3^rd Chapter of 1^st Timothy (ESV: English Standard Version)

(1Ti 3:1)

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

OVERSEER - A NOBLE TASK

"Faithful is the saying" that those who aspire (covet, long for, desire, yearn; set your heart) to the office of overseer (episkopes: the overseer or presiding officers of a Christian church; overseership, superintendent; office, charge, the office of an elder; bishop) desire a noble (good, honest) task (work, labor).

The Overseer, Pastor, Elder and Bishop are one and the same:

Pastors: poimen = shepherds (literally or figuratively). 1Pe 5:1-3 explains the detail of shepherding in the Lord’s church (poimenoo: feed the flock). Mostly done by elders (prebuteros: elderly, senior, member of ruling council) and/or bishops (episkopos: superintendent, overseer, Officer in general charge) who are appointed by evangelists (1Ti 3:14-15; Tit 1:5) through the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28). Technically, the office of those identified as elders and/or bishops were older. Age was a mayor factor in determining viability in this office (1Ti 3:2-7). Tit 1:5-9 uses “bishop” and “elder” interchangeably, proving they are talking about the same office or work, and who should qualify for it. So the elder or bishop is not only an older experienced man in the faith, but also an overseer, superintendent of the church, responsible for feeding the flock. Heb 12:15 and 1Pe 5:2 combines skopeo with epi to form episkopeo (a derivative of episkopos), which means to oversee, to look diligently, to take the oversight. This is the word translated as "overseer" or "bishop".

It is indeed a noble work that requires a yearning - a longing to do it since it merits strict qualifications as we shall see. That's the first and foremost qualification. The work is indeed laborious as well as noble and good. It has to do with managing the household of God. It is not so much an office but a work. An elder that gets appointed does so because he is already doing the work and the task of shepherding. The position comes with high standards and high responsibility, not high recognition in the world. You can get no lower in servanthood than an elder. They need to truly delight in the Word of God.

Two important points:

1. Elders must meet all the requirements the Bible says. The church is not a democracy, it is a theocracy. Elders are not elected by popular vote or because they meet 90% of the criteria listed in the Holy Word of God

2. Elders are humans. They are not sinless. The qualifications of eldership can be met in imperfect humans if they are mature in the love of Christ.

(1Ti 3:2)

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Here are the qualifications for being an overseer given by the Holy Spirit:

1. Above reproach: anepileptos - not arrested, that is, (by implication) inculpable: - blameless, unrebukeable; of good reputation. This does not mean sinless. It means that no one can say anything bad about him. No charge can be made against him - blameless. He has no outstanding character flaw; he has allowed the Spirit to break him and mold him. His outward observable behavior is truthful, honest, morally upright and sound in doctrine. It is possible to be above reproach. If those who are not Christian can gain the favor of the world, like Mother Theresa, The Pope, etc., how much more should we, who have the treasure of the Gospel of Jesus?

2. Husband of one wife: having only one wife; that is, having been married once or having had one wife. Not being remarried or of multiple marriages - free from adultery. This attests that elders are male. An elder must be married, never having had a divorce. This indicates a stable marriage lead by a good strong and faithful head. There are some exceptions: Mat 5:32 indicates the exception of those who are elders but their wife decides to leave or commit adultery. Rom 7:2-3 talks about the exception of death. If a man had a wife and then she dies and he marries again it is acceptable.

3. Sober-minded: nephaleos - sober, that is, (figuratively) circumspect: - sober, vigilant. A person who is sober or sober-minded abstains from things that will rob him of his sobriety; i.e. wine, drugs, mind altering substances or experiences. He is a person who abstains from daydreaming o wishful thinking. He is firmly grounded in concreteness and practicality. He is not the overly sensitive type, reacting to things as opposed to being proactive. He cannot have a cow. He does not get bent out of shape. Needs to be calm and collected. If you are in the presence of such a person he should have a calming effect on you. They must be sober as 1Th 5:6-8 says.

