1 Timothy 3
-The instructions for overseers and deacons in the church
offices are given in this informative chapter of Scripture for Godly leadership.
It is a noble task to aspire to oversight and supervision in the church of the
Living God, which is the pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Timothy 3:1, 15).
The list for elders (episkopa) in the
church include: being above reproach, husband of one wife, sober-minded,
self-controlled, respectable hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not
violent, being gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money ($), good manager
of his home (wife and children), keep children submissive with dignity, not be
a recent convert (new Christian), not conceited or puffed up in arrogance, and
well thought of by outsiders (1 Timothy 3:2-7). Having pride will bring the
condemnation of the devil and disgrace will bring the snare of the devil Paul
expresses (1 Timothy 3:6-7). Deacons are given similar qualifications, which
include: being dignified, not double-tongued (talking out of both sides of your
mouth one way to someone and changing your tune or tone to someone else), not
addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, having a clear
conscience, tested, blameless, having wives that are dignified, not slanderers,
sober-minded, faithful in all things, the husband of one wife, good household
manager of wife and children (1 Timothy 3:8-12). “Those who serve well as deacons
gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that
is in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 3:13).” *Application* The main ingredient in all
of these qualifications is being filled with the Holy Spirit of the Living God.
Apart from His presence in one, the task of leadership in the body of Christ is
impossible. We must have Christ’s righteousness in us if we are to live up to
these standards that the apostle describes. In the natural this is impossible,
but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27). Walk
blamelessly!
-Here is the mystery of Godliness: “He (Jesus Christ, the
Messiah, the Anointed One) was manifested in the flesh, vindicated (justified)
by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the
world, taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16).” *Application* Jesus Christ was a
real person. He was filled with the Spirit of God in perfection and He was a
fully human manifestation as the incarnate God on earth. He is to be proclaimed
for who He truly is among the nations of the world and believed in by faith. He
is now in glory at the right Hand of the Father making intercession and awaiting
His return to earth (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). He is our Savior! He is
reality! Accept Him!
Verse to Memorize- 1
Timothy 3:1
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