The Right Stuff

The Right Stuff: Foundations of Faith

In a world obsessed with climbing ladders and collecting titles, God’s economy turns our assumptions upside down. Leadership in the kingdom isn’t about who sits at the head of the table, but who serves the meal. Paul’s words to Timothy about deacons crack open this counter-cultural reality. He doesn’t begin with skills or talents, though those matter. Instead, he starts with character—the invisible architecture of a person’s life. A deacon isn’t merely someone who can manage church resources or organize events. They’re individuals whose lives have been so transformed by the gospel that they emanate respect, speak with integrity, practice self-control, and handle finances with clean hands. Their households reflect the same gospel values they profess. But character alone isn’t enough. These servants must “hold to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.” This isn’t just about memorizing doctrinal statements. It’s about being so gripped by the reality of Christ crucified and risen that serving others becomes the natural response to grace received. Most significantly, deacons aren’t appointed so they can start serving. They’re recognized because they’ve already been serving. The testing Paul mentions isn’t a spiritual entrance exam, but the everyday faithfulness observed over time—the quiet consistency of someone whose actions align with their professed beliefs. The beautiful promise is that those who serve well gain “an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith.” Not fame or fortune, but the quiet confidence that comes from aligning your life with God’s purposes. Whether you ever hold the title of deacon or not, the invitation remains: grow in virtue, cling to truth, and prove faithful in the small things. For in God’s upside-down kingdom, the greatest are those who serve, and the first are those who make themselves last for the sake of others. 

Caleb McCaughan, Preaching Minister

Dinner Table Conversations: 

Adult & Teen Table Talk: 

• What does it mean to be “worthy of respect” in today’s culture? How might this quality look different in different generations? 
• What are some ways you’ve seen people being “tested” in small responsibilities before being given larger ones? 
• How might our church community better value and recognize faithful service? What opportunities could we create to help people develop the qualities of a deacon? 

Little Learners’ Table Talk: 

• Jesus came to serve others instead of being served. What’s one way you can be a helper like Jesus this week? 
• If someone is kind at church but not kind at home, are they really being a good helper? Why or why not? 

Foundations of Faith: The Right Stuff, 1 Tim. 3: 8-13