“Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:12-13).
Much like the qualifications for church overseers mentioned earlier in 1 Timothy 3:2, a prospective deacon should demonstrate the qualities of marital loyalty, dedication, and faithfulness. A person who exhibits these attributes (along with the other characteristics given to us in verses eight to twelve) “…will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus” (NLT).
The following verses then go on to mark the transition to a new topic…
“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
The word “church” finds its origin in the idea of a public assembly, especially one of a religious nature. Therefore, it should not be surprising to learn that the word “church” appears dozens of times within the New Testament. Although this word may sometimes refer to believers throughout history or the worldwide Christian community, it is primarily used to identify a local congregation that meets in a specific place.
We should also recognize that Jesus personally established the concept of “church.” For instance, Jesus used the term “my church” in Matthew 16:18 while Colossians 1:18 references Jesus as the head of the church. As we saw earlier in 1 Timothy 3:5, the Scriptures also speak of the church as “God’s church” and even as “God’s house” in the passage quoted above. With these things in mind, we can identify the church as an institution that has been established by God.
Therefore, we should give heed to our conduct whenever we are present within the house of God. As we’re told in the Biblical book of Psalms, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him” (Psalms 89:7). While the church should clearly reflect the type of love that honors God, the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes offers some additional guidance that we would also do well to remember…
“As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God” (Ecclesiastes 5:1 NLT).