Daily Bible Studywith SEEDS OF THE KINGDOM
Updated: Wednesday, 3 December 2008, 9:09 (GMT)
15 September 2008 | 1 Timothy 3:8-13
In the same way, deacons must be respected by others, not saying things they do not mean. They must not drink too much wine or try to get rich by cheating others. With a clear conscience they must follow the secret of the faith that God made known to us. Test them first. Then let them serve as deacons if you find nothing wrong in them. In the same way, women[a] must be respected by others. They must not speak evil of others. They must be self-controlled and trustworthy in everything. Deacons must have only one wife and be good leaders of their children and their own families. Those who serve well as deacons are making an honourable place for themselves, and they will be very bold in their faith in Christ Jesus.Notes
Paul here is writing to Timothy about 'deacons', specific leaders in the church. There are a lot of demands placed upon these 'deacons' in this passage - they must be self-controlled, mature in their relationships with others and strong in their faith in Christ.The idea of 'deacons' may seem strange and unfamiliar to those of us who do not have deacons in our church. Whilst here they are obviously church leaders, the actual word means 'one who serves'. Jesus used the phrase to describe himself in Luke 22:27 when the disciples are arguing about who among them is the greatest: 'For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.' (diakonos).
Not everyone is called to be a 'deacon' officially in the church and indeed such a demanding list of qualifying criteria might put people off. But surely we are all deacons in some way - as Christians, we are all called to serve as Jesus did. Do we have such high standards for our own lives? Do we seek to be bold in our faith in Christ Jesus?
Prayer
Father, help me to live a life of service. Help me to strive to glorify you today in my actions, that I might seek to follow the example of Jesus - being ready to serve rather than be served.Today's Writer
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Bible Study Archive
- 3 December 2008 | The God who answers prayer
- 2 December 2008 | Wonderfully made
- 1 December 2008 | More precious than gold
- 30 November 2008 | Total Security
- 29 November 2008 | Barriers to Worship
- 28 November 2008 | His Way is in the Whirlwind
- 27 November 2008 | Reality Check
- 26 November 2008 | Wife of Noble character
- 25 November 2008 | When everything goes wrong
- 24 November 2008 | Walking in the light
- 23 November 2008 | The Eternal Riddle!
- 22 November 2008 | Overcoming evil with good
- 21 November 2008 | Under His Shadow
- 20 November 2008 | A plumb line not a pendulum
- 19 November 2008 | Keys to discovering and fulfilling your purpose and destiny (3)
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