The
Epistle of 1st Timothy
Chapter
3- The
Church & Its Members
1
Timothy 3:1-16
Introduction
"This
is a true (faithful) saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop
(pastor), he desireth a good work" (1 Timothy 3:1). This
is the second of the five (5) "faithful sayings"
recorded in the Pastoral Epistles. Philippians 1:1 instructs
us that there are three distinct groups which make up the New Testament
Church, "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the
bishops and deacons." There are bishops, deacons, and the
saints. In our last chapter we studied the need for praying men and
women which constitute the saints in Christ Jesus. In this chapter
we will examine the remaining two groups which are the bishops and
deacons.
The New Testament
Church is an "organism", a growing body of born-again believers
united by the Holy Spirit of God in Christ (1 Peter 2:1-5; 9-10; 1
Corinthians 12:12-14). This body has been growing since Pentecost,
and it will one day be assembled collectively when the Lord Jesus
Christ returns for His Bride, the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18;
1 Corinthians 15:51-54). However, the Lord today works through the
local assemblies of believers all around the world in order to do
His will. Paul referred to this body of believers as the "household
of faith" (Galatians 6:10). Though the church is an "organism",
we should understand that the church must be "organized"
(1 Corinthians 14:40). God’s Word clearly teaches us His Divine
Order of the church in Ephesians 5:22-6:9. In our present chapter
under consideration, let us examine first the qualifications of a
godly "bishop". A church with weak leadership will be a
weak church. These qualifications may seem stringent, but keep in
mind that God demands leaders be examples to the rest of the church.
Qualifications
of Bishops (Pastors) (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
The terms "pastor",
"elder", and "bishop" all refer to
the same office. The word "elder" is a translation
of the Greek word "presbuteros", and it is often
used as the word "presbytery" (1 Timothy 4:14). It
simply means "an older, mature person". The term
"bishop" comes from the Greek word "episkopos",
and it means "an overseer". The pastor of a New Testament
Church should be an "elder" (spiritually speaking),
and he should "oversee" the ministry of the local
assembly of believers.
There is no
evidence in the Word of God that supports the idea that a church should
be presided over by an area of bishops or an association. What happens
in most cases where this is practiced is that inevitably the "Doctrine
of the Nicolaitanes" which occurs when the "nicao"
or clergy lords over the "laity" or people. The local church
should be indigenous from such organizations so that Christ may be
allowed to take His proper place as the Head of the Church clearly
defined in Ephesians. Neither should the pastor nor the deacons assume
that they are in control of the church. Both of these offices are
to be viewed as "servants of the church."
Beginning
in 1 Timothy 3:2 through verse seven we find a list of qualifications
for the bishop or pastor. We shall examine these seventeen (17) qualifications
in three different categories: 1.) Personal Qualifications
2.) Family Qualifications 3.) Spiritual Qualifications.
Personal
Qualifications (vss. 2-3)
A bishop should
first be "blameless". This does not mean sinless,
but rather it has the idea that the man of God should be without reproach
or literally, "that cannot be laid hold of". If a
pastor’s life is such that others have reason to speak adversely
concerning his life style, then his ministry will be hindered, and
ultimately the church will also suffer reproach.
A bishop should
be "the husband of one wife". This qualification
has been contested by liberals that conclude that this means not having
more than one wife at a time. However, it would seem to better be
interpreted as "not having been married and divorced." In
verse four it states that the man should be "one that ruleth
well his own house." Having been divorced and remarried would
seem to indicate that he has not done so in the past, and it would
disqualify him in the eyes of many from serving as a counselor to
others who might be experiencing marital or family difficulties. It
also would tend to disqualify a man from the first qualification because
he would become the prey of many who seek to lay hold of him.
It should
never be thought that those who have been divorced and remarried are
"second class" people. God has used many people as productive
Christians within the New Testament Church who have been through such
difficulties. Often times there are circumstances beyond the person’s
control. However, we must remember that these are qualifications for
the office of pastor, and it must be understood that God never limits
us, we ourselves do.
The third
qualification of the pastor is that he be "vigilant".
This means that he should be "watchful; careful to make good
judgments". How often wisdom and discernment must be exercised
in pastoring a church. May God give all pastors more wisdom and discernment
to make good judgments in the daily affairs of the church.
