1 Timothy 3.1-7 Qualifications
Notes
Transcript
Last week I may have rambled as I look at the responsibilities. This week I’ll look at the qualifications, before us is not a pile up of words, it is God’s divine standard for ministry service. I may ramble but God‘s Word is focused.
When you think of a pastor, who comes to mind? It could be Pastor Minnick, Pastor McConkey, Pastor Woodfin, or Pastor Goetsch Jr.
Whomever comes to mind, we will be able to see from the text before us their qualifications. These qualification will help Jason, Lucas, or myself seek to fulfill our call to serve in the pastorate but it will help all of us know whom it the right man to serve in this office.
Last week I mentioned several pastoral responsibilities including executing their duties under the authority of Christ, ensuring the security and extending support for the body of Christ, expounding on the Words of Christ, and emulating the character of Christ.
As pastors emulate the character of Christ, we will see these qualifications provided by Paul displayed in their lives.
The first qualification for a pastor may seem obvious but it is a necessary condition to be eligible for a pastor, that is, a calling.
Calling
Calling
We read this in the opening verse.
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
Will you receive an audible call from the Lord?
Brother Sheer.. put down what your are doing and surrender your life to serve as a missionary. No, but God will impress upon your heart a yearning for service.
Hence, we see in our text “If a man desire.” This means to strive to attain, aspire to, or long for.
Dedicated Christian men often ask, “How do I know if God is calling me to the ministry?”
One of the possible answers is found in this verse, the desire to preach. There is nothing wrong when a man has a longing, a yearning, to preach the gospel.
I ask this question…should men have goals? What are some of your goals? We need to have goals in life.
Can ministry be a goal men strive for? If God has placed this desire in their heart, why not?
As we look at this qualification or calling, we read it is a “good work.” This calling requires work. It is not a vacation from a vocation.
It is called a work because the title of bishop, otherwise known as pastor, emphasizes the duties, not the dignity, of the office.
A pastor, much like a commander, does not get to set around and lounge. His duties are draining and require spiritual, mental, and physical work.
Several months ago I was on the phone with Pastor Woodfin. It was around 2200 pacific time, so around 1900 Hawaii time. He mention the week had been busy, if my memory serves me correctly, he was getting things in order for their christian school, had several arrangements that week, and one of the Sunday School teachers were out. Hence, the busy schedule created little time for preparation and study.
Needless to say, he had to work on three messages that evening. One of his duties as pastor is teaching. He must be “apt to teach” as we will see in 1 Ti 3.2. To do this one task well requires serious work in preparation. And this is not his only duty, as I had mentioned.
Being a pastor involves work, it demands the output of energy. This includes spiritual, mental, and physical energy.
Being a pastor is not a mere honor to be enjoyed. Every theological student and every other aspirant to the task should note well Paul’s statement. It is a good work, but it is work.
So, the first qualification we have seen is a calling. This godly desire for the task of being a pastor, if controlled by the Spirit of God, may deepen into a sacred conviction.
Such a desire is the reason for preparation in college, or Bible school. Of course, desire for this task merely for the prestige or honor involved is not praiseworthy, but if called in the will of God it is to be commended.
In addition to a calling, one must have certain character qualifications. That is what we look at next.
Character
Character
As we look at the character qualifications, you will notice I skip past some portions in this text. I did this purposely. I will work my way back around to those areas after I reveal the character qualifications. These character qualifications could be broken up into three areas including personal, spiritual, and professional character.
Starting with verse 2:
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
The first area of character we will consider is his personal life.
Paul says, “A bishop then must be blameless.”
Blameless means “above criticism, above reproach, not open to blame, or irreproachable.
To use the words of H.A Ironside, the Apostle Paul “does not mean that a bishop must be sinless. If so, we could not have any bishops”…
H.A Ironside continues “A bishop must be a man of pure motives who desires to glorify our blessed Lord. He must be “blameless” as to motives.”
So, a pastor will sin, but he must strive to be blameless. He must confess his sins and keep a close walk with God in order to ensure nothing in his life can be used by Satan or the unsaved to take hold of in order to criticize or attack the church.
Let me illustrate it with Peter. He served with Jesus during His earthly ministry and denied the Lord. Not once but three times.
Yet, we know Peter served as an apostle and eventually held the office of an elder.
1 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:
The next character qualification in regard to the personal life in this text is “vigilant.”
Vigilant carries the idea of “retrained, temperate in the use of alcohol.”
One commentator said the word usually has a figurative sense in the New Testament. He added “the word refers to being temperate, alert, and in control of all one’s senses in every situation.”
A pastor needs to exercise self-control, be temperate and alert in all things. Keep in mind, he will be subject to the attacks of the devil. Don’t let your guard down.
