READ: 1 Timothy 3
The Man who aspires to the episk-o-pay desires a wonderful occupation, but know this, it is a work that will require a life fully devoted to Christ. “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” - 1 Peter 5:1-4 - 1 Timothy 3:1-7 - “The saying is trustworthy: (worthy of trust, can be relied on) If anyone (tis: certain one) aspires (stretch to touch or grasp) to the office of overseer, (episkope: oversight, overseer, office, charge) he desires a noble task. (ergon: employment, occupation) 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one (hise: one, in opposed to many, monogamous) wife, sober-minded, (not controlled by wine, clear-headed) self-controlled, (so-frone: curbing one’s desires and impulses) respectable, (kos-mee-os: well arranged, modest) hospitable, (fil-ox-en-os: generous to guests) able to teach, (did-ak-tik-os: apt and skillful in teaching) 3 not a drunkard, not violent (bruiser, quick to fight) but gentle,(fair, mild) not quarrelsome, (ama-kos: not quick to fight or provoke argument) not a lover of money. 4 He must manage (prois-tay-mee: be over, superintend, preside over) his own household well, with all dignity (probity, high moral standard) keeping his children submissive, (hoop-ah-ta-gay: obedient) 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, (neophyte, novice) or he may become puffed up with conceit (too-fa-o: rude and arrogant lack of respect, proud) and fall into (empipto: metaphorically - to all among robbers) the condemnation (condemnation passed by God) of the devil. (accuser, slanderer, culmination) 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of (good, character, testimony) by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, (reproach, disapproval) into a snare (pag-ese: whatever brings peril, loss, destruction; allurements to sin) of the devil.”
For those assigned to the office of deacon are given a great task of stewardship in caring for God’s people and properly managing God’s money. “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers,[b] pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” - Acts 6:2-3
- 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - “Deacons (di-ak-onos: office assigned to care for needs of the church family and steward God’s money) likewise must be dignified, (semnos: respected for character, honorable) not double-tongued, (dilogos: saying one thing to one person and something different to another, not consistent with their word) not addicted (given to, controlled by) to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery (embrace and keep the Christian truth of God) of the faith with a clear conscience. (free from guilt, living rightly) 10 And let them also be tested (doki-ma-zo: examine, prove, scrutinize) first; then let them serve (diakoneo: serve) as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. (unaccused, unreproachable) 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, (diabolos: prone to slander, false accuser) but sober-minded, (not controlled by wine, clear-headed) faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 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.”
God commands elders and deacons to manage their households, God has given us the example we must follow, Himself. “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,…”
- Philippians 1:27
- 1 Timothy 3:14-15 - “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know (eido: well known and acknowledged) how (pos: in what way) one ought (dei: it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves you, is right and proper) to behave (to walk, conduct oneself in Christ-like character) in the household (oikos: family of God) of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar (column) and buttress (make firm and stable) of the truth.
The Pauline Confession. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” - Deuteronomy 6:4
- 1 Timothy 3:16 - “Great indeed, we confess, (by common confession, by consent of all) is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