The fourth
qualification listed in these verses is that a bishop be "sober".
This means that he should be "serious-minded; self-controlled;
single-minded; purposeful". Many pastors believe that they
are no longer allowed to have fun in life. This is not the case at
all. The pastor should simply be motivated and sensitive to the need
of spiritual matters at all times. Often when people begin to relax
and laugh with others, they soon forget themselves and yield to temptations.
A bishop or
pastor should also be "of good behavior".
Obviously, this is a quality that all believers should make a part
of their lives. It has the idea of being "orderly; of a good
testimony; gentlemanly".
Another personal
qualification of a pastor is that he should be "given to
hospitality". This means that he "loves people;
enjoys fellowship with others". Can you imagine a man trying
to pastor a church who does not love people? What a terrible situation
for a church to find themselves in if their pastor does not love them
and enjoy their company.
Another important
characteristic that should govern the life of a bishop is that he
is gifted by the Holy Spirit in the area of teaching - "apt
to teach". There are many good teachers that are not
pastors, but every pastor should be able to communicate the Word of
God to others. Some do not believe that they should spend time in
fervent study of God’s Word. They do not agree that men of God
called to preach the Gospel should attend Bible college or seminary.
They contend that God will teach them all that they need to know.
The Apostle
Paul had something to say about formal Bible education in his letter
to the Ephesians, "And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets;
and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure
of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no
more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind
of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby
they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow
up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians
4:11-15).
This was written
to reveal how that the Holy Spirit gifts men and ordains them to participate
in the furtherance of the gospel of Christ. In verse seven of the
same chapter of Ephesians Paul said, "But unto every one of
us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."
There is little doubt that all believers are gifted to do something,
and pastors are gifted to both preach and teach others. There are
many wonderful Bible colleges and seminaries that "rightly divide
the Word of Truth" and greatly benefit men and women in training
them for the work of the ministry, whether in local churches or on
the mission field.
The bishop
should not be "given to wine". The effects
of alcohol are always negative. Statistics prove that many deaths
are the result of drunk drivers; many wives and children are physically
and verbally abused as the result of drunken husbands; many rape victims
were overtaken by drunken men; countless homes have been broken by
unfaithful, drunken husbands; and no one could begin to count all
of the other crimes committed each year by those who are influenced
by drink. Alcohol and Christianity do not mix, and they never will.
Strong drink is a mocker and the results of being given to wine is
always harmful to self and others.
Bishops should
"not be greedy of filthy lucre". Money is
not evil, but the love of money is. The word "filthy"
means "that which is gained unlawfully." Money is not filthy,
but to acquire money in an inappropriate manner causes it to become
filthy. A pastor should not be motivated by a big salary, but rather
by the love of Christ and the burden for souls. It is amazing how
few pastors desire to go to a church with a larger bank account. You
rarely hear any pastor coveting a church that cannot pay him a larger
salary. Churches should not think that pastors should not be adequately
supported financially, but pastors should not seek positions that
are out of the will of God.
Bishops are
also to be men who are "patient; not a brawler; not covetous".
These are three of the most difficult characteristics for any person.
A bishop must often show restraint in dealing with others. There are
many occasions in the life of a pastor when his patience will be sorely
tried by congregation members. Blessed is the pastor whose members
love him and never put his patience to the test. Pray for your pastor
that God will give grace in this area particularly. Neither should
a pastor be "contentious". Some people just enjoy arguing
with other people. Obviously, a pastor that enjoys arguing will have
a wonderful time in the pastorate, but it will most likely be short
lived. Finally, a pastor must not be covetous. It will be impossible
for a pastor to prepare and fulfill the duties of the ministry if
he sets his eyes upon the "things" of the world. Christ
must maintain preeminence in his life. The pastor must not covet the
ministries of others either. We must all give an account of ourselves
to God, so we will be accountable for the opportunities, not the numbers,
or our ministries.
Family
Qualifications (vss. 4-5)
The second
category of the qualifications of a bishop is that of the family.
Every bishop should be a man who "rules his house well".
