January 3, 2024
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Reading along with us in 1 Timothy? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Timothy 3 (NIV)
Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.……Continue Reading
1 Timothy 3
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.
1 Timothy 3 Overseers and Deacons
Here’s where Paul explains how big a responsibility it is to be a leader in the church. He says if leaders can’t manage his own family how will he manage God’s people. He can’t be a recent believer cause pride may slip in. Deacons in the church should be men worthy of respect not pursuing dishonest gain. Paul also mentions wives and how they should be worthy of respect and trustworthy. Paul wrote this so they would know how to conduct themselves in God’s household which is the church and this all stands true for today as well. Paul ends the chapter about Christ the heart of the gospel.
1 Timothy 3
For one to be noble, they must have or show qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor. They must be faithful, self controlled, hospitable, willing to teach, and good managers of their family. It is important for them to be good examples for the people they serve. And true godliness comes from Jesus who came from heaven to earth to preach to all people who believed and was taken up to heaven in all his glory.
To be a leader in a church is not a task to be taking lightly. Yes Paul mentions all the qualifications to become a leader. And to make sure it’s not a new convert where pride might have an impact on the church. All these things are important. But nothing compared to. The church belongs to the true living God!!!!
1 Timothy 3
There is a list of the elders and deacons qualifications that are required to fulfill the offices that they seek. Including how their wives should be. There is much responsibility given here for all those that would fill these positions. Not all men and women would even come close to fulfilling these positions. But at the same time not to be puffed up for it is not about oneself but about Jesus Christ and His church. The term bishops and elders are usually the same positions while deacons are separate but all leaders in the church. The term pastor is usually the leading elder. It is not always the same in every church but this generally is the format. May God continue to bless Living Hope.
The church is to be:
” 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.”
Pillar from enduring word: “Pillars also were of ancient use to fasten upon them any public edicts, which princes or courts would have published, and exposed to the view of all; hence the church is called, the pillar and basis, or seal, of truth, because by it the truths of God are published, supported, and defended”
The final statement is “without controversy”. These are aspects of the truth, the gospel that are pillars and truths of our faith, without question:
“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.”
Leadership is important in any organization, so it is no surprise that Paul would give direction to appoint leaders in the church that Timothy was to be responsible for. And in the church, a leader’s character is more important than his competence. He is to be a certain kind of person more than one with particular skills. Self control in different areas is a common thread in the lists as well as regard for and responsibility for the Word of God. Paul knew it was important to tell Timothy how people should act as believers and in the church. What better way to reenforce that then to have a group of leaders, elders and deacons, who provide a good example. I cannot even express the appreciation for all those who have had these positions at Living Hope. They have helped make the church what it is and keep us on track for what God has called us to be. My prayer is that God would continue to raise up leaders according to what plans He has for us!
Leaders should lead by example first. They set the tone for those around them. God knew this so His instruction to the church leadership was so they would be of good moral character and always demonstrate self control and therefore the church would have a tangible example to follow. Certainly man is man and everyone falls short but to put yourself in leadership is to say I will uphold the expectations of God in my character and we are blessed at LHCC to have such men in our leadership!