4. Self-controlled: sophron - curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate; safe (sound) in mind, that is, self controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion): - discreet, sober, temperate. Using good judgment is a must to be able to make important decisions. Well balanced in his judgments, avoiding extremes. He is a good discerner of peoples. Knows when they are lying or trying to manipulate. Knows how to help them in spite of themselves. Will not make assumptions or let his own prejudice lead him to making decisions based on partiality or let his imagination run wild by other’s unbridled tongues.

5. Respectable: kosmios - orderly, that is, decorous: - of good behavior, modest; well arranged, seemly. Modest behavior. Meaning not overly bold and assertive. They don't intimidate people nor allow people to step over them. They have hard convictions and soft hearts. They are also orderly, not sporadic. They are comfortable to have around. They always make a good impression.

6. Hospitable: philoxenos - hospitable, generous to guests; fond of guests. This doesn't mean you invite people you like to be around. This means you love strangers and are fond of having guests over our house that you just met on the street.

7. Able to teach: didaktikos - instructive; apt and skilful in teaching. Able to teach. He loves the law of the Lord and knows how to handle the word accurately. A shepherd feeds the sheep. The sheep are fed with the Word of God. He needs to encourage with sound doctrine, not emotional talks. He is able to encourage with sound teaching, not intellectual opinions. He refutes false doctrine (Tit 1:9).

(1Ti 3:3)

not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

8. Not a drunkard: paroinos - given to wine, drunken; not drink excessively. Don't indulge in things that lead to wild living (Eph 5:18), whether it is wine or anything that can cause an addiction or is mind altering. People who abuse alcohol generate a dependency on a drunken state to feel good or to ease stress, but an elder must depend on the Lord. He should not seek other ways to ease his burden other than to depend on prayer and the Word of God. An elder does not hang out at the local pub talking trash like those who linger over wine.

9. Not violent: plektes - a smiter, that is, pugnacious (quarrelsome): - striker; bruiser, ready for a blow; a pugnacious, contentious, quarrelsome person. The manner of the elder must be gentle. Violent people are always ready to intimidate. This not only shows a lack of confidence in Christ, since they are trying to commend themselves by intimidation, but also a lack of self-esteem. A contentious person, who is always fighting and disagreeing is not sought out by people but rather avoided. An elder cannot be someone who other people tend to avoid.

10. Gentle: epieikes - seemingly, suitable, equitable, fair, mild, gentle; patient. Here's what the elder needs to be. Fair and mild. This doesn't mean that he's a milktoast, letting people walk all over him. This means that he can be gentle and mild and still teach the truth firmly and stand on his convictions. The elder is patient, he's not in a hurry to judge, but waits on the Lord for the right moment to speak and act (Isa 40:31; Psa 37:34; Psa 130:5; Lam 3:24-26).

11. Not quarrelsome: amachos - peaceable: - not a brawler, not contentious; abstaining from fighting. The elder should be a peace-maker in every situation. Not looking to get or start a fight, but always waiting to dissolve them. He does not look to raise controversy but rather promotes truth to settle doubts. He avoids quarrels with those who love to quarrel and are not interested in learning and being convicted by the truth.

12. Not a lover of money: aischrokerdes - eager for base gain, greedy for money; given to greed. Elders cannot be greedy, for if they are, how will they take care of the flock of God? They should not be looking into ways of gaining money just for the sake of it. A full-time elder will get paid for their service to the Lord (1Ti 5:17-18), therefore and elder cannot be someone who is greedy concerning their salary.

(1Ti 3:4)

He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,

13. Must manage his household well: Rules (presides) honestly (fully) in his home (family; house).

With all dignity (semnotes: venerableness, that is, probity: - gravity, honesty; reverence and respect, dignity, majesty, sanctity) keeping his children submissive (hupotage: obedience, subjection).

The elder must be a true head of his house. His wife and children should confirm that by the way they respectfully obey him and submit themselves to his authority.

The elder as a father must be a pace-setter at the home; equitable, trustworthy, peaceable and authoritative. His wife and children love him because he is fair and spiritual. His word is gold and he keeps promises. He is truly an example worthy of imitation as he walks in the steps of his God. He leads by serving and caring as a shepherd does. Does the wife and children lead him? No! His wife trusts him and eagerly submits to him as his children do.