This seems rather chauvinistic in the day in which we live, nevertheless,
it is a principle of God’s Word. The Bible clearly teaches that
the husband is the "head of the home", but this concept
has been misplaced somewhere along the history of the world. This
does not mean that he has the right to trample upon his family, nor
does he have the right to use or abuse his wife and children. Paul
addresses how a husband should love his wife as Christ loved the Church
and gave Himself for it in Ephesians Chapter Five. A loving husband
and caring father is one who will gain the respect of his family by
earning it, not demanding it.
A bishop should
have his "children under subjection". This
does not mean that a pastor’s children are sinless, but it does
mean that their attitudes and actions reflect the strong, spiritual
leadership of their father and mother. Children who are consistently
taught Biblical principles at home will reflect that teaching by having
a healthy respect for authority. Paul comments in 1 Timothy 3:5, "For
if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care
of the church of God?"
Spiritual
Qualifications (vs. 6-7)
The third category
of qualifications for a bishop is that of his own personal spiritual
welfare. First of all, he should "not be a novice".
A novice is a beginner. Obviously, a pastor should not be a new convert,
nor an immature convert. A pastor’s responsibility involves counseling
people, couples, and even whole families. Experience and a clear understanding
of certain principles of God’s Word are essential in dealing
with the many situations of leading a church. A pastor must not be
a novice spiritually, but also a pastor must not be a novice experientially.
Every experience of life only better enables a pastor to help minister
to others. Paul addressed this same idea in 2 Corinthians 1:1-7. The
experiences of life will help to build our faith, and the faith increases
helps us to better console those who are hurting by encouraging them
in the faith.
Too many men
who have been called into the ministry today seem to want to jump
right into a ministry without learning the necessary spiritual skills.
Paul did the same thing before God took him to ABI - The Arabian Bible
Institute for a formal education. Zeal is good, but zeal without knowledge
can do more harm than good! You will find that Elijah had three important
experiences - "a brook; a barrel; and a boy" - before he
was used of God to "call down fire from heaven." The same
must be understood by men desiring to be pastors of churches today.
Another qualification
is a "good testimony with the lost". How sad
when a pastor loses his testimony among the lost! Often a pastor has
had to leave his ministry because he was careless outside of the pulpit.
Some men have become involved with other women, drink, gambling, unpaid
debts, or some other form of illegal actions. This is certainly sinful
and harmful to one’s testimony, but it also greatly damages the
testimony of the entire church. Many churches have closed their doors
because of the testimony of a former pastor has so damaged the church
that it can no longer minister in its community.
Qualifications
of Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
In giving the
qualifications of deacons, Paul begins by saying, "Likewise,"
in verse eight. This means that God deems it equally important that
the same qualifications for bishops (pastors) be used in the selection
of deacons. The word "deacon" comes from the Greek
word, "diakonos" which means "to serve; servant."
In Acts 6 we have instruction for the selection of the first deacons
in the church. They were chosen mainly to assist the apostles who
needed to spend time in word and doctrine, rather than waiting tables.
Today the deacon is to assist the pastor of the local church so that
he might better be able to study and pray and feed the sheep of the
flock.
In 1 Timothy 4:14-16
Paul wrote, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was
given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy
profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the
doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save
thyself, and them that hear thee." This is the job description
of the bishop or pastor. It is therefore, necessary that the pastor
have those who will assist him in the affairs of the church. This
is the primary job description of the deacon - to assist the pastor
in order that he might "meditate; give of himself to the Word
and ministry; study doctrine; and prayer." It should be said
that "godly deacons" are a blessing to both the pastor and
the church. The work of faithful deacons is often taken for granted
by the men and women of congregations, and even by their pastor, but
God knows what a blessing these men are who "use the office of
deacon".
There are at least
ten (10) qualifications for deacons listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. First,
the deacon should be "grave". This simply means that
a man who would enter the office of deacon should be "held in
high respect by others." If a deacon is not respected by others
in the congregation, they will be limited in their capacity to minister
within the church. Secondly, the deacon should "not
be double-tongued". A deacon should be a man of his word;
not a gossip nor a tale bearer. It is a sad testimony upon both the
deacon and the church when the deacon says one thing and does another.
He brings reproach upon the office and the church in which he serves.
Thirdly, the deacon should "not be given to much wine."
Some would contend that this means that a "little wine"
is alright, but a careful examination of Romans 14:21 reveals that
anything that causes a brother or sister to stumble, to be offended,
or to made weak is not good. Nothing good ever comes of strong drink.