A pastor must also be “sober.” This has to do with being sober-minded.
It describes a pastor that has a proper balance and a sound mind, who is not prone to extremes.
Warren W. Wiersbe said
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Three: Follow the Leaders (1 Timothy 3)
He must have a serious attitude and be in earnest about his work. This does not mean he has no sense of humor, or that he is always solemn and somber. Rather it suggests that he knows the value of things and does not cheapen the ministry or the Gospel message by foolish behavior.
Continuing on we read a pastor needs to be “of good behaviour.” This conveys being moderate and well ordered.
I think of Pastor Goetsch, our previous pastor, in Yuma. He was fortunate to grow up with a father in the ministry. He learned from his father’s mistakes and successes. In fact, I was looking at a his father wrote yesterday title “What’s on your Mind? Discover the Power of Biblical Thinking.” Pastor Goetsch was organized in his thinking and living, as well as in his teaching and preaching.
It has been said “it seems to refer to mannerly or gentlemanly conduct. A pastor should know how to conduct himself properly in any society. His dress should be neat and appropriate for the situation; his posture should communicate his dignity, and his speech should be refined enough to be understood and appreciated by people from all walks of life.”
On this same topic, this commentator continues, this pastor can speak and communicate with people on any level of society.
The point is a pastor should not limit his audience with poorly arranged conduct.
One should not be inelegant, unrefined, or inclined to use bad grammar. These style may attract some but it will hinder the pastors effectiveness to reach the masses.
Moving on, Paul says “given to hospitality.” I have a confession to make: I don’t want to live in a parsonage. A parsonage is a home the church provides for a pastor.
This is two-fold:
I want to enjoy my own property. I’ve lived in apartments, housing developments, or military housing my entire life. I want to enjoy living outside these constraints.
Secondly, we have had pastors who lived in a parsonage and they entertained strangers and all sorts of people all the time.
This is what Paul meant by saying “given to hospitality,” he literally meant, “loving the stranger.”
This was an important ministry in the early church when traveling believers would need places to stay. Holiday Inn nor Day Inn wasn’t a thing. They were nonexistent.
However, even today, a pastor and his wife who are hospitable are a great help to the fellowship of a local church. What about entertaining missionaries, hosting church members, these are ways a pastor can and should show hospitality.
Then we read a pastors needs to be “apt to teach.” Teaching the Word of God is one of the pastor’s main ministries.
This is why I’m thankful for our pastor. He doesn’t focus and camp on topical or tabloid type issues but thoroughly teaches the Word of God. He covers the entire book in context.
This includes going back to Genesis or looking at Matthew to see Jesus as the King. Pastor Minnick is an expositional preacher. Expositional preaching ensures the highest level of Bible knowledge for the flock as we are willing to listen and engage our brains.
Phillips Brooks said, “Apt to teach—it is not something to which one comes by accident or by any sudden burst of fiery zeal.”
A pastor must study the Word of God, know the Word of God, and teach the Word of God.
Then Paul moves into verse 3 and we read:
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
The pastor must not be “given to wine.” This describes a person who is given toward drunkenness.
Paul would go on to advise Timothy to use wine for medical purposes.
23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
This indicates total abstinence was not demanded of believers.
They did not own Berkey Filters or water vending machines. It is a known fact water was not pure in those days, so weak wine taken in moderation would have been healthier to drink.
There is a vast difference between the cultural use of wine in Bible days and supporting the alcohol industry of today.
Moreover, Proverbs 23 states “Look not thou upon the wine.”
A godly pastor would certainly want to give the best example and not be an excuse for sin in the life of some weaker brethren.
One commentary said, “The only safe and logical position for Christians on the use of alcoholic drinks of any kind is that of total abstinence.”
It is wise for us to refrain from alcohol. Look at the lives alcohol has ruined and continues to wreck havoc on.
Paul continues to tell Timothy a pastor must be “no striker.” That is he is not a bully, or a violent, pug·na·cious man. He is not eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight.
It is reported Charles Spurgeon said, “Don’t go about the world with your fist doubled up for fighting, carrying a theological revolver in the leg of your trousers.”
Can you imagine Pastor Minnick or Brother Russ looking for fight? I can’t...maybe Pastor Chadwick. A pastor shouldn’t be known for his fighting spirit. He should be known for being easygoing, mild; calm, and peaceful.
The next qualification Paul brings up is “not greedy of filthy lucre.” This means “shamefully greedy, pursuing dishonest money or possession.”
Ministry doesn’t pay much and any pastor or would be pastor should not look towards the ministry as a get rich scheme.
