Frameworks:
1 Timothy 3
v.1-7
Qualifications for Overseers
v.8-13
Qualifications for Deacons
v.14-16
Maintaining right teaching for godliness
[Chapter
3 Synopsis: More about good order in the church, about
those who serve in spiritual leadership and those who serve more
in the material realm of the church, aiming for good order and
godliness.]
v.1-7
Qualifications for Overseers
[Passage
Synopsis: Guidance for what is required of an overseer.]
Note:
the word ‘overseer' signifies one who watches over and guards
the flock, while elsewhere they are referred to as elders (signifying
maturity) or pastors (signifying their caring, feeding role]
v.1
(it's good to want to
be a protector) Here is a trustworthy
saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
v.2,3
(their character is to
be above reproach) Now the overseer
is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled,
respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness,
not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
v.4
(they must manage their
own family well) He must manage
his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he
must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.
v.5
(otherwise how can they
manage the church) (If anyone
does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care
of God's church?)
v.6
(they must be mature
) He must not be a recent convert,
or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as
the devil.
v.7
(they must also have
a good reputation) He must also
have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall
into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
v.8-13
Qualifications for Deacons
[Passage
Synopsis: Similar guidance for those who serve in maintaining
the order and well-being of the church.]
v.8
(deacons likewise must
reveal righteousness) In the
same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging
in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
v.9
(they must be true believers,
holders of the faith [i.e. not just nice people from outside])
They must keep hold of the deep truths
of the faith with a clear conscience.
v.10
(they must be checked
out before serving) They must
first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let
them serve as deacons.
v.11
(similarly any women
servants) In the same way, the
women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate
and trustworthy in everything.
v.12
(deacons must be faithful
in family life) A deacon must
be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household
well.
v.13
(if they serve well they
will be of high repute) Those
who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance
in their faith in Christ Jesus.
v.14-16
Maintaining right teaching for godliness
[Passage
Synopsis: This teaching is to maintain order and godliness
in the church, holding the basic doctrines of Christ.]
v.14,15
(here is guidance for
good order in the church) Although
I hope to come to you soon, I am writing to you with these instructions
so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct
themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
v.16
(real godliness comes
as a result of the gospel – Jesus on earth, died and rose and
ascended) Beyond all question,
the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared
in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was
preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was
taken up in glory.
Continue
to Chapter 4