Illustrations from "Setting the Conference in a Biblical Framework"

Setting the Conference in a Biblical Framework

Pastor Martin sets the stage for a deacons' conference by establishing a biblical framework for the diaconate. He expounds Acts 14:21-23 and Titus 1:5 to demonstrate the apostolic priority given to establishing elderships in nascent churches. He then turns to Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3 to show that as churches mature and grow, a functioning diaconate becomes necessary to preserve the elders' divinely appointed priorities of prayer and the ministry of the Word. The sermon concludes by affirming that the need for a deacons' conference reflects the church's corporate maturity and commitment to Christ's glory.

1 illustration in this sermon

Fairbairn's Explanation: Diaconate in Ephesus vs. Crete

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Patrick Fairbairn on Deacons in 1 Timothy vs. Titus

In this part of the sermon: Martin supports this argument by quoting Patrick Fairbairn, who explains why 1 Timothy 3 mentions deacons in Ephesus but Titus does not mention them in Crete. Fairbairn posits…

Martin quotes Fairbairn's exposition of the pastoral epistles to explain the differing mentions of deacons in 1 Timothy (Ephesus) and Titus (Crete), arguing it reflects the maturity and circumstances of the respective churches.

See why, even in the pastoral epistles, we find in the directives of Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 3, that he assumes that Timothy, in carrying out the will of God through apostolic directives in the church at Ephesus, would be concerned with deacons, whereas in Paul's directives to Titus, there is no mention of deacons in conjunction with the churches in Crete. And having come to my own convictions about that matter in recent days, I turn to my good friend Patrick Fairbairn and his masterful exposition of the pastoral epistles, and listen to what Fairbairn says relative to this very po...

18:36 - 19:57 Read in full sermon