As we move into examination of more specific characteristics of deacons, let me encourage you to use a word-for-word, literal translation of the Bible; such as the King James Version (KJV) or the New American Standard (NAS). As I pointed out in Part #1 of this series, the literal interpretation is vitally important to a study such as this. Just for example if you use the Contemporary English Version (CEV), frequently labeled the Calvinist Bible, the words used will occasionally alter the meanings from the intent of the original languages. The CEV is written at a fourth grade reading level, making it appropriate for children and adults with limited English skills. The CEV translators used the dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) as opposed to formal equivalence (word-for-word) translation method. So, get a good translation of the Bible and be willing to dig deeper, rather than just surface study.
The next characteristic to be examined when considering a candidate to serve as a Deacon is what the KJV calls "honest report." Honest report means of good reputation, well-respected, of godly character and moral integrity. Paul elaborates on this in 1 Timothy 3:10. Deacons are to be found “blameless." This is an all-inclusive quality relating to all areas of life and sets the tone for all of the other areas that follow. It means having been examined and passed the test. The word "blameless," of course, does not mean sinless perfection; but the characteristic pattern of life must be in line with the biblical standards required of deacons. When considering a candidate to serve as a deacon, he should be asked if there are any verifiable, unresolved charges of wrong-doing that could be brought against him. Simply stated… are there any skeletons in his closet? If so, has he properly repented and does he now have a clear conscience before God? The key focus is NOT whether or not the candidate has ever done anything wrong... since we all have! The real issue is whether the candidate has repented of his wrongs and made them right with with the Lord and others. Some sins may disqualify a person permanently from serving as a deacon, but most will not; if the person has truly repented.
Being “of honest report” means being worthy of respect. This should include the deacons' reputation both in the church and in the business community. Again, this does NOT mean that everyone must like him or agrees with him, as that is not even realistic. For example, I have been very successful in building relationships across our community, but there are still some who don't like me. I know of one who dislikes me because I caught him trying to cheat me financially after doing work on my house... a couple don't like me because I would not condone their sinful lifestyles... and others don't like me simply because I adhere to biblical positions that they feel are outdated. But, most of those who dislike my positions, would still say they respect me for being true to my beliefs. People can disagree, while still respecting one another.
Rest assured that unbelievers are constantly watching and evaluating church leaders. A man cannot effectively serve as a deacon or a witness in the community if he has a dark cloud hanging over his head. A bad reputation for a deacon is a bad reputation for the church, and a bad reputation for our Lord. The world watches and marks those pastors and deacons who are lazy, cut corners, curse, lie, gamble, drink, etc. I remember a time I was shocked to discover that a man who served as a deacon in our church had a poor testimony of cussing and berating in the business community. I was also shocked to discover that a couple of deacons were social drinkers. These things were brought to my attention by those outside of our church... it was the community that informed me, not the church family! Sadly those critics took pleasure in exposing sin and rest assured that Satan delights in discrediting a church by exposing questionable behavior or flaws in the leadership! When considering a man to serve as a deacon, ask, “What do his neighbors and those in the community say about this man?”
In addition, one must have an “honest report” or "good reputation" within his local church. He should be an example in every area. Ask whether he is participating in the Great Commission by visiting the lost and trying to win them to Christ? Is he actively discipling a new believer? Does he wholeheartedly support the various ministries of the church? Does he regularly give financial support through tithes, offerings, and mission giving? Is he in complete doctrinal agreement with the church? Is he fully supportive of the Pastor? Does he faithfully attend the church services? Has he proven himself to be a fully-devoted follower of Christ over a period of time? You don’t make a man a deacon in hopes that he will serve; you select him because he already has an established pattern of serving in the church. So, before nominating a man to serve as a deacon, be sure he has a lifestyle that is consistent with the biblical requirements for deacons.
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