1 Timothy 3
Bible Passage: 1 Timothy 3
I believe the theme, for this part of Apostle Paul’s epistle, is in the latter portion of v15, “… the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
The house of God is the house of the One True God of Heaven, the Creator of all things and the life giver of all lives on earth.
Bible Passage: 1 Timothy 3
Paul gave a list of requirements for those who desire the good work of taking up the responsibility as overseers and deacons in the house of God.
The works of overseers and deacons are no easy tasks, that was why Paul had to be detail and careful to advice Timothy regarding this matter as he pastored the church during Paul’s absence.
In today’s Christendom, there are some denominations that advocate and emphasize on the importance of personal relationship with God over that of belonging to any particular church organization. But Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians clearly emphasizes on the importance and the mysteries of the Church.
Even in this epistle to Timothy, Paul again emphasized on this point, that the house of God is the church of the living God, and she is the pillar and ground of the truth.
Therefore it is all very necessary and vital for believers in Christ to be part of God’s Body, which is the Church (ref John 15: 1 – 6), and to take up responsibilities in the Body to work together for the growth of the Church and the furtherance of the gospel (ref. Colossians 2: 19).
In v7, Paul mentioned another very important role of the overseers and deacons,
Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
The overseers and deacons must shine for Christ, they not only have to be of good conduct in the house of God, but they also have to be of good repute outside the church.
I remember Paul also said something regarding this aspect on a more serious tone in another epistle.
so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made
known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3: 10 (ESV)
Indeed the church, which comprises of the members in it, has a very noble role to play, and that is to make known the manifold wisdom of God (not only to the people of the world) but also to the rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm.
With such an important role that all of us must play, how can we not polish up our conduct so that we don’t leave a chance for Satan to laugh at us and to ensnare us with his evil plots?
Let’s see some of the qualities required of an overseer and a deacon:
- 1. Temperate
- 2. Sober-minded
- 3. Good behavior
- 4. Hospitable
- 5. Able to teach
- 6. Not given to wine
- 7. Not violent
- 8. Not greedy for money
- 9. Gentle
10. Not quarrelsome
11. Not covetous
12. Not double-tongued
13. Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience
Are the above qualities only to be found in our church leaders? Of course not.
Even though Paul listed these qualities that are required of the church leaders, I believe this list is also applicable to us as lay believers.
We who are called Christians must strive to be Christ-like so that we can be true Christians in the eyes of God and man.
Everybody in the Body of Christ has their roles to play, everybody must shine forth the light of Christ, so that the Name of our Lord will not be blasphemed, and that the complete gospel of salvation can reach the four corners of the world.
May God bless us with strength and guide us in our pursuit for holiness.
Shalom.
One Comment
PS
Paul addressed Timothy as his son in the faith. And Paul also assigned him to assist Silas to pastor the church in Berea.
Then could Timothy not know or accept the mystery of godliness such that Paul had to teach him here that
God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory. (1 Tim 3:16)
May be when Paul was writing to Timothy, the Holy Spirit moved Paul and he captured these inspirations poetically.
May be they were meant to refute those who denied that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh.
May be they were encouragements for Timothy to hold fast the gospel preached by Paul.
….. many other may bes.
Importantly, this is the mystery of godliness which His children must always believe and hold fast with godly fear, not letting this mystery of godliness slips from our mind even for a short while.
Recently a bro corrects me when i use the phrase “When God is watching” in a bible study. He explains that God is always watching, so it’s not right to say “when God is watching”.
This is godliness and vigilance (敬虔和警醒) bec the roaring lion is walking about.
(A bro shares that among the first generation believers from the hill tribe churches in Taiwan, many before they are converted, are drinkers. After believing, they change and no longer give themselves to wine. As i read 1 Tim 3:3, i try to imagine their facial expressions when the pioneer workers showed them this verse. If i were one of them, my jaw will drop (yes, tears too) and be greatly move that God’s word of life written so many years ago is speaking to me today (2 Tim 3:16). “not given to wine” is recorded as不因酒滋事ie get into unorderliness and create troubles due to wine in the chinese bible)