Acts 6:1-7 & 1 Timothy 3:8-13

The Ministry of Deacons.

Introduction: the necessity of church offices.

• 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
• Colossians 2:5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
• Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.

1. God commanded his Old Covenant believers to care for the poor in their midst.

   1. Care for the poor was a national obligation for Israel.

2. Deuteronomy 15:7-8
3. Proverbs 14:21

   1. Care for the poor was a general personal obligation in Israel.

4. Leviticus 23:22
5. Proverbs 19:17
6. 1Corinthians 13:3

   1. Care for the poor was an ecclesiastical obligation for the Old Covenant Church.

7. Deuteronomy 26:1-11; 12-13

9. Care for the poor is a continuing obligation in the New Covenant Church.

   1. Care for the poor is a continuing personal responsibility for Christians.

10. Luke 14:13-14
11. John 12:8
12. 1 Samuel 2:7-8

    1. The promise of redemption now proclaimed to all nations includes satisfying the poor.

13. Psalm 22:26
14. Luke 12:33-34

15. God has directed his New Covenant Church how to provide for the needy in her midst.

    1. We must select and appoint servants of the Church.

16. Acts 6:1-4

    1. The obligation is common, the administration is delegated.

17. Philippians 1:1
18. 1Cor 12:28

    1. The provision given to the needy through the diaconal ministry is an act of worship and service to the Lord.

19. Matthew 25:37-40
20. Acts 11:29-30
21. 1Cor 16:2-3