Daily Bread 2010 - 1 Timothy 3
Overseers and Deacons
1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Here are Paul’s directions for Timothy regarding elders (also called overseers) and deacons. Paul saw how important it was for the leadership of the church to live lives worthy of their calling. Notice Paul points out it is important for a leader in the church to manage their families well.
Oftentimes we can get so caught up in ministry for the Lord and at the church, that our families get neglected. Paul’s admonition assumes the important of one’s first ministry to their own family. Just like it is easy for someone to become a workaholic and spend all their hours at work, the same can happen at church. It can be easy for someone to spend all their hours at church and neglect their spouse and kids.
Paul sees that the key leaders in the church need to have self control and mentions alcohol and its overuse twice. While not many in the church advocate complete abstinence from alcohol, we see can see by its mention that church leaders should avoid over-indulging for sure. This is especially true when someone has an issue with alcohol in their family of origin. The church needs to be a safe place where people in recovery can see healthy examples of moderate alcohol use not leading to drunkenness.
Finally, Paul says that the deacons must first be tested. It is a good idea before putting someone into a leadership position to have them serve in other positions to see if they will be faithful. As the Scripture says, “He who is faithful in a little should be given more.” This is true with God and is a good example for the church.
Heavenly Father, help us to find leaders in the church who will represent the bride of Christ well. Help all of us who lead set an example that will not bring anything negative upon the Church you died for. Help those in leadership to manage their families well, and may faith start in our homes first. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Here are Paul’s directions for Timothy regarding elders (also called overseers) and deacons. Paul saw how important it was for the leadership of the church to live lives worthy of their calling. Notice Paul points out it is important for a leader in the church to manage their families well.
Oftentimes we can get so caught up in ministry for the Lord and at the church, that our families get neglected. Paul’s admonition assumes the important of one’s first ministry to their own family. Just like it is easy for someone to become a workaholic and spend all their hours at work, the same can happen at church. It can be easy for someone to spend all their hours at church and neglect their spouse and kids.
Paul sees that the key leaders in the church need to have self control and mentions alcohol and its overuse twice. While not many in the church advocate complete abstinence from alcohol, we see can see by its mention that church leaders should avoid over-indulging for sure. This is especially true when someone has an issue with alcohol in their family of origin. The church needs to be a safe place where people in recovery can see healthy examples of moderate alcohol use not leading to drunkenness.
Finally, Paul says that the deacons must first be tested. It is a good idea before putting someone into a leadership position to have them serve in other positions to see if they will be faithful. As the Scripture says, “He who is faithful in a little should be given more.” This is true with God and is a good example for the church.
Heavenly Father, help us to find leaders in the church who will represent the bride of Christ well. Help all of us who lead set an example that will not bring anything negative upon the Church you died for. Help those in leadership to manage their families well, and may faith start in our homes first. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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