Our Daily Scripture – 9/9/25 (Tuesday)

SCRIPTURE:  1 TIMOTHY 3

OVERSEERS AND DEACONS (vs. 1-16)

QUALIFICATIONS OF AN OVERSEER (vs. 2-7)

  1. He must be above reproach. (v. 2a)
  2. He must be the husband of one wife. (v. 2b)
  3. He must be temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable and able to teach. (v. 2c).
  4. He must not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (v. 3a)
  5. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (v. 4)
  6. He must not be a recent convert. (v. 6)
  7. He must have a good reputation with outsiders. (v. 7)

QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON (v. 8 -12)

  1.  He must be a man worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine and not pursuing dishonest gain. (v. 8)
  2. He must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. (v. 9)
  3.  He must first be tested and then if there is nothing against him, let him serve as deacon. (v. 10)
  4.  His wife  is to be a woman worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. (v. 11)
  5.  He must be the husband of one wife and must manage his children and his households well. (v. 12)

THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS (v. 16)

‘He appeared in a body,                                                                                                                                                                                                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.”

THOUGHTS:

The word “overseer” describes the work of the elder.  They are to be the spiritual leaders to watch, protect and lead the church.  The word “deacon” means “servant”.  The deacons assist the elders in carrying out the work of the church.   They should be qualified spiritually and set a right example in their homes.

To be a church leader entails a heavy responsibility because the church belongs to God.  Church leaders should be chosen by the church because of their respect for the truth and in how they live.  Paul enumerated some of the qualifications for the church to show that living a blameless and pure life with self-discipline is required.

Spiritual leadership must begin at home.  A man must assume his family responsibilities by disciplining and teaching his children in order to qualify him to lead the church.  Deacons are to care for the physical needs of the congregation.  New believers should not be put into leadership positions until they are firmly grounded in their faith with a solid Christian life-style and knowledge of the Word of God.