A Great Offer

1 Timothy 3:13
“For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

If you are like me, I am always trying to find a better deal on things that I purchase. Just because someone says that something is a good price doesn’t stop me from doing more research to see if I can get a better deal. There is nothing as satisfying as knowing that you got a great deal on something you purchased.

God is in the business of giving His children a great deal. One of the greatest deals a person can purchase is found in the verse above. In 1 Timothy 3, God gives the requirements for the office of pastor and deacon. God says the deal those get for fulfilling the requirements of the office of deacon is that they “…purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” God is saying that those who live by those requirements have made a great purchase.

Though these requirements are for the office of pastor and deacon, every Christian should live in such a manner that they could qualify to fill those offices. If it is a great deal for the pastors and deacons to live according to these demands, it would be just as good a deal for every Christian who lives according to those guidelines. Let’s face it; everybody can benefit from being “…grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” It is a great deal for anyone who lives their life “blameless.” Nobody will ever regret marrying someone who is not a slanderer, and is sober and “faithful in all things.” One may ask, what is so great about this deal?

First, living according to these guidelines will help you earn respect. Everyone wants to be respected, but respect is earned not inherited. Purchasing a “good degree” is earning respect. It doesn’t matter who you are, how you live earns more respect than what you say and know. You can be the most knowledgeable person about the Scriptures, and be able to teach them eloquently, but those who live according to the guidelines of God’s Word earn the respect of those they lead. You would do more to earn respect by talking less and living right. Living according to the guidelines you teach earns respect from anyone.

Second, living according to these standards gives “great boldness in the faith.” One reason God gave these guidelines to the pastors and deacons is because they are the leaders in the church. They are to live their lives in such a holy manner that they don’t have to hold back teaching anything because of skeletons they have hiding in a closet. Boldness in the faith will always be the result of having a clear conscience. A clear conscience will give you confidence, and confidence will give you boldness. The more you do right, the bolder you can be in teaching the faith.

The greatest deal in life is living according to the guidelines of God’s Word. These guidelines give more rewards than the effort or sacrifice it takes to live them. There are many great deals in life, but no deal will ever come close to the deal God gives for living right. Christian, you can ignore God’s guidelines and lose out on this great deal, or you can choose to live according to His Word and find the respect and boldness you need to prosper in the Christian life.

Author: Allen Domelle