This week Congress overrode the President’s veto and David Sheer said “Looks like we are getting paid.” A pastor should also be paid a living wage, and it is right for him to expect it. However, he must not supplement his income from any questionable source or in any questionable manner. He would not want to call his actions into question.
Paul continues to say a pastor must “be patient.” The means he must be “gentle or considerate.”
The best example or illustration I can think of is about David Sheer. He isn’t a pastor but these qualifications should be sought by all of us. While these are qualifications for a pastor, they need to be said about all of us. While waiting at IPAC (our administration center), I talked to two Marines and both knew of David.
They mentioned David is willing to listen. In fact, one went on to say most officers he has dealt with don’t listen but David (CWO Sheer) takes time to listen to opposing and different opinions.
A pastor in like manner needs to be considerate and willing to listen. Listen to people and be able to take criticism without reacting.
I’m similar fashion to no striker, a pastor must be “not a brawler.” This means “peaceable, not contentious, not looking for a fight.” He should not be quarrelsome, or contentious.
Can you think of Pastor Minnick as one who gets into fights? Imagine him visiting at the barracks and a fight pursues. The headline: “Pastor Pounces! Marine Mauled!” A pastor should be patient: gentle, forbearing, easy to get along with.
If Paul’s earlier qualification of “not greedy of filthy lucre” didn’t drive home the point, he states in the same verse “not covetous.” This means “not loving money, free from love of money, and not greedy.”
Every pastor should learn to be content, satisfied with what God has given him. If God’s blessings should bestow upon him some greater measure of material blessings, he must handle it with wisdom and generosity.
I was reading many pastors have become sidelined from their calling by extra jobs taken to supplement their income. I personally don’t see any problem with bi-vocational pastoring but I need to keep this in mind for myself in the future. Additional income may sometimes be necessary in pastoring a smaller church, but the priority should always be given to the pastor’s main task, shepherding God’s flock.
One more word of caution is you can covet many things besides money: popularity, advancement, and the list can continue on. Keep your focus on pleasing God!
Continuing on we read in verse 6:
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Paul says “not a novice.” A pastor must not be a new convert.
A young convert placed too soon in a position of honor and responsibility is often unable to handle the situation and is headed for a fall. We wouldn’t put a young Marine in elevated leadership at the company or battalion level. Lucas are you ready to take over the duties of 1stSgt Nichlos? The church requires the same level of caution.
No matter how zealous or eager a convert may be, the church must not place a them in such a pressure position.
In verse seven we read:
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Then in the final item on this list of character qualifications, Paul says “he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” In short, he must have a good reputation.
I’ve heard a ministry where the church would run an article in the local news paper for example, “The Desert Trail” stating something similar to “Freedom Baptist will vote in their next pastor on such a date.” Why would they do this in the local newspaper? It is because the pastor should have a good reputation.
He doesn’t need to be cool and liked but he needs to be honorable and respectable. Does he pay his bills? Does he have a good reputation among unsaved people with whom he does business? Does he meet his obligations? Even sinners expect a higher standard from Christians, and especially from pastors, than what they demand of themselves.
If a pastor’s life does not measure up to those expectations, they will not respect or listen to him publicly or privately. Satan will use this to ruin a pastor’s testimony and impact his effectiveness in the community.
So, we see in addition to a calling, a pastor will need to meet certain character qualifications. These character traits should be sought by every Christian not just aspiring pastors. We too should be blameless, vigilant, sober, and have a good reputation.
Imagine the difference and impact we can make on the community if only we were meeting these character qualifications. The very qualifications we look for in our pastor.
This leads me to the last point on the qualifications. That is his clan.
Clan
Clan
In others words, his family. Our family will have a large impact on our ability to serve. This is true for a pastor and any Christian.
A word of wisdom for Brother Lucas: cleave unto your wife, consider your wife, and communicate with your wife. She is your ministry. Your wife seems to recognize when you do help around the house. So, help.
God first instituted the home. A pastor’s home life is important. If his family is not in order, how can he lead the church?
“If a man desire the office of a bishop.” All of the qualifying adjectives in this passage are masculine. This qualification to be “the husband of one wife” is no different. There is ample scope for women to serve in ministry in a local church, but the pastorate is not given to women.
However, a pastor’s home life is very important, and especially his marital status. (This same requirement applies to deacons, according to 1 Tim. 3:12.)
It means a pastor must not be divorced and remarried. Paul wasn’t referring to polygamy or remarriage after death.
It’s clear a man’s ability to manage his own marriage and home indicate ability to oversee a local church (1 Tim. 3:4–5). A pastor who has been divorced opens himself and the church to criticism from outsiders.
Just as there are plenty of opportunities for women to serve outside the pastorate. I see no reason why dedicated Christians who have