Timothy, Faithful Helper Will Gain Respect in the Church and at Home (1 Timothy 3:12-13)

"A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus"
(1 Timothy 3:12-13, NIV)

As if repeating himself, Paul instructs that the helper (deacon) should have the same qualification concerning marriage given to the leader (bishop). He must be the head of the house with obedience children and a well-ordered home life (not perfect, but loving and orderly). I once read about a helper whose son was about to decide to "go his own way" in disobedience to his parents. The father informed the son that if he did so the father would have to resign his position as a helper in his church because the Scripture in 1 Timothy says that one qualification of a helper is that he must "manage his children and his household well." The son saw the father meant what he said and was so touched by his father's seriousness to honor God and His Word that the son submitted to the father's love and will. The young man repented of his sin.

A faithful helper is a great gain for the church. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:2 that "It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." To those who are faithful and "served well", God will give rewards (sometime in this lifetime) and the promise of eternal rewards. As for helper who fulfills his office faithfully will "gain an excellent standing," that is respect and standing in the church and home. This does not mean an ecclesiastic elevation of office but is simply talking about the admiration and respect rightly due for a faithful servant of God (this include the leaders and all those who serve in the church). How tragic that the opposite is also true. Listen to stories of churches near you, read newspapers, watch TV news and YouTube videos, how many men in the church have fallen from their high position and calling of respect? Shameful both to self, family, the church and the name of the Lord.

Again, a helper who serves well will be rewarded; and he will gain "great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." He will be bold in proclaiming the Word of God and confidence in prayer. This assurance is not based on his performance but based on his faith in the finished work of Christ and the knowledge of a heart that is right with God and a faithful life.

Dear helpers (deacons), do you manage your households well?

Do you serve by the power of the Holy Spirit and faith in Jesus Christ?

If yes, may God’s rewards be with you.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.