1. Elders Oversee the Church (verses 1-7).
2. Deacons Serve the Church (verses 8-13).
3. Baptism Declares the Truth (verses 14-16).

My message this morning is entitled, “An elder, a deacon, and some Baptisms.” I told that to my wife and she said, “It sounds like a joke.” So here goes by joke.

An elder, a deacon, and six baptism candidates were gathered for orientation in the fellowship hall. The elder welcomed everybody and gave his heartfelt explanation about the significance of baptism, how it pictures the new life, how it identifies you with Jesus, how it is an outward expression of an inward reality, how it’s an act of obedience for who have come to faith in Jesus.

As the elder was explaining these things, the deacon was passing out towels like a YMCA lifeguard. Rumer had it that he even wore a whistle around his neck.

Then came the questions: One baptismal candidate raised her hand and asked, “So are we baptized one at a time or as a group?” The elder said, “One at a time. It's a personal experience.”

One of the younger candidates asks, “Will someone take pictures? My grandmother can’t come but wants to see the pictures?” The elder assured him, “Yes, there will be pictures.” Finally, one of those who had a rough background before coming to Christ, looked nervous and asked, “How long do we stay under?” The deacon, without missing a beat, said, “Well, that depends on how much sin you’ve got built up.”

Everyone froze. The man slowly slid back in his chair and said, “Then, I’m gonna need a snorkel!”

That’s my elder, a deacon, and six baptism candidates joke.

But it does represent the glories of the gospel, if we were to be under the water based upon the weight of our sin, we all would need scuba gear. But Christ has redeemed us by his blood, that we are brought up quickly out of the water, cleansing us from our sins through faith in him!

Well, this morning, we are installing an elder. and we are installing a deacon. And we will be baptizing six people. What a great Sunday!

As I thought about a text for us to look at today, I thought that 1 Timothy 3 would be the best for us to look at. So, open your Bibles to 1 Timothy, chapter 3.

As you are turning there, I want to bring you up to speed. This sermon actually began five months ago, on January 26, 2025 at our annual “Membership Celebration.” when we, as formal members of the church, gather together to reflect upon all that the Lord has done among us at Rock Valley Bible Church, to present what we hope that the Lord does in the coming year.

During that meeting, I presented two men as candidates for leadership at Rock Valley Bible Church: Brandon Ramazzina and Doug Smith. Brandon Ramazzina as an elder. Doug Smith as a deacon.

I talked about how I had met with each of them and asked if they would be willing to serve the church as leaders at Rock Valley Bible Church. Both of them were willing. By the way doesn’t always happen. Over the years, I have approached other men and asked them if they wanted to serve as an elder or as a deacon at Rock Valley Bible Church, I have asked them because I have seen their heart for the work, I have seen their aptitude for the work, and have been told, “No.” Which is fine, because being willing is the first step toward being a leader in the church. When Peter exhorted the elders of the churches, he said, "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you" (1 Peter 5:2). When I spoke with Brandon and Doug, they were willing.

Then, at that meeting, I talked about Brandon Ramazzina, and presented my case for why Brandon would make a good elder. I talked about how the Ramazzina family are great servants of the church. I talked about Brandon’s heart to see his life used for the Lord. I talked about how often I see Brandon hanging around until the end of church, serving however he can. I talked about how I have seen him seek spiritual direction in his own life. I talked about how faithful he is at our prayer meeting, even being in the rotation of leading the meeting. I talked about how his is leading a Bible reading group. I said that he would be great elder, because he is already doing the work of an elder. Let’s give him the title of what has been doing anyway.

At the Membership Celebration, I then talked about Doug Smith, and presented my case for why Doug would make a good deacon. I talked about how obvious it was to see the effects of Doug’s hand upon the church. I talked about how he swapped out the A/V system and has made everything much more reliable than in the past. I talked about how he fixed the sign out front, saving us thousands of dollars as a church. I talked about how he often stops by the church building unannounced, to work on this or that at the church. I talked of how he has willingly (and humbly) served as a backup to Ryan. He is equally content in the back of the church or in the front of the church. I talked about how he doesn’t care about receiving the title of “deacon,” which is exactly the sort of men we want to serve in leadership roles.

Then, at that meeting, I talked a bit about the process of Brandon and Doug becoming an elder and a deacon. I said that I would talk with their wives, to ask them about the husband’s potential role in the future. I said that I would talk with one of their co-workers, to see how they present themselves in their work. And I asked those formal members at the meeting to consider their potential role and examine their character, in accordance with those presented in 1 Timothy, chapter 3 (our text this morning).

So, lets read our text:

1 Timothy 3:1-16
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

This text is easy to outline: Verses 1-7 talk about elders. Verses 8-13 talk about deacons. Verses 14-16 talk about the mystery of godliness. Let’s first talk about elders. Their role is to oversee the church. 

