION OF WIDOWS (v. 1)
The role of deacons came by way of necessity. Ministering to the church body had become too big a burden for the twelve apostles to handle personally. The apostles therefore found it necessary to delegate many of the tasks of ministry to others.
The role of deacons came by way of necessity. Ministering to the church body had become too big a burden for the twelve apostles to handle personally. The apostles therefore found it necessary to delegate many of the tasks of ministry to others.
2. DECLARATION OF PRIORITIES (vv. 2, 4)
God calls each of us to ministries that are all equally important. The apostles recognized their priorities were prayer and teaching and realized that they needed to devote most of their time and energy to those activities (Acts 20). It thus became necessary to delegate other important activities to others who were gifted to serve.
God calls each of us to ministries that are all equally important. The apostles recognized their priorities were prayer and teaching and realized that they needed to devote most of their time and energy to those activities (Acts 20). It thus became necessary to delegate other important activities to others who were gifted to serve.
3. DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES (vv. 3, 5-6)
Paul laid out a list of characteristics for deacons to his disciple Timothy. These are the general characteristics of godly men who have demonstrated a willingness to serve and do not seek recognition or reward for their service. Those recognized as deacons must have good reputations and above reproach both inside and outside the church (1 Timothy 3:8-13).
Paul laid out a list of characteristics for deacons to his disciple Timothy. These are the general characteristics of godly men who have demonstrated a willingness to serve and do not seek recognition or reward for their service. Those recognized as deacons must have good reputations and above reproach both inside and outside the church (1 Timothy 3:8-13).
4. DISSEMINATION OF GOD'S WORD (v. 7)
As more and more people were being impacted by God's Word (converted), the apostles needed more time to devote themselves to the Word and prayer, which was their God-given ministry. By appointing deacons, they could meet this responsibility in an ever-growing church body. The problem of ministering to the widows was also solved through appointment of deacons (e.g., Exodus 18).
As more and more people were being impacted by God's Word (converted), the apostles needed more time to devote themselves to the Word and prayer, which was their God-given ministry. By appointing deacons, they could meet this responsibility in an ever-growing church body. The problem of ministering to the widows was also solved through appointment of deacons (e.g., Exodus 18).
Thank God for providing us more deacons to serve alongside the ones who are already in place. Pray that they would remain above reproach and yielded to the Holy Spirit and wisely work together to meet the temporal, practical needs of our church and community.