Day #221: 1 Timothy 3:2-7

So What? (What will you do with what you read today?)

More is required of an overseer than mere willingness to serve. In verses 2-7 Paul listed 15 requirements for a church leader. This is not a partial list but a full list. Any elder of a church must exemplify all of these qualifications. Many of these qualifications are self-explanatory.

1) Above Reproach.
He must be blameless in his behavior. This Greek word anepilēmpton, “above reproach,” is used in the New Testament only in this epistle (v. 2; 5:7; 6:14). It means to have nothing in one’s conduct on which someone could ground a charge or accusation.

2) Husband of but One Wife
This literally means, a “one-woman man.” This phrase prohibits both polygamy and promiscuity, which are unthinkable for spiritual leaders in the church. The words a “one-woman man” are saying that the affections of an elder must be centered exclusively on his wife.

3) Temperate
This can be translated as “well-balanced”.

4) Self-Controlled

5) Respectable

6) Hospitable

7) Able to Teach
This speaks of a leader’s ability to handle the Scriptures. He must be able both to understand and to communicate the truth to others, as well as to refute those who mishandle it. Not all must necessarily do this publicly, of course; some may conduct this aspect of their ministries more informally in private settings. Yet all leaders must possess an aptitude for handling the Word with skill.

8) Not Given to Much Wine

9) Not Violent

10) Gentle, or Forbearing
Making room for others.

11) Not Quarrelsome

12) Not a Lover of Money
He never pursues his ministry for personal gain

13) Manage his Own Family Well
Paul’s specific focus here was on the children. The most reliable (though not infallible) means of determining the quality of one’s potential leadership is by examining the behavior of his children. Paul made an analogy between leadership or management of a home and that in a church. Many of the same skills and qualifications are needed for both. Success in a family may well indicate success in a church; likewise, failure in a home raises a red flag about one’s ability to lead in a congregation.

14) Not Be a Recent Convert
This prevents a rapid advancement to leadership. It will fill him with pride and conceit, and he will experience the same kind of judgment that the devil incurred for his pride.

15) Have a Good Reputation with Outsiders
Paul’s thought here seems to be that church leaders, as representatives of the congregation, are constantly susceptible to the snares of the devil. Satan likes nothing better than to disgrace God’s work and God’s people by trapping church leaders in sin before a watching world. It is important therefore that overseers achieve and maintain a good reputation before unbelievers.

The truth is that Paul sets the bar extremely high. The privilege of being an elder is reserved for the man whose walk with God is intimate and genuine. His unwavering faith maintains each of these qualifications out of obedience to the Lord. For those of you aspire to be an elder Paul gives you fifteen qualification to strive for.

Make it Happen!