3:1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
desire- to reach out, stretch out, to reach after anything, to long for it, to want it, etc.
It is acceptable to desire a position of spiritual leadership.
One cannot seek the position for his own personal benefit.
The position is one of servanthood, and putting others’ needs before your own.
But it is not wrong to have a desire for the position.
The important thing is that you know what it is you desire.
To know what the position includes.
It is good to desire this position…
God excites the heart of one called to the ministry.
This is one of the evidences of God’s calling upon a person’s life.
There needs to be a sustained desire and burden in the heart of the one called.
Spurgeon- If you can imagine yourself doing anything else other than preaching, do it.
Desire for spiritual leadership must be present.
It is not just a job, but a life calling, to be lived out in good times and bad.
ALSO… One must be called to ministry.
Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
As you are called, God puts the desire into your heart.
Phil 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
A person is not a true minister or overseer of God’s church simply because he wants to be.
An overseer of a church is there because of divine placement, and divine calling.
Otherwise, it is man’s placement, man’s calling, man’s power, man’s results.
If one feels called into spiritual leadership, they must also understand the responsibilities of Christian service, and of Christian leadership.
Paul proceeds to enumerate the qualifications needed for the position.
Unless these qualifications are present, one should not enter into spiritual oversight of God’s people.
1 Tim 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless,
No immorality or false doctrine. One who does not have a bad reputation.
If the morality or doctrine of a man is in question, they should not be considered for the office.
Truth, honesty, integrity.
the husband of one wife, Not a polygamist. Polygamy was common in those days.
A return back to God’s original design for marriage.
temperate, sober, temperament, abstinent, watchful, circumspect.
sober-minded, a sound mind, one who is not ruled by his passions. One can think clearly apart from the dictates of body appetite.
of good behavior, gentlemanly. Proper social skills and graces, knowing how to relate to others in a proper manner. Not being brutish in appearance and mannerisms.
hospitable, one who is willing to open their home, one who is willing to have guests.
able to teach; able to impart instruction about the doctrines of the faith.
This requires self-denial & discipline in studying firstly for himself, & then that he may teach others.
One cannot rightly teach that which he has not first grasped on to.
1 Tim 3:3 not given to wine, literally, “by wine.” Next to wine, with wine.
Speaks of those who have the habit of drinking that results in revelry, intoxication, indulgence.
An overseer of God’s church cannot be influenced or controlled in any way by alcohol.
Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
This does not forbid the use of wine, or prohibit it at all times. See 1 Timothy 5:23
It simply calls for sobriety on the part of an overseer of God’s church.
not violent an overseer of God’s church cannot be a man of unbridled anger. He cannot be a man who is unable to control his anger, but must be a man who is controlled by the H.S.
not greedy for money an overseer of God’s church has a right to financial support. 1 Cor.9
But the desire for money cannot be the motivation of his heart.
It is the love for money that is the problem. See 1 Timothy 6:10
but gentle, mild and kind demeanor.
not quarrelsome, not disposed to fighting
not covetous; not desirous of material goods or money.
Not wanting what someone else has.
1 Tim 3:4 one who rules his own house well,
An overseer of god’s church should be one who is responsible to lead his household also.
How can it be expected that a man will rightly lead the affairs of God’s people, if he habitually does not take care of his own affairs?
having his children in submission with all reverence
He should see to the affairs of his children, maintaining order in his home, raising his children rightly.
1 Tim 3:5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);
A bishop is one who has oversight of the affairs of the Body of Christ.
the church is pictured also like a family.
The church is made up of many brothers and sisters in the faith.
The church leadership is designed to be paternal in its nature.
While it is not strict like a father with his children, it is very similar. Much similarity.
The overseer of the church should love all within the church equally, and be concerned for the lives of all, like a father with his children. No partiality.
If a man is partial, unreasonable, or tyrannical at home, he is probably not fit to govern the affairs of the church.
NOTICE- The difference: rule his household; take care of the church.
There are similarities, there are differences.
The father has more intimacy w/his household, less with the church.
More immediate oversight of his household, less immediate with the church.
1 Tim 3:6 not a novice, one who has come newly to the faith.
Literally- one who is newly planted. Only usage in N.T.
A young plant is not deeply rooted, has not been tested by the storms of life, is not proven to be secure, and may be easily uprooted.
Faith and character needs to develop; humility needs to be in place; dependence upon God.
lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
puffed up- Literally, inflated. Big, but with no substance.
It is easy at times to become proud in the ministry, especially for a novice.
God blesses your efforts, some people think you are wonderful, etc.
A novice, who has not yet grown in humility, and not keenly aware of the wickedness of his own heart, can easily fall into pride.
Satan was condemned for his pride. Satan desires to be worshipped.
Mat 4:9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
1 Tim 3:7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
An overseer must have a good reputation with all kinds of people, within the church, and outside. Christians, non-Christians.
Non-Christians have a good idea of what a Christian should act like, at least morally.