(1Ti 3:5)

for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?

Managing your own household is a microcosm for learning how to manage the church.

Act 20:28 instructs that the job of the elder is to manage the household of the Lord. Their testing ground will be how he manages his home. Is the home filled with Christian principles? Does the husband love the wife as Christ loves the church? Does the wife wait eagerly for her husband to come home? The success of the marital relationship is key to being an elder approved by God.

Do the children enjoy being around the father? How do they take their father's discipline? Do they despise it or do they accept it in love? How the children are managed and cared for is also key to being an elder approved by God.

You cannot have an elder whose wife is indifferent towards their husband and scoffs at their leadership, or whose kids despise their father's discipline.

(1Ti 3:6)

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

14. Not a recent convert: neophutos - newly planted, that is, (figuratively) a young convert (“neophyte”): - novice.

How recent is recent? If someone is being tested and their fruit show they still have enough greed to be lead astray without putting up a fight, they are too recent. God will test those who are becoming elders and their fruit will be plain to all. Elders cannot be named hastily. Conceit (tuphoo: to blind with pride or conceit, to render foolish or stupid; to envelop with smoke, that is, (figuratively) to inflate with self conceit: - high-minded, be lifted up with pride, be proud.) is the thing to watch when determining if someone is too young in the faith to do this task.

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." - Jam 4:6

How can you have an elder whom God opposes?

Pro 13:10 - Recent converts are not prone to ask for advice, they will tend to be quarrelsome and produce strife for those in the church.

Pro 11:2 - Pride-filled elders bring disgrace to the church and before the eyes of God and unbelievers.

Pro 16:18 - Pride is a sign that someone is close to destruction, therefore we need to examine the conceit in someone who wishes to be an elder.

Many small or new churches need to be careful not to appoint elders hastily, for the sake of just having elders or deacons. This may result in more strife for the church than not having any elders. Elders take time to groom and the other church officials will keep their eye out for those who aspire for this service, particularly the evangelist, who appoints the elders.

Pride is what caused Satan to be outcast from Heaven. Don't let that happen to you!

(1Ti 3:7)

Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

15.Must be well thought of by outsiders: Must be thought of as an honest (good, fair, worthy) witness (having a good record, report, or testimony) by those outside of the church.

This is the equivalent of being blameless, but with outsiders. The relationship the elder has with those outside of the church should be a well established testimony of honesty and good report. Elders have a great reputation even at their jobs. All respect him and love to work with him. If he is a boss or a supervisor, all want to work under him. If he is at the lowest end of the totem pole, all his superiors rave about him.

The elder will have a positive influence with those who are lost. This qualification goes with verse 6, since it takes time to build such reputations with outsiders. Elders need to have a reputation of godliness and Christ-likeness (1Ti 4:16). An elder practices what he preaches, otherwise disgrace will accompany the new elder and the new church in the sight of the community and Almighty God.

The snare of the devil is to cause people to mock the church and wag their heads and say, "See, I told you those Christians are a bunch of hypocrites!" Or, "How can you call yourself an elder when you do/say these things?" Rom 2:20-24 talks about the importance of our godly example to the world. People are always looking at you, especially when you don't even think about it.

Are these qualifications only for elders?

All these 16 qualifications are great goals to set for yourself, regardless of your age or sex. Since God looks at these qualities as honorable and worthy of the Gospel, we all need to embrace them, not just those who aspire for eldership.

These are the qualities of the most mature Christians of the church, the qualities of the Christ Himself, whom we all need to pattern ourselves after.

(1Ti 3:8)

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

DEACONS - DIGNIFIED SERVANTS

Qualifications for the deacons (diakonos: to run on errands; an attendant, that is, (generally) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties): - deacon, minister, servant) are to be as the elders. These men freely and willingly serve as deacons. These men have these gifts of serving (ministry). Before they are appointed as deacons they are already serving.