It is better to be filled (controlled by) the Holy Spirit rather than
wine (Ephesians 5:18). Fourthly, a deacon should "not
be greedy of filthy lucre". Deacons often handle money, therefore,
they should be trustworthy and honest. Men who lust after money are
not walking in the Spirit, and they will eventually get caught up
in helping themselves to it. Fifthly, a deacon should be "doctrinally
sound" (1 Timothy 3:9), "Holding the mystery of the
faith in a pure conscience". This means that those chosen
to the office of deacon should not be a "novice" - a new
or an immature believer. Sadly, many men are chosen to the office
of deacon but are not qualified according to this verse. The longevity
of a believer’s salvation is not always proportionate with their
spirituality. In 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul reminds young Timothy that his
"age" had nothing to do with his "maturity" as
a believer.
Sixthly, a
deacon should be "proven". This means that he should
be a man that has been observed by the elders in the church and deemed
qualified to use the office of deacon. Has the man been faithful to
the Lord and in attendance? Has the man been observed going through
trials and tribulations? If so, how did he react to adversity in his
life? It has been aptly stated, "a untested Christian is an
unprepared Christian." Seventhly, the deacon should
have a strong desire to "USE the office of a deacon".
So many desire to wear the name of deacon as a badge or a medal upon
their chest. Others desire to want to "HOLD" the office,
rather than use it. Being a deacon should be considered a very serious
matter. Remember, it is one of two offices within the church according
to Philippians 1:1. It is a very important ministry of the church,
and without godly, qualified deacons, the local assembly will never
function properly or efficiently. This is one reason that the standards
of both the pastor and the deacon is so high. The leadership of the
church sets the tone and example for other saints. If the pastor and
deacons are slothful, most of the congregation will be as well.
In 1 Timothy 3:11
Paul interrupts his discussion of the man and mentions the man’s
wife. The wife of the deacon greatly affects the manner in which the
deacon will be able to serve. A deacon with an uncooperative wife
can destroy his ability to use the office properly. Therefore, Paul
states that a deacon’s wife should also be "grave"
(held in high respect by others); "not slanderers"
(does not talk negatively about others); "sober"
(serious-minded; understands the importance of her husband’s
office as well as pure and godly living); "faithful in all
things" (not just hearer but doer of the Word of God). A
deacon’s wife should be an example to other women in the congregation.
She should set a good example in attendance, dress, manner of living,
and holiness. She should be willing to serve others as part of her
own ministry. The nature of the flesh is to think that authority gives
a person a right to take advantage of others. God help all of us to
understand that "greatness begins with suffering, service, and
simple faith" (Mark 9:33-35).
In 1 Timothy 3:12-13
Paul again continues his discussion of the man who would enter into
the office of deacon. Eighthly, the deacon should be "the
husband of one wife". There are many who would contend that
this means that he is not married to more than one woman at a time,
but God has never condoned polygamy. Though David, Solomon, and others
had more than one wife, this does mean that God was pleased. As a
matter of fact, there is great evidence to the contrary. It is quite
evident that in the day in which we live, many Christians have been
married, divorced, and remarried. These people are not "second-class
citizens" and should not be looked upon as such in the church.
However, having been married more than once does disqualify a man
from both the office of pastor and the office of deacon. Another point
of contention in the church today is that of women being able to enter
into the office of deacon. It seems quite clear that a woman can never
be the "husband" of one wife.
Ninthly, we
find another high standard of the deacon in 1 Timothy 3:12, "ruling
their children and their own house well." Books are written
on this topic alone, so we will not address this in great length.
It seems obvious that a man who does not have respect and control
of his own household, including obedient children and a submissive
wife, will not be much help in the leading of a church. The church
is strikingly similar to a family. The church often has tense moments
and personality conflicts just like our own families. The pastor and
deacons must discuss and determine what the best course of action
is during times of disagreements. The wisdom and prayers of these
men will generally determine whether tension escalates or declines.
One can understand why the pastor and deacons must be men faithful,
capable, and respectable men in order to best serve the church.
Lastly, in
1 Timothy 3:13 we find that Paul states, "For they that have
USED the office of a deacon WELL purchase to themselves a good degree,
and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."
The key words are "used" and "well".