They may not understand the spiritual life we have, but they know what kind of morals we should live by.
His ministry will be ineffective if the unbelievers regard him as a carnal, worldly man.
lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Satan wants to trip the overseers of God’s church.
He wants to lead them into sin, and expose their sin to the world.
Satan wants the ministers of Jesus Christ to fall, so that the world will see them as unreliable and not trustworthy.
1 Tim 3:8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,
deacon see Philippians 1:1. His qualifications are not that different from those of an overseer. The main difference is the absence of the need to be able to teach or instruct others.
They have charge of temporal affairs of the church.
Acts 6:1-4 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; “but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
reverent
not double tongued Literally, not saying the same thing twice. Saying one thing, and meaning another. Truthful with their words. Men whose words are good, and can be trusted to do what they say they will do.
not given to much wine
not greedy for money
1 Tim 3:9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.
mystery- that which was formerly hidden, but now revealed. The gospel was revealed.
The deacon is to hold fast to the revealed truths of the Christian faith.
He is to do so not only in word, but in deed. Not hypocritically, but truly, with a pure conscience.
1 Tim 3:10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.
tested- not formally, but their character should be knowable from constant acquaintance with them. Watching their service to God and man; ascertaining their true commitment to God, etc.
Acts 6- they chose men who had good reputations, tested.
1 Tim 3:11 Likewise their wives must be reverent,
not slanderers, false accusers. Literally- devils, the same word used for Satan- accuser.
When we slander people, we practice the same sin that characterizes Satan, one of his names.
Wives of deacons and of overseers, often mingle with a large portion of the body of Christ, and may have much occasion to know both good and bad about them.
The position calls for much self-control, for they could do great damage to many with their words of they so desired.
temperate, sober minded, sober in outlook on life, self-controlled.
faithful in all things. to family, husband, friends, church. A general characteristic.
1 Tim 3:12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
No polygamy, faithful in their homes to their wives and children.
1 Tim 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing
Among God’s people, they show themselves to be faithful and dependable, godly men
They become known as men that can be trusted, and become a more healthy influence in the church. The position of deacon is not to be seen as a stepping stone to being an overseer, or pastor, although with some men, that would be the natural course of things.
and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus
Openness, frankness, confidence, assurance.
A solid life and position of ministry and influence which flows from a godly life.
This type of life is seen clearly, and recognized, and admired by those who love the Lord.
1 Tim 3:14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;
1 Tim 3:15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
God’s people need to be instructed on how to conduct their lives, and especially in the house of God, and concerning the affairs of the church.
The “House of God”, “the church”, is more rightly understood as the Body of Christians.
This included large and small corporate gatherings, as well as day to day relationships.
the pillar and ground of the truth.
The church is meant to support the truths of God, to hold them forth, and to defend them.
The church of Jesus Christ is called upon to hold forth his revealed truth, and to maintain it.
ground the basis, or foundation of truth. The stability of the church is the truth of God.
The church then holds up, or holds forth the truth, much like a pillar.
NOTE- the church is not the truth, but is built on the truth, and holds forth the truth.
Of all the places where truth is sounded forth, the church better be the first and foremost.
Truth is preserved from age to age, and to be delivered by God’s people, and God’s ministers.
1 Tim 3:16 And without controversy
With certainty, undeniably, it is obvious.
great is the mystery of godliness: mystery- that which was previously hidden, but is now revealed.
Not that what Paul was about to say was so concealed and unintelligible.
RATHER, that the doctrine of the incarnation which he was about to speak about, was of great importance. That which had been hidden, was now revealed, and was of great importance.
He just finished speaking about the church being the pillar and ground of truth.
He was now going to expound on that truth.
God was manifested in the flesh, appeared in human flesh. John 1:14, Matthew 1:23
Justified in the Spirit, Literally, vindicated.
Shown to be the Son of God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
The H.S. furnished evidence that Jesus was the Son of God.
At Jesus’ baptism. Mathew 3:16
Sent to convince the world of sin, for the world didn’t believe on Christ. John 16:8,9
Jesus cast out demons by the H.S. Matthew 12:28
Baptized people in power, and equipped them to preached the deity of Christ. Acts 2:33
Seen by angels, attendants to Christ in his earthly ministry. Present at His birth as a baby, and announced it. Strengthened Him when tempted by Satan. Comforted Him in the garden of Gethsemane. Announced His resurrection at the tomb.
Preached among the Gentiles, salvation available to all men. Preached to all peoples.
The best news available for mankind. The opportunity for salvation not based upon social standing, culture, race, complexion of skin, finances, education, etc.
Believed on in the world, Paul here lists this as a “great” thing. The foregoing is all great by itself, but the fact that anyone ever truly believed it is also great.
Man is first and foremost an infidel, secondly a Christian.
Man starts out in unbelief and rebellion against God.
It is an amazing thing that he ever believes anything about God.
Paul sought to show that this was a “great” thing.
Received up in glory. This was the crowning event of Christianity.