SCRIPTURE: 1 TIMOTHY 3
BIBLE VERSES:
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 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. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
“In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” (1 Timothy 3:8-10)
“In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” (1 Timothy 3:11)
“A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:12-13)
OVERSEERS AND DEACONS (vs. 1-16)
QUALIFICATIONS OF AN OVERSEER OR ELDER:
- Above reproach
- Husband of one wife
- Temperate
- Self-controlled
- Respectable
- Hospitable
- Able to teach
- Not given to drunkenness
- Not violent but gentle
- Not quarrelsome
- Not a lover of money
- Manage his own family well
- His children obey him with respect
- Not a recent convert
- Good reputation with outsiders
QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON (vs. 8-13)
- Man worthy of respect
- Sincere
- Not indulging in much wine
- Not pursuing dishonest gain
- Keet hold of the deep truths of the faith
- Clear conscience
- Being tested
- Wife is worthy of respect, not malicious talker but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
THE MYSTERY OF THE GOOD NEWS: (v. 16)
- Jesus became a man and appeared in a body
- Jesus was vindicated by the Spirit with His resurrection.
- Jesus was seen by the angels and preached among the nations
- Jesus was taken up in glory.
THOUGHTS:
“Overseers” are bishops, pastors or elders. “Elder” is a translation of the Greek word “PRESBYTEROS” which means an older mature person. “Bishop” came from the Greek word “EPISKOPOS” which means “OVERSEER”. “Deasons means servants. They are to assist the elders carrying out the work of the church. Both the elders and deacons should be qualified spiritually and set good examples in their homes and lives. An “overseer” serves as shepherd to watch over God’s people – the sheep. He is to protect, lead and teach them the spiritual truths.
The church should follow the guidelines set by Paul in electing their church leaders. They should not be elected because they are popular or wealthy. They should be chosen because of their respect for the truth in their lives.
Spiritual leadership must begin at home. So do not allow volunteer activities to distract from your family responsibilities
WHAT IS A LOCAL CHURCH (vs. 15-16)
- The house of God – it is the family of God on earth
- The pillar and foundation of the truth – the local church must be faithful to preach, preserve and practise the truth so that God’s work can prosper on earth.
- The body of Christ – The church on earth is the body of Christ. It should continue the work that Christ had began.