1 Timothy 3

Introduction

we are continuing our series in 1 Timothy, and we are in 1 Timothy 3 this morning

last week we started a discussion on Paul’s expectations of the church, and some of the discussion was interesting especially as he addressed men and women within the church.

this morning he continues by talking about church leadership. Now before anyone tunes out, thinking they aren’t leadership so it doesn’t apply, Paul ties the idea of church leadership to family structure, so whether you have a family or not, Paul’s words very much apply to all of us.

This moring, I am actually going to read the whole chapter to you, and I want you listen for anything that stands out in chapter.

1 Timothy 3:1 NLT

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.”

Before I go too far, I want to highlight this verse. Being in church leadership isn’t a burden, and it isn’t something you have to leave to chance. Being an overseer is something that everyone should strive for. It is an honour to be leader.

1 Timothy 3:2–7 NLT

So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

so when Paul talks about church leader, he is refering to a pastor, elder, or overseer. In our structure, this would be the pastor and the pastor’s council.

but this is not a job description, though it could be used that way. This is an evaluation of character. The big thing that Paul emphasizes that validity of ministry isn’t the size of the church, but the health of your family.

1 Timothy 3:8–13 NLT

In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do. A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

in our church structure, the deacon would be the leadership team. Where the leader provides oversight and governance, the deacon or leader is the hands on ministry lead.

The major difference between the two lists is the ability to teach.

The two lists should not be seen as exclusive. Just because Paul lays out expectations on the deacons wife doesn’t mean there aren’t expectations of the leaders wife. They should be seen as complimenting each other.

1 Timothy 3:14–16 NLT

I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.

As Paul has done in every chapter, he brings it back to the main thing. He concludes chapter 3 with a poetic explanantion of the gospel.

Paul wants to remind us that it is important what we believe.

In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly. The important thing is that they believe in something.”

Praeger replied, “Imagine, Professor Glover, that you’re in downtown Los Angeles. It’s two o’clock in the morning. Your car breaks down. You get out. You hear footsteps. You turn around to see ten big young men walking toward you. Would it make a difference if you knew they had just come from a Bible study?”

it is important that we hold onto the gospel, because it is the power of God in us to live the life we’ve been called to live.

1. What is something that stands out to you as you read this chapter of scripture?

2. How would having the character that Paul describes for a leader or deacon impact your family? Are there any areas you admit you need to work on?

3. What impact has the gospel made on your life? How could you share that with someone else?

Closing thoughts

Paul ends with the Gospel account becuase it is our reminder that we are not alone. Where other belief systems give you a list of expectations and ends with, “Good luck,” the gospel reminds us that we are not alone. The Spirit in us, the forigveness found in Christ is what enables us to live a life that honours God above all else.

The Gospel is not just a good idea; it changes everything, and it enables us to strive to live the kind of life Paul describes in this chapter.