1 TIMOTHY 3 - PILLARS OF TRUTH

 

1 TIMOTHY 3

GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH LEADERS

Background on the 1^st book of Timothy

The book of Timothy was written by the apostle Paul to Timothy who was serving at the church in Ephesus (Ref 1 Tim 1-3). In 1 Tim 1 Paul warned Timothy to guard against false teachers and false teachings. In 1 Tim 2 Paul started sharing instructions for the church, specifically about the right posture and attitude in worshipping God.

In Today’s passage of 1 Tim 3 Paul continues to share instructions for the church, specifically about the church leadership, i.e., elders and deacons.

1.    The conduct of elders (V1-7)

Paul starts with a statement that anyone who wants to be an elder has an honourable (noble) responsibility (v1) He then continues to give very practical advice and list the attributes a person must have to be an elder (V2-7) and similarly he also continues to list the attributes that deacons should have from (8-12).

Attributes for elders and deacons:

·       faithful to his/her spouse (v2, v12)

·       exhibits self-control (v2)

·       live wisely (v2)

·       have a good reputation (v2)

·       hospitable (v2)

·       be able to teach (v2)

·       gentle and peace loving (v3)

·       rule/manage his own household well (v4-5, v12)

·       have a good reputation, so that he will not fall into the devil’s trap and be disgraced (v7, v8)

·       they must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith (v9)

In addition, deacons should also:

·       be given other smaller responsibilities in the church first to test their character and ability (v10). If they do well, they may serve as deacons.

·       Their spouses should also have respectable characters and live with integrity (v11)

And what are characteristics that is not acceptable for an elder or deacon:

·       shouldn’t’ be a drunkard (v3, v8)

·       nor be violent or be greedy for money (v3, v8)

·       he must not be a new Christian, so that devil cannot use that pride to make him fall (v6)

 

These are very simple and clear instructions of how church leaders should behave and conduct themselves.

2.    Why then, are these attributes important in our church leaders?

The answer follows in v14 & 15 that this is the household, the church of THE LIVING GOD, which is the pillar and support of THE TRUTH. As we are members of the household of God, we ought to live holy lives and be examples of respect and integrity in the world.

3.    The truth of our faith

In verse 9 Paul states that deacons must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and then elaborates on that in v16:

·       Christ appeared to us in flesh as a human being

·       He was fully righteous in Spirit

·       Seen by the Angels

·       Announced to the nations

·       Many believed in Him in the world

·       He was taken up into heaven

 

Let us reflect?

 Are our lives and example of integrity and respect towards others?

·       Do we recognise areas where we need to repent, ask God’s forgiveness and change some of our ways?

·       Are we committed to the truth of the gospel, that Jesus Christ is the only way to our salvation and was taken up in heaven where He remains until the time of his second coming?

Let us pray

Hallelujah, Lord Jesus, we thank you for this reminder that we should always strive to be a good example and live in integrity and holiness for Your name sake. We ask your forgiveness if we have failed in any area that displeases you. We ask that you help us by your Holy Spirit to live a life worthy and holy and acceptable to your calling, In Jesus name.

Amen

- PASTORA HESMA