It costs something to be a deacon

Acts 6-7

By: Pastor Cecil Lovelace

Introduction:

We are all familiar with the term "cost of living." Our blood pressure starts to rise nowadays when we hear the expression "cost of gasoline." We all know about the cost of groceries, clothing, etc.  But I want to talk about something tonight that is not emphasized enough, and that is the cost involved in being a deacon. It's true that God does not have double standards for deacons, as opposed to other church members, but at the same time deacons are in the spotlight and have all the more reason to live a life of total commitment to Jesus.

(1) Deaconship calls for: A daily, intimate walk with God. Anything less is not worthy of the office.

(2) Deaconship calls for: faithfulness to your church in three ways:

[a] with your time: Don't spread yourself so thin all you have left to offer God is the left overs!

[b] with your talents: Don't refuse to participate in things needing to be done with the attitude that "I am a deacon, that's not part of my job description."

[c] with your treasures: The Word of God is clear: Every Christian should be a systematic tither. But, above all, deacons should tithe. I say this to all deacons who are ordained or about to be ordained, and to all the rest:

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE FAITH AND THE COMMITMENT TO TITHE FAITHFULLY, you should just go ahead and bow out before ordination! Of all the people a pastor has to preach to about their giving, It should not be the deacons he has to worry about tithing.

(3) Deaconship calls for: Ministry to the church body. You are all ministers. The word deacon means: minister, servant, one who waits upon, an attendant. This does not mean that every family is supposed to look to their deacon to be there to take care of your every little need. (One was told he should get off work, while her husband worked and take here to the doctor.) Your deacon is a contact person for you. There to reach out to you in your time of sickness, bereavement etc.

That being said, I want you to look with me at a few verses that will show us a very good example of what total commitment can lead to. In fact, it even cost one of the first deacons Stephen, his life.

I. NOTICE THE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST A DEDICATED SAINT. (6:8-15)

These accusations are two in number and came in the face of success.

A. They were seeking to discredit the Lord.  (6:11,13) "....set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:"

(1) Their theology was different. They were teaching the law, he was teaching grace.

(2) They taught a God of wrath; he a God of love and grace.

(3) They could not deny what he taught. V-10  "And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." (So they were determined to just destroy him) Kill one preaching deacon and God will just raise up a half dozen more!

B. The were seeking to destroy the law. V-13-14

"This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:"

(1) They were unaware the law had been fulfilled in Jesus!

(2) They even used false witnesses against

him. "And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: Acts 6:14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us."

(3) Satan will go to any length to stop the truth. (See this in canceling of t.v. and radio programs.

II. NOTICE THE ACTIONS OF A DETERMINED SAINTLY DEACON. (His message covers verses 1-52)

Notice the reaction in the face of persecution.

A. He reminded them of the scriptures. V-7ff

(1) They believed the scriptures. (Scriptures gave the history of Israel)

(2) He reminded them of the bondage and deliverance they as a nation had been through.

(3) He took them back to the beginning; reminded them of the temple and then told them that God did not dwell in buildings made with hands.

B. He rebuked them for their sins. V51-53

(1) They were rebellious against the gospel. V-51 "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye."

(2) He likened them to oxen and their fathers.

(3) He also charged them with the crucifixion of Jesus. V-52 "Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:"

III. NOTICE THE ATTITUDE OF A DYING SAINT.

V-55-59 Notice his attitude in the face of death. This is a true example of one who has his mind on the things above and longs for it.

A. He looked steadfastly into heaven. V-55  "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,"

(1) Notice his mind was above, not on his problems:

(2) Notice what his eyes saw. Jesus ..standing as if to receive him.

B. He yielded his life willingly. V-59  "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

(1) He had no regret in dying....neither did Paul (II Tim. 4).

(2) He had no reservations... did not apologize for his stand!

C. He prayed for his enemies... You can't be any more Christlike than that! "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge."

(1) His heart was filled with concerned for them!

(2) His heart was filled with forgiveness.

CONCLUSION:

It costs something to be a deacon. Any want to back out?

The office of a deacon is a high honor and it carries high standards.