In Act 6:1-5 there was a need in the church and therefore deacons were appointed. Notice the qualifications given by the apostles for these men who were to be picked:

1. Full of the Holy Spirit - displaying the fruit of the Spirit in their life.

2. Full of wisdom - practice and apply the Word of God in their lives

Deacons are appointed when a need arises for that particular service so that those whose ministry is prayer and the Word of God is not neglected.

Notice that verse 8 here starts off with "likewise..." (hosautos: as thus, that is, in the same way: - even so, likewise, after the same (in like) manner).

The Spirit repeats these qualifications in a summarized way, as to indicate that the deacons and the elders are to be held to the same standards:

1. Dignified: semnos - august, venerable, reverend; honorable, grave, honest. This word was used in verse 4, describing how the children out to submit to the elders - with all dignity. In other words, the submission doesn't occur because of fear or terror or bribe, but because they revere him in all honesty. Their life causes people to respect them and to love them.

2. Not double-tongued: dilogos - equivocal, that is, telling a different story: - double tongued, double in speech, saying one thing with one person another with another (with the intent to deceive); two-faced. We can also equal this to being double-minded or a hypocrite. Talking without action. The deacon's speech must have integrity. They need to be men of their word.

3. Not addicted to much wine: not into wine. Similar to verse 3. A deacon's mind should not turn to drinking or any other vice. They must be sober as 1Th 5:6-8 says. Not act or do things like the world does. We need to be awake and pursue the things that belong to the day.

4. Not greedy for dishonest gain: aischrokerdēs - eager for base gain, greedy for money; sordid: - given to (greedy of) filthy lucre. Same as verse 3. He cannot be into being a deacon for the money. He should not be money-minded but people-minded.

(1Ti 3:9)

They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

The deacon must be clear about what he teaches and the way he lives. Paul refers to the mystery of the faith which he talks extensively about in Eph 1:9-10 and Eph 3:1-6. This mystery is how people can become saved through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, forever praised! The deacons must hold to this mystery with a clear conscience, truly believing with the deepest of convictions which is proved by how they are not swayed by human doctrine. Also, the deacon will show this by being doers of the Word of God. Their faith shows by actions. They will show concern for the lost and be focused on serving his brothers and sisters and serving the lost with the Gospel.

(1Ti 3:10)

And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

How are the deacons to be tested? First of all, we need to see the fruit of all these qualities blooming. The fruit need to be evident even before they are asked to serve. The test is to be proven blameless when asked to serve in any capacity. So if someone wants to serve as a deacon they must be tested, or given a trial run. If the person already has a track record of good service and is above reproach (blameless) then the person is a blooming deacon. They have the possibility of being installed as a deacon if the need arises.

(1Ti 3:11)

Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

Now come some qualities that should be observed in the wives of the deacons and elders. Notice the first word in this verse is "their", referring to both deacons and elders, since the context is still the same. The wives must be:

1. Dignified: semnos - august, venerable, reverend; honorable, grave, honest. This word was used in verse 4, describing how the children out to submit to the elders - with all dignity. In other words, the submission doesn't occur because of fear or terror or bribe, but because they revere her in all honesty; respecting and obeying her. She doesn't have to yell or cry to communicate. She simply speaks quietly and serves her husband in quietness and all dignity (1Pe 3:1-2).

2. Not Slanderers: diabolos - false accuser, devil, slanderer. Women are often portrayed with a tendency to gossip but a godly woman is not a part of Satan's schemes. To gossip, which often includes slander, is to side with the devil.

3. Sober-Minded: nephaleos - abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use; sober, vigilant. A sober person, like an elder, must keep his mind clear of confusion and doesn't seek to alter his mind by the use of any mind-altering drug or pharmaceutical product, whether illegal or legal. She is a person who abstains from daydreaming o wishful thinking. She is firmly grounded in concreteness and practicality. She is not the overly sensitive type, reacting to things as opposed to being proactive. She cannot have a cow. Needs to be calm and collected. If you are in the presence of such a person she should have a calming effect on you.

