Wednesday, October 9 - 1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3

New International Version (NIV)

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. ⁴ He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

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ABOVE REPROACH

  In New Testament lingo, an "overseer" would translate to modern "pastor."  Here St. Paul requests that men who serve as pastors should have a good reputation -- that they should be known as men of integrity and faith.  

   Obviously, whenever a spiritual leader fails in this regard, the world views it as a "black eye" on the message they proclaim.   Satan is especially fond of exposing the sinful side of those who publicly represent the Gospel.  

   But every Christian is also called to holy living.  It is not just pastors who can undermine the message by inconsistent living.  Any one of us who bears the title "Christian" serves as an ambassador of the Savior.  The world looks to see how God impacts the lives of His followers, and the Tempter would love for them to dismiss the truth simply because it has been poorly represented by sinful humans.

   Thank God, though, that His truth is not based on our purity or perfection, but instead on Him who was truly perfect and holy.  Christians are not perfect, just forgiven by His precious blood, and we recognize that, as hard as we try, we will never be worthy ambassadors of His love.  

   Nevertheless, we humbly ask His Holy Spirit to move in us to live more consistently and faithfully.  It is our goal to be as "above reproach" as possible so that we do not damage the message with our lives.  

   May God make it so, and may His forgiving grace continue to cover over our failures, faults, and flaws.

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⁸ In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
¹¹ In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. ¹³ Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
    was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory.