Office of a Bishop
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The office mentioned is three in one.
Sometimes denominations distinguish the terms "Elder," "Bishop," and "Pastor," claiming that bishops are different from elders which, in turn, are different from pastors. Consider the evidence from Bible texts.
Paul is addressing the elders of the Ephesian church.
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
The Holy Spirit made them bishops "overseers". Their job was to shepherd "tend" the flock. This uses the verb form of "pastor".
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Their duty to act as shepherds (pastors) is further described.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Clearly, all three terms are here used to describe the same men doing the same job in the local church.
Titus was told to appoint elders in every city.
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Qualifications immediately follow for elders. We are told they must have these qualities "for" (because) bishops must be the kind of men described in the qualifications given.
If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Clearly, the qualifications are being given for the one office being discussed, but the terms "elder" and "bishop" are here used interchangeably to refer to that office.
Further, the work these men do is described in v9, and it is the same work Acts 20 said elders or bishops do, acting as shepherds (pastors) -- i.e., protect the flock from false teachers.
Peter is addressing elders.
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Their work is to shepherd "feed" the flock.
Again, the verb form of "pastor" or shepherd is used.
They also serve as overseers. This is the verb form of bishop.
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Clearly "elders," "pastors," and "bishops" in these passages are used interchangeably, referring to the same men in the same work. All three terms refer to an office in the local congregation, and are therefore identical in extent of jurisdiction (cf. Acts 20:17,28 to I Pet. 5:1-3; etc.). Their qualifications and work are identical.
Bishop
These were men with leadership and authority in the church. “The state has its monarch, the Church has its bishop; one should govern according to the laws of the land, the other according to the word of God.” (Clarke)
Elders
This office acts as an example and guide in his life.
Pastor
Comes from the word Shepherd. Focuses on the nurturing job of the shepherd to his flock.
This answer goes to the Who, How, Where, Why.
Who is capable to lead the church of Christ?
One who will meet these qualification.
How will he lead?
In accordance to the spirit of the qualifications.
Where his influence take your life?
It is to produce people that know how to behave in the house of God. Yes this is where Paul wanted all of God’s people to go.
Why does God want us to be influenced, lead, and organized to follow these qualifications?
Because he deserves people that put his WORD first.
Go through the qualifications
Certainly! Here are definitions for each of the qualifications of a bishop as found in 1 Timothy 3:
Blameless - This means that a bishop should have a good and unblemished character, without any serious character flaws or accusations against them.
The husband of one wife - This qualification suggests that a bishop should be a one-woman man, demonstrating faithfulness and commitment in their marital relationship.
This disqualifies polygamous
This disqualifies the divorcee
And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
These Scriptures clearly state that remarriage after a divorce is adultery, except in the instance of "marital unfaithfulness."
The Bible’s instruction to divorced people is to remain single or be reconciled (1 Corinthians 7:11). At the same time, it is our view that God offers His mercy and grace to the innocent party in a divorce and allows that person to remarry.
I Cor 7.11
But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
Awe should I divorce my new wife and try to get back with my ex? No. In the Old Testament Law, the punishment for adultery was death (Leviticus 20:10). At the same time, Deuteronomy 24:1-4 mentions remarriage after a divorce, does not call it adultery, and does not demand the death penalty for the remarried spouse. The Bible explicitly says that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), but nowhere explicitly states that God hates remarriage. The Bible nowhere commands a remarried couple to divorce. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 does not describe the remarriage as invalid. Ending a remarriage through divorce would be just as sinful as ending a first marriage through divorce. Both would include the breaking of vows before God, between the couple, and in front of witnesses.
No matter the circumstances, once a couple is remarried, they should strive to live out their married lives in fidelity, in a God-honoring way, with Christ at the center of their marriage. A marriage is a marriage. God does not view the new marriage as invalid or adulterous. A remarried couple should devote themselves to God and to each other—and honor God by making their new marriage a lasting and Christ-centered one (Ephesians 5:22-33).
Vigilant - Being vigilant means being watchful, alert, and careful in one's duties, responsibilities, and moral conduct. He can’t be continually tripped up in the same dramatic snares.
