Lessons for and from Deacons
Jerry Watts
Acts 6:1-7
It was during controversy that the men we recognize as the fore-runners to the deacons were identified and set-aside for service to allow the pastors to continue seeking the face of God for the church while meeting the practical needs of the congregation
Consider this: These 7 men must have been thought of as the ''cream of the crop'', yet history suggests that even one of them fell by the wayside. The word seems to be that deacon Nicolas was the Father of the Nicolaitans which is spoken of in Revelation 2. Depending on whom you read you'll discover that this group held to the doctrine of Balaam and/or possessed a spiritual superiority complex. Some believe that this bunch ultimately became the Gnostic sect. So this serves as a word of caution to both those selected as well as those who select.
Let me speak first to these men whom you have chosen to set aside. Our scripture is quite clear, the church selects them. I submit, the church don't 'elect' them because no church can 'elect' a person to perform a spiritual ministry. For the church body who actually 'elects deacons', chances are that some men never really serve. In fact, my experience tells me that, on many occasions, the 'elect' think they are the 'elect'. Our goal should be to see who is doing God's ministry and then select them to wear the name 'servant' because that is a 'deacon'. If a man desires to be the 'chairman' of the deacons, this means he desires to be the chief servant.
Men, I call us to take note and put up our guard. Anytime the church sees fit to call men into spiritual service, Satan is ''close by''. His goal is simply, 'tear down the saints of God'. The enemy wants to destroy his witness, reputation, and life, to discredit the Lord. A deacon, like every person who seriously serves the Lord, has a target on his back. However, if we'll be or become the spiritual servant/leaders which God expects us to be, ''HE'LL be our rear ...
Jerry Watts
Acts 6:1-7
It was during controversy that the men we recognize as the fore-runners to the deacons were identified and set-aside for service to allow the pastors to continue seeking the face of God for the church while meeting the practical needs of the congregation
Consider this: These 7 men must have been thought of as the ''cream of the crop'', yet history suggests that even one of them fell by the wayside. The word seems to be that deacon Nicolas was the Father of the Nicolaitans which is spoken of in Revelation 2. Depending on whom you read you'll discover that this group held to the doctrine of Balaam and/or possessed a spiritual superiority complex. Some believe that this bunch ultimately became the Gnostic sect. So this serves as a word of caution to both those selected as well as those who select.
Let me speak first to these men whom you have chosen to set aside. Our scripture is quite clear, the church selects them. I submit, the church don't 'elect' them because no church can 'elect' a person to perform a spiritual ministry. For the church body who actually 'elects deacons', chances are that some men never really serve. In fact, my experience tells me that, on many occasions, the 'elect' think they are the 'elect'. Our goal should be to see who is doing God's ministry and then select them to wear the name 'servant' because that is a 'deacon'. If a man desires to be the 'chairman' of the deacons, this means he desires to be the chief servant.
Men, I call us to take note and put up our guard. Anytime the church sees fit to call men into spiritual service, Satan is ''close by''. His goal is simply, 'tear down the saints of God'. The enemy wants to destroy his witness, reputation, and life, to discredit the Lord. A deacon, like every person who seriously serves the Lord, has a target on his back. However, if we'll be or become the spiritual servant/leaders which God expects us to be, ''HE'LL be our rear ...
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