The Lifestyle of Service

The Lifestyle of Service
Words of Faith 5-15-2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2023
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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1 Timothy 3
[8] Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

Who are the deacons? Deacons are servant leaders who help with functional or practical matters of ministry so that the pastor, evangelist, missionary, and other leaders can focus on the Word and prayer. This will be confirmed as a special office in some churches or ministries. All church servants need to hear the guidance of Paul regarding lifestyle.

Lifestyle matters. A churchman can do all manner of work around the church, but if they behave in a way that does not honor God, it all is for naught, and our service for Christ is negated. Whether in the formal office of deacon or the informal call to serve, the diakonia is marked by a life "worthy of respect."
The Greek here combines a sense of both gravity and dignity. There is a seriousness of purpose. A deacon does not "demand respect" with arrogance or pomp as this would not be the character of Christ, but people will respect the Christ they see in us as we serve the Body.
Sincere means literally‑‑ "not double-tongued." To be double-tongued is to say one thing to one person and something different to another. Deacons must be focused on giving aid rather than engaging in idle gossip or factions. Being on the "inside" of ministry requires confidentiality and trust among leaders. Deacons will inevitably hear of the various struggles that go on. A Deacon can be trusted to tell the truth and not talk behind the back of leaders or members of the Body.
Not indulging in much wine. This is stated in grammar even stronger than in the directive to the overseers. Wine is not forbidden here or anywhere else in the Bible, but overindulgence is. Anyone who serves in the Church should pray carefully over their use of alcohol, even privately. Consideration should especially be given to what alcohol means as a symbol in our culture and whether its use could be a stumbling block to other believers. Abstinence is a choice that is never difficult to defend.
Not pursuing dishonest gain. Because a church servant will most often work in the world, the way they make a living is important. It makes no sense to serve and give in the church while making money dishonestly in the world‑‑ , literally in a "base or shameful way." A servant of the Lord must have an honest way of making a living and exhibit ethics that are consistently above reproach. Shady business deals do not reflect well on the work of the church or the character of Christ. Businesses that take advantage of people do not reflect the work of the Gospel. We are called to serve Christ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Lord, let me be a servant leader who is worthy of respect. Keep my tongue in check. Help me to scrutinize my life. May Your character and Spirit so shine in me that those around me will be drawn to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2023 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.