1. Elders Oversee the Church (verses 1-7).

You see that there in the name given to the elders in verse 1,

1 Timothy 3:1
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

You might ask, why then, have I been talking about “elders” if this passage speaks about “overseers”? I use the term, “elder,” because that’s the dominant term used in the New Testament to describe those who lead the church. If you turn over to Titus, chapter 1, you see a similar list of qualifications for leaders in the church. And in Titus, Paul calls them “elders.” Paul writes, "This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you" (Titus 1:5). And when the book of Acts speaks about appointing leaders in the church, the term, “elder” is used. "And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed" (Acts 14:23). And when Paul, in Acts 20, called the leaders of the church in Ephesus to speak with them, he summoned the elders. "Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him" (Acts 20:17).

The word used here in 1 Timothy 3, “overseer” represents the function of an elder: They “oversee” the church. This is what Paul exhorted the elders of the church in Ephesus to do. "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

Elders “oversee” the church. We could just as well call the elders, “pastors,” that’s the word used here in Acts 20:28 about “caring” for the church, it’s the word we translate, “pastor.” The Holy Spirit appoints elders to oversee the church of God by “pastoring” the church. An elder, if you will, is like the shepherd, who watches over the flock, watching out for the wolves, who would devour the flock. caring for the sheep by leading them to green pastures and still waters.

We could easily call the elders, “pastors.” and sometimes at Rock Valley Bible Church, we do just that. Brandon Ramazzina will be one of your pastors at Rock Valley Bible Church.

Pastors/Elders oversee the church. This is abundantly clear in the New Testament. I already mentioned 1 Peter 5:2 in connection with how leaders are to serve “willingly.” Listen to it now with respect to the titles and roles. Peter writes the following to elders of the church: "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you" (1 Peter 5:2). The elders are to “shepherd the flock,” that is they need to “pastor the flock,” by “exercising oversight.”

1 Timothy 3, Paul speaks about the noble task that this is. Look again at verse 1, "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task." And I want to say to you Brandon,

"Overseeing the church is a “noble task.” it’s a good thing. The work if often not seen by the public. It is filled with burdens that few fully understand. But the Lord sees and the Lord knows. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. So, Brandon, serve with joy. endure with hope. lead with confidence. knowing that delights in those who care for his bride." ^[1]

Our text continues in verse 2 with requirements of an overseer. And at that membership meeting in January, I asked you all to examine Brandon’s life in accordance with these words.

1 Timothy 3:2-7
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Over the past few weeks, we, as elders, have called every family in the church to ask for any comments, questions, or concerns about Brandon and his life. Because, to shepherd the church well, requires godly character. That’s the point of the “therefore” in verse 2. “You want to shepherd the church of God?” You must live with integrity.

Of the calls that I made to you all, here are some of the things that you said about Brandon:

- “[In my time of difficulty this past year], Brandon approached me. From anyone at church, he came and served me. He puts his word into action.”
- “I know Brandon really well. He is really solid. He is cool and calm.”
- “I love the Ramaazzinas. He would be really fine. I already think of him as an elder.”
- “Brandon is always reaching out to me and inviting me to do stuff with him.”
- “I like Brandon a lot. He serves the church. He is always willing to help.”
- “He has a heart for people. If he sees something to be accomplished, he does it. He is always there to help. On potluck Sundays, he's always ready to help. I have been watching him carefully since the annual meeting. I think that he would make a good elder.”
- “With Brandon, I am absolutely thrilled about him. He is a fantastic elder candidate. He is everywhere. His family is so encouraging to see, especially when I see so many marriages disintegrating.”

So, I say to you Brandon, "From the feedback that I received, you could not have been affirmed more strongly. So Brandon, oversee the church of God."^[2]

OK, let’s talk about deacons. We have seen that "Elders Oversee the Church." The role of deacons is a little bit different. 

2. Deacons Serve the Church (verses 8-13).

Now, it’s not that elders don’t serve the church. Part of shepherding the church is to serve the church. Yet, there is so much to do in the church, that the Lord has provided deacons to help in the service of the church.

Perhaps the best way to explain this is by reading of the problems that the early church encountered when the labor of ministry was becoming too much for the apostles. I believe that this sets the pattern for the office of deacons today. The story is told in Acts 6.

Acts 6:1-2
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.

The apostles were given the task of preaching and teaching the word of God. When many people were coming to Christ, the apostles were serving them by helping with the support of widows. But the task was too large for them. And it was getting in the way of their calling. But they realized that others could do the work just as well as they could. So, they came up with the solution to the problem. The apostles said,

Acts 6:3-4
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Right there, you see the difference in roles of elders and deacons. Elders are to give themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word (verse 4). Deacons are to come alongside them by serving those in the church, so that they can fulfill their calling to pray and minister the word to people. “Deacon” means “servant." As I have made the point: "Deacons Serve the Church."