Sober - A sober person is characterized by self-control, moderation, and the absence of excess or indulgence, particularly in the context of alcohol or other substances.
Of good behavior - This means that a bishop should display appropriate and respectable conduct in their interactions with others, maintaining a well-mannered and dignified demeanor.
Given to hospitality - This qualification implies that a bishop should be hospitable and welcoming, showing kindness and generosity to others, especially to strangers and guests.
Apt to teach - A bishop should have the ability to effectively teach and communicate Christian doctrine and principles to others within the church community.
Not given to wine - I wish there were some Scriptures that spoke about the danger of alcohol. If I ever find them I would point out that you don’t have to walk into traffic if you had someone good enough to warn you not to.
No striker - A bishop should not be prone to violence or physical aggression, but rather should resolve conflicts peacefully and with a gentle spirit. This is not a call to fragility it is an issue of Conflict resolution.
Not greedy of filthy lucre - This means a bishop should not be motivated by a desire for material wealth or financial gain, especially through unethical means.
Patient - A bishop should possess the quality of patience, showing tolerance and endurance in challenging situations and with individuals.
Not a brawler - A bishop should not engage in fights, disputes, or arguments, but instead should promote peace and reconciliation.
Not covetous - This qualification underscores the importance of a bishop not being driven by a desire for what others possess, demonstrating contentment and an absence of greed.
One that ruleth well his own house - A bishop should be able to manage and lead their own family effectively, with their children in submission and respect, demonstrating the ability to provide leadership and guidance.
Not a novice - This means that a bishop should not be a recent convert or someone who is new to the faith, as they may be more susceptible to pride and spiritual stumbling.
Having a good report of them which are without - A bishop should have a positive reputation and be well-regarded not only within the church but also by those outside the church community, to avoid reproach and criticism from non-believers.
These qualifications are intended to ensure that bishops in the Christian church exhibit high moral and ethical standards and possess the necessary qualities to lead and serve their congregations faithfully.Blameless
Remember what this described that we covered last week.
A DEEP LOVE AND BURDEN FOR PEOPLE AND SOULS
A CLEAR, PERSONAL LOVE FOR JESUS
A WARMTH IN PERSONALITY THAT PEOPLE RESPOND TO WELL
A UNIQUE ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND EXPLAIN GOD’S WORD
AN ABILITY TO EMOTIONALLY ENGAGE PEOPLE BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
A CLEAR COMMUNICATOR
AN AUTHENTIC, HONEST AWARENESS OF HIS HEART AND PERSONAL BROKENNESS
A HUMBLE TEACHABLE SPIRIT
A CLEAR POSSESSION OF WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT INTO LIFE AND STRUGGLES
A STRONG ABILITY TO EMPATHIZE TO A HURTING PERSON
I want us to consider the South Knollwood to the issue of our Old Nature. There is a common stream in America today where the pulpit fears preaching on sin, and ungodliness. It minors on the human condition so as to keep people in the pews.
This has only grown since the inception of the “Seeker Sensitive” church of the 90s and 2000s this mentality is that you are the life and therefore we can make no demands of you. Just come take a little Jesus and blend him in with your Country club, Honkey tonks, and shopping trips. We will get as close as we can to your strip malls and you show up ever couple of weeks and leave a little in the plate.
That is not what is described in I Timothy.
How different for the Apostle Paul. You need to know how to behave yourself. This echos back to a time when the old Dutch Baptists refused to baptize new converts until they had lived lives of chastity and demonstrated their faith was genuine.
This is a you are joining us not we joining you.
Why is it that Paul takes that approach?
Because its not our HOUSE. This church is not our church. Its the church of the living God. How quickly the entertained person forgets to whom all of this belongs.
This is not a bar, or a theatre it is the place where the people of God meet with and Worship their God through the wide open Door our Savior Jesus Christ.
We are not here to lull you to sleep but to remind the saved and lost man alike that there is a God in heaven that cares about how this life is lived. And that how you live this life is a demonstration of whether or not you trust his word.
Whether it is in the area of marriage, or reputation, or private behavior. We are putting on display what we actually believe every time we live in accordance to his Word.
Illustrate with Baptism as a Profession
Consider your choice to abstain from sin and live holy lives as a daily baptism.