The opposite of which is to "wear or hold" the office of
a deacon and to "not use it well". May all deacons
who read this booklet search their own hearts and determine their
true intentions for being a deacon.
Qualifications
of Saints (1 Timothy 3:14-16)
In the last three
verses of 1 Timothy 3 Paul briefly discusses the third group found
in the church - The Saints of God (Philippians 1:1). Paul desired
to come to Timothy and the saints at Ephesus, but knew that he would
most likely not be able to do so. In 1 Timothy 3:15 we find one of
the two key verses of the entire epistle, "But if I tarry
long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in
the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar
and ground of the truth." This entire letter was written
for the express purpose of teaching believers how the church should
be conducted in regard to its "Message, Members, Minister,
and Ministry."
The term "house
of God" indicates that the church is a "family"
or a "body". The church is an "organism",
not an "organization". Since the church is an organism,
a living, growing body made up of born-again believers, it is important
that it be "nurtured" and "cared for"
as one would rear a new born child. The Lord told Peter, "Feed
my sheep!" (John 21:16-17). Paul exhorted Timothy to "Preach
the Word!" (2 Timothy 4:2). Peter wrote to the scattered
saints, "As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the
word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). It is clear
that saints will only grow by being fed the Word of God. As saints
grow in grace and knowledge of God’s Word, they will be strengthened
and become better witnesses of the Lord (Psalm 119:9-11; Joshua 1:8;
2 Timothy 2:15).
Paul also
refers to the church as "the pillar and ground of the truth"
(1 Timothy 3:15). The church is not the source of the Light, but rather
it is likened to a "candlestick or lampstand." The church
is to "hold up the light" which is Christ Jesus. Christ
is the true Light of the world, and if the local assemblies of believers
fail to do their job of "holding forth the Word and Light",
then they are endanger of having their candlestick removed. This is
taught in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 in the messages of our Lord
to the seven churches of Asia.
In 1 Timothy
3:16 Paul gives a summary of Christ’s work from His incarnation
to His ascension back to the Father in heaven. Jesus Christ is God!
If you do not understand that Jesus is co-equal and co-eternal with
the Father, then you do not know the Jesus of the Bible. We could
never have seen God were it not for the manifestation of God in the
flesh in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ came
to do the will of the Father in that He offered Himself as a Sacrifice
for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). He provides for all of humanity
a means of reconciliation by satisfying the wages of sin. He conquered
death, hell, and the grave by raising from the dead, and today He
holds the keys of death and hell.
There is only
one means of salvation, and that is by grace through faith in the
Person and finished work of Jesus Christ. In Acts 4:12 Luke wrote,
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none
other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
John wrote, "That was the true Light (Jesus Christ), which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He (Jesus Christ) was
in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him
not. He came unto his own (Israel), and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons
of God, even to them that believe on his name." Christ was
preached unto the Gentiles, and many believed on Him for salvation.
Jesus Christ ascended up to the Father forty days after He rose from
the grave (Acts 1:9-11). Today the Lord Jesus Christ is seated at
the right hand of the Father making intercession for ALL who believe
on His name (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25).
The church
has been commissioned to carry on the work of holding up the Light.
It is the church’s responsibility to proclaim the message of
the gospel, to edify the saints, and to set the example as did Christ.
The church is the pillar and ground of the truth. This is a picture
of building. To those in Ephesus this image of architecture would
have been a very vivid analogy. The great temple of Diana had one
hundred and twenty-seven (127) pillars built upon a huge foundation
or bulwark. The local New Testament church is built upon Jesus Christ
the Truth (John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 3:9-15), but the local church
is also a pillar and bulwark for the truth. The church is not the
Truth, but rather it is a pedestal on which the Truth is held, much
the way a statue is supported by its mount. This work of holding up
the Truth is taught clearly in Philippians 2:16, "Holding
forth the word of life…". Paul admonished Timothy and
the church in Ephesus to do the same. As a bulwark, the church protects
the truth and makes sure it does not fall. When local churches turns
away from the truth and compromise their ministry, then the enemy
makes progress (1 Timothy 4:1). The main ministry of the church is
to bear witness of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (1
Timothy 3:16). The commission of the church is the greatest commission
in the world. What a wonderful privilege we have to spread the news
of the Lord Jesus Christ both at home and abroad!
1Timothy
Chapter 4
