I Timothy 3:1-13 (ESV)
There are several different words in Scripture that refer to overseers/pastors. They describe different aspects or characteristics of the same office, e.g. maturity, care, protection, direction, leading, etc. Paul describes the qualifications for the church’s servant leaders, using the phrase “the saying is trustworthy”, meaning that this teaching is crucial to the formation and function of the church. He describes 16 qualities or qualifications for the church’s overseers (“episkopos” or teaching leaders). An overview: personal character is essential; he maintains an orderly, God-honoring home; he must have teaching aptitude; he has a mature experience in the Lord.
The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, and into a snare of the devil. (v.1-7)
He is a “one woman man” in faithfulness, fidelity, purity, and transparency. Marital status is incidental until we reach v.4; that’s where the matter of marriage, divorce, and re-marriage is properly evaluated. His home is orderly. His young children “fall in line”. The larger text reveals how husbands and wives work together in serving the Lord. Additional considerations: (1) the overseer cannot be zealous of his personal reputation, it leads to deception and dishonesty; (2) his thoughts are tempered and careful, unmixed with wine, worldly cleverness counts for nothing when selecting an overseer; (3) he rightly divides the Word, use the Word to edify the church and expose those who lie and deceive, special preaching charisma or giftedness plays no role in this selection; (4) the overseer is not prone to secret indulgences nor the tempers that worldly excesses arouse, he doesn’t hold a grudge, he doesn’t keep a record of offenses, he doesn’t cut people down with verbal or emotional intimidation; (5) winning at all costs is excluded, he cannot love controversy; (6) recent converts are vulnerable to pride and worldly ambitions, to significant shifts in beliefs swayed by others’ opinion or popular consensus, he hasn’t been pruned sufficiently by the cross, he hasn’t demonstrated victory over sin and significant renovation of his life.
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, nor greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. (v.8-13)
The deacons (“diakonos” or servants) are men and women of high character, serious, considerate. The men are not double tongued (devious). The women are not slanderous (diabolical). Interesting that all 3 servant-leader evaluations caution us to watch our mouths, e.g. guard our hearts! Deacons are temperate, self-controlled, not money-oriented (especially since deacons handle/steward church resources). Deacons cling to gospel truth that has now been fully revealed in Jesus Christ and possess a conscience formed and guided by God’s Word. Deacons are known for managing the affairs of the home well and guiding their children in godliness. Deacons demonstrate faithfulness in small matters, then greater kingdom responsibilities eventually are entrusted to them (e.g. Stephen and Philip). Faithfulness in small matters produces boldness in eternal matters.
In Summary:
– It’s a good thing to desire to serve God and humbly lead His people. You are not out of place nor about to waste your life regardless of what people around you say.
– All of us should be pursuing this walk with the Lord. To say “this is not for me” is a denial of a true salvation confession of Christ.
– Insist your elders: (1) have a walk with God (2) maintain an orderly, God-honoring home and personal life (3) can rightly divide the Word (4) have a mature experience in and with the Lord. If not, we are corruptly authorizing everyone in the church to pursue a selfish, worldly life. Peter instructed the elders to be an example to the flock (I Peter 5). Encourage a God-honoring life among all God’s people, by living one ourselves.