It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. 1 Timothy 3:1-3
Were you aware of how specific Pual was in his qualifications fr elders and overseers? Now that we have read and reread 1 Timothy 3: 8-13, make a list of the qualifications. Read Philippians 1:1. In the Greek word, deacon means servant or minister. Look up John 2:5, notice the word servant. Romans 13: 3, 4 and look at the word minister. Acts 6:1-6. The word deacon is not used in this passage, nor are any of these men called deacons in any New Testament passage. However, they operate as servants.
What have you learned about God and Jesus from First Timothy 3?
Chapter three focuses on the qualifications of overseers and deacons. They represent the sound discipline or proper behavior leaders must-have. Christian leaders must be above reproach. Even though you might not be an overseer or a deacon, these are still qualifications that we should have and aim for in our personal lives. We do represent God as christ’s followers. Take some time today and ask God where you need to work on these areas in your life.
As we grow more in Christ, let’s keep God’s word in context. Let’s not pick and choose what qualifications we like and don’t like.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for you love and grace you give to us each day. I pray that as we live each day, that we will represent who you are.
In Jesus Name
Amen
