Today we will read 1 Timothy 3. When done reading this chapter, go back and read it slowly. Pay attention to the words overseer and deacon. Now go back and focus on verses 1-7. Make a list of everything you learn about an overseer. If you don’t understand any words, look them up in a dictionary. How is the ministry of a deacon related to an overseer or pastor? How many of the 12 requirements for pastors and deacons relate to ability or talent? What does this tell us?
Overseer, bishop, pastor, and elder have all the same qualifications. These titles are used to make distinctions in positions but are used interchangeably in the New Testament. In the Pastoral Epistles, there are two church leadership positions. An overseer and a deacon. An overseer supervises or watches over God’s household. Read 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:7, Acts 20:28, Phil. 1:1; 2 Peter 2:25. Two other words used to refer to overseers are elder and Pastor/shepherd. An Elder emphasizes that overseers were usually older men. Elder stresses the spiritual maturity and dignity of an overseer. Read Titus 1:5 and Acts 20:17. As for a Pastor/shepherd, they emphasize one who watches over God’s sheep. Jesus is the chief shepherd. Pastors are to follow His example.
A deacon is the second ministry position. A deacon serves. Deacons are ministers who help overseers. The first deacons were probably the seven who the apostles chose to care for believers in Jerusalem. Read Acts 6:1-6. These seven whom the apostles chose to care for believers in Jerusalem. Deacons were leaders in the church, and their qualifications were much the same as those of overseers.
Leaders do not just appear. They must grow and develop like Jesus. Being like Jesus is a process. Life is a spiritual journey. There is a level of spiritual maturity to reach before becoming an overseer or pastor. Paul insists on certain moral and spiritual standards that qualify a person to oversee the church. A pastor’s character is more important than his ability to speak or organize. A pastor’s character is more important than his education. They must live the way they preach.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the leaders that you have placed where they are at. I pray that you will give them the wisdom they need—the heart and desire to live according to your word.
In Jesus Name
Amen
