Note for 20250702 - Sons in Faith - Part 7 - 1 Timothy 3 - Beyond Reproach
Sons in Faith
1 Timothy
Part 7 - 1 Timothy 3 - Beyond Reproach
1 Timothy 3:1-16 NASB2020
[1] It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. [2] An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, [3] not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. [4] He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [5] (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), [6] and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil. [7] And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. [8] Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, [9] but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. [11] Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. [12] Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. [13] For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. [14] I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; [15] but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. [16] Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
https://bible.com/bible/2692/1ti.3.1-16.NASB2020
Note for 20250702
Today's reading is looking specifically at the "qualifications" or nature of the one that wants to become an Overseer or Deacon. In the KJV it speaks of Bishops and Deacons.
Now, friends, this happens from time to time, that when I sit down here to write the note, that I do not have much to say on a matter in myself, as it is the case this morning in some way, I think it is GOD'S way to remind me always, that it is not a work of me, and without the guidance from above, I wouldn't have much to say. And right at this moment, that is the case, I am being transparent and honest with you. This chapter says what it says and there is no argument in it.
Ah ha! Why should this chapter matter to you? If not an overseer, are you being overseen? Are there young converts setup in such a role in your congregation, or a drunk and womanizer? This here, is not just for a guide for the leader, but also a measure to see if the leader follows the Lead by the Word of GOD. It is to establish those that have rule over you, for order. Are you eager to do good? Are you ready for good work? Do you want to be pleasing unto the Lord? Then this chapter matters. If this is the measure for a Bishop and a Deacon, is it not a good measure to follow, even if you do not yearn for such a position, still may you be useful unto the LORD.
Shall we look at the question that is just beneath the surface of this? What is it that you strive for in the Lord? Are these not trades that would make you a good workman in all righteous work?
A husband of one wife, with an orderly house, not given to wine, moderate and gentle; self-controlled. The whole list is here, and I must be honest, to me this sounds to be a good guide for living for all, not just some. And while it may discount someone for such a position in leadership and support positions in the congregation if one is lacking, it does not disqualify one to be a congregant. Or shall we now cast out the young converts out that clearly do not qualify for one of these positions. Neither the one that is given to wine.
Once more, I want to remind you of where you came from, where you were found by Christ. Shall we become a stumbling block for the believer by holding them to a standard that is set apart for leadership? If a man has more than one wife, shall we now cast him away? The one that gossips, and those that are contentious, how do they become part of the rule in church, but the sinner is cast out? For that, I have one question: Who did Christ come for? Can we remember His answer to the Pharisees and scribes? Where does the one who is in trouble go to then? Who needs Christ more than the sinner? We must be very careful to adopt a "better than others" attitude, be good hosts, humble and of service to the Lord. What is it to rightly divide the Word? We know we serve a GOD of order, and we should not become unruly. I know I quote this verse many times, but it is apt to be quoted here too, in fact, a good reminder might be more than applicable.
Matthew 25:34-40 NASB2020
[34] “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. [35] For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; [36] naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ [37] Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? [38] And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? [39] And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ [40] And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’
https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.25.34-40.NASB2020
There is a measure for all. Now who is naked, is it just a thing to cover the flesh, or are we naked, if not covered by the blood of Christ too? And what about hunger for the Word of GOD? Imprisoned by demons and unclean spirits, unwell and caged in illness? Friends, there is a measure for all. Now, who wants to pick up the first stone? I assure you; I have no such intention.
The sinner must be able to come in for salvation, we cannot deny him or her of Christ. Ultimately, each chooses for himself, without being forced. Be hospitable.
Selah, Shalom.
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Psalm 34:8 NASB2020
[8] ¶Taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.34.8.NASB2020
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