Do you remember what the Marines are looking for…? A few good men! And so is the church! Good men to serve in the ministry of prayer and the Word (interceding and equipping), and good men to serve in the ministry of meeting peoples' needs. Good men to serve as pastors (elders); good men to serve as deacons (Greek term is "diakonos," which means servant). "A few good men" is our goal, although the expression the Apostle Paul liked was "above reproach." For example:
Titus 1:5 & 6 - For this reason I left you in Crete [Timothy], that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach…
1Timothy 3:2 – An overseer, then, must be above reproach.
1 Timothy 3:10 – And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
Today, we are taking a brief break from The Gospel of John because Bethany Baptist Church is looking for more deacons! What does it mean for a deacon to be above reproach? How will we know one, when we see one? The answer starts with 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Here is the portrait of a good man – an above reproach man. Let's view that picture through:
Three reminders of the serious privilege of serving as a deacon. 1. The importance of personal character (vv. 8-9). 2. The evidence of a well-managed family (v. 12). 3. The rewards of faithful service (v. 13).
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