You might put it this way: The deacons serve the church by attending to the physical needs of the church, so that the elders can serve the church by overseeing the spiritual needs of the church. This is the focus of deacons.

For instance, Ray Hook, our only other deacon of the church serves the physical needs of the church by overseeing the finances of the church. There is not a financial decision that is made in the church that doesn’t go through Ray Hook. Ray does other things as well to help. He set up the baptismal hot tub. He helps with the elements of the Lord’s Supper.

And Doug’s expertise and heart is in technology. He has already been overseeing our Audio/Visual needs. He has helped the elders with leading worship on Sunday. I’m sure that as he has ability, he will serve in other areas as well.

And as a leader in the church, character is important. That’s why the apostles told the congregation to seek men “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom,” (Acts 6:3) for the task of serving the church. This they did.

Acts 6:5-6
And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

And we will lay hands on both Brandon and Doug at the end of our service and pray for them, that the Lord would protect them and be pleased to use them.

But getting back to the character of deacons, Paul brings this up in our text, in verse 8. In January, I read this and exhorted the formal members to evaluate Doug in accordance with these things.

1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

This past few weeks, as I have called many of you, here’s a sampling of what you said about Doug:

- “He is willing to help out. He has a very gentle spirit.”
- “Doug was a good deacon at MorningStar. He seems to be diligent and faithful at RVBC.”
- “Doug is always ready to serve the church. He's always friendly and helpful.”
- “I know that Doug has put in a lot of hours [at church]. When I heard that he was a deacon candidate, it was good to know."
- “Doug is a tender guy who wants to serve the Lord."
- “The Smiths were quick to invite us to lunch during one of our first Sundays.”
- “Whatever Doug sees needing done, he will do. He just does what God wants him to do. He has a heart for people too. He has a caring character."

So, I say to you Doug,

From the feedback that I received, I was greatly encouraged that so many saw your heart to serve. So Doug, serve the church of God. Embrace the promise of verse 13, "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."

Doug, may this promise strengthen you in your service to the church. As you serve others, you will gain a good standing. When you are here at the building, all alone, working behind the scenes, where no one sees, know that the Lord sees. He will give you great confidence in the faith.^[3]

OK, let’s move to our final point this morning: 

3. Baptism Declares the Truth (verses 14-16).

In verses 14 and 15, Paul gives the context of this letter. He says,

1 Timothy 3:14-15 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

It’s no accident that Paul gives the character qualifications for elders and deacons in 1 Timothy, as Paul wrote the letter to help give practical vision and direction regarding how the church is to function. In chapter 2 he speaks of the roles of men and women in the church. In chapter 4 he speaks of the duties of a good pastor. In chapter 5 he speaks of how to care for the older people in the church.

But notice what Paul says about the church of the living God. He calls it “a pillar and buttress of the truth.” What happens at church supports the truth, as the world sees our faith lived out, the truth is confirmed in their eyes. as it sees the church function faithfully and function well, the truth shines as all live in harmony.

One of the ways that truth is proclaimed is in baptism.

When people give their testimonies of the ways that God has saved from their sin. When people are immersed in the water as a symbol of what God has done in their souls. As they then, seek to walk in newness of life, the truth of God’s work in this world is upheld in their lives. In 1 Timothy 3:16, Paul gives a confession, that is a truth that the church holds to. And it’s all about Jesus:

1 Timothy 3:16
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

- Jesus was manifested in the flesh, when Jesus came to live among us, as the incarnate son of God. God wasn’t off and distant. He came to be with us.
- Jesus was vindicated by the Spirit, at his baptism the Spirit came upon him. Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of the Spirit (Romans 1:4).
- Jesus was seen by angels, the angels pronounced his birth (Luke 2:9-14). the angels proclaimed his resurrection (Matt. 28:2-7).
- Jesus was proclaimed among the nations. Acts 1:8 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Even coming to us.
- Jesus was believed on the world. Our church is a testimony to this. Those being baptized are a testimony to this as well.
- Jesus was taken up in glory, this took place at the ascension of Jesus, to take his seat from which he will come to judge the living and the dead.

There is much mystery here. But it is the mystery of Godliness. Believing in Jesus has a transforming effect upon the soul.

This sermon was delivered to Rock Valley Bible Church on June 1, 2025 by Steve Brandon.
For more information see www.rockvalleybiblechurch.org.

[1] In the sermon, I addressed Brandon directly with these words.

[2] Ibid.

[3] In the sermon, I addressed Doug directly with these words.