1 Timothy 3

Verses 1-7, “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

Paul previously wrote that women should not teach or have authority over men, but being a man is not the only criteria for church leadership. Some men might even think that because they do not presently have or desire a position of authority in the church, that they can ignore these qualities, but this chapter actually describes what it takes to have spiritual maturity. All men should desire to progress beyond spiritual infancy, regardless of a title or position in the church. You should not change your behavior and lifestyle after you receive a title, but rather God will use you within a church body because of your obedience to Him; and then man will confirm the work that God is already doing through you. Besides, men have a responsibility to pastor and watch over their home. In fact, it is shameful when they don't; and therefore, have no business being a leader in the church.

Paul first lays out the qualifications of a bishop. Although we do not see that title much today outside of the Catholic church, a bishop comes from the word episkopos, which means someone who watches over the church, epi (over) and skopos (watcher). Most of us call these positions pastors. Sadly many today have the title, but do not perform the duties of the position by watching over the sheep. This is what God says about these shepherds in Ezekiel 34:2-10: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for  them.” ‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: “As I live,” says the Lord God, “surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock”— therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.”

Often leadership titles are used to gain worldly power, wealth, and influence, when God intended these leaders to be the servants to all: feeding, protecting, and strengthening the weak. Verse 1 says that if you desire an overseer's position, you desire a good work. Work being the key word here. Many in our society are just plain lazy and expect to receive something for doing nothing. Some will do work as long as there is a reward for their labor, often while still complaining. Finding those who are willing to labor when there is no benefit to them, however, is very rare. I love it that my pastor continues to serve hard even though there is nothing in it for him on this side of eternity. It is precisely then when you know that the sermons are not tainted with flesh and ways to manipulate the flock for man's (or Satan's) agenda.

In addition to the listed characteristics, an overseer cannot be a novice or new Christian.  Raising up a leader too quickly can cause them to fall into pride. Their faith must be tested over time, to be sure that they will be faithful ministers. Also, they must have a good testimony to those outside of the church, meaning they are known even outside the church for their love and obedience to God. This is a good check for all of us. Are we known outside the church for our obedience to God? To those you work with, your neighbors, your classmates, and all those you may be around?  If you cannot answer yes, you need to repent. Yes you can deny Him with your actions, but do not think that just because you've never verbally denied Him with your mouth, that you are all set. Christians should never be in stealth mode! Matthew 10:33, “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” 

The qualifications of a deacon are very similar to a bishop/overseer. Verses 8-13, “Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must  be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”  Serving well will help you obtain boldness in the faith, something we should all desire. When we serve Him faithfully, even in the little tasks, He will reward us, and we are in good standing with Him. Some may think that the tasks of a deacon today do not require spiritual maturity, but that is not what Paul writes here. If you cannot be faithful in the little things, God will not entrust you with bigger things. This is true for all of us.

Verses 14-16, “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I  write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.”  The last verse summarizes the gospel beautifully. With the overwhelming evidence established in God's word, there is no way to dispute this...so there should be no question, no controversy. It is the established, confirmed truth!