4. Faithful: pistos - objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: -believing, confiding, trusting. She should be faithful in all things, that is, her quality of faithfulness transcends her person and permeates all she does and whomever she serves.

(1Ti 3:12)

Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

In the same manner as the elders, deacons are to be the husband of one wife: having only one wife; that is, having been married once or having had one wife. Not being remarried or of multiple marriages - free from adultery. This attests that deacons are male. A deacon must be married, never having had a divorce. This indicates a stable marriage lead by a good strong and faithful head. There are some exceptions: Mat 5:32 indicates the exception of those who are deacons but their wife decides to leave or commit adultery. Rom 7:2-3 talks about the exception of death. If a man had a wife and then she dies and he marries again it is acceptable.

He must also manage his children and household well: Rules (presides) honestly (fully) in his home (family; house). The deacon must be a true head of his house. His wife and children should confirm that by the way they respectfully obey him and submit themselves to his authority.

The deacon as a father must be a pace-setter at the home; equitable, trustworthy, peaceable and authoritative. His wife and children love him because he is fair and spiritual. His word is gold and he keeps promises. He is truly an example worthy of imitation as he walks in the steps of his God. He leads by serving and caring as a good servant does. Does the wife and children lead him? No! His wife trusts him and eagerly submits to him as his children do.

(1Ti 3:13)

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.

The results of serving as a deacon are eternal and so their goal in serving must be motivated by these eternal results in Jesus Christ our Lord:

1. Gaining a good standing (acquiring a worthy degree or grade of dignity). Serving as a deacon will gain them a worthy degree within the church, the people of God and God Himself.

2. Great confidence (boldness) in the faith.

(1Ti 3:14)

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that,

THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

(1Ti 3:15)

if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth.

The whole purpose in writing this letter was for Timothy to be able to straighten out some things in the church where Timothy was serving. This is a letter mainly of how we ought to conduct ourselves within the assembly of God's people. The church itself is the pillar of truth, which is why deacons, elders, women and all members who represent God's people need to know how to conduct ourselves and not allow the world to pollute us.

The church is:

1. The Household of God - Where God is Head, Master and Lord. We don't go about rearranging His house but are to be orderly and subservient in His house. We are HIs bride in His house so we ought to be subject to Him in everything.

2. The pillar of truth - Truth is known throughout the world by the work of the church. Our work ought to be to disseminate, teach and preach this truth everywhere.

3. The buttress (foundation) of truth - No other foundation can be laid without the church being the basis of it. If the church is not in the picture, there is no worth to it in this world. Jesus Himself, the foundation of the church, died for the church, to purchase it and save it.

Some say that this verse is proof that the church is the one who dictates truth and therefore can amend the Word of God (Catholic Church). This is not what the verse is saying. It is not giving license to make doctrine. Only God does that and the church is to defend, uphold and disseminate God's doctrine. The church is to be preaching, teaching and living the Word of God. If we compromise the truth then the church crumbles.

(1Ti 3:16)

Great indeed, we confess, 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.

The mystery of godliness:

1. He came in the flesh - Elohim became a person like us

2. Was vindicated by the Spirit - He was raised again! Was made alive by the Spirit (1Pe 3:18)

3. Seen by Angels - was ministered to by angels from birth to His resurrection. This also attests to the transformation of Jesus’ body in Heaven, that He still lives!

4. Proclaimed among the nations - All can be saved through this mystery

5. Believed on in the world - Many have accepted Him and have been redeemed. The whole world was turned upside down by the word of 13 men.

6. Taken up in glory - Jesus sits now at the right hand of the Father and is waiting for the Father's Word to come take His bride, the church (Tit 2:11-13).

Who is he talking about? The Word of God, Jesus Christ our Lord! God is the one that qualifies us in His sight; we should not be seeking titles or commendations from man but redemption in Jesus! Let your godliness be based on this mystery; that Elohim came as a person and changed us profoundly. Let your motivation be because of these facts listed here. The leaders of the church are to be role models for the rest of the congregation of those who live because of the greatness of the mystery of godliness. This is the rock (foundation) that transforms!