1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

It's not wrong to want to lead.  There are qualities you must have if you wish to lead in God's church.

² Now the overseer is to be above reproach, 

Your life and reputation must be in such a way that people will not disapprove of your position. 

faithful to his wife,
  
Nothing hurts a ministry more than a leader who can't keep his zipper shut.
 
temperate, 

Keeping within ones limits.  This can be food or alcohol or any other desires one may have.
 
self-controlled, 

Similar to temperate in that he sets his own limits.

respectable,

How many leaders that we prayed for the other day do we have zero respect for?  That can't be in the church.

hospitable, 

Welcoming.  The elder David Dore at my church greets everyone at the door with a warm smile and a word of encouragement.  LOVE that.  He's a blessing and an example of what a church leader should be.

able to teach,

No commentary required.


³ not given to drunkenness,

Do I really need to explain this?  

not violent but gentle, 

One of my heroes is John Wayne.  Another is Clint Eastwood.  I am speaking of their westerns.  Most every character they played was violent when pushed.  So much of the "American way" has seeped into our faith or we've tried to stuff Christ into our mold.  This ought not to be.

not quarrelsome,

I know a guy who will pick the opposite side even if he agrees with you just because he likes to debate.  He actually thrives off making someone squirm.  There is no place for that in church leadership.

not a lover of money.

There is nothing wrong with being rich.  There are many rich people in my church.  However their goal is the service of Christ, not their personal wealth.


⁴ 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. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)

Makes sense.

⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

Some recent converts may have friends form their past that are not aware of the new found faith.  Therefore they may mock or try to drag down the new believer.  Let knew believer grow and establish a new rep before placing them in charge.
 
⁸ In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

The role of deacon is one that can be held by a man or a woman.  A deacon is one whom is charged with a special task.  Sunday school teachers could be called deacons.

⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

Know who you are getting.  There are nice people out there that are just playing church and do not really believe as we do.

¹¹ In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

No commentary required.

¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.

No commentary required.

¹³ Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

This is a saying that has proved true for me.   As I walk with the Spirit and do things God's way may assurance in my own beliefs become stronger.

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ 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.
Now as Paul instructed Timothy how the Church is to be run, we too know.  And the power to run it comes from Jesus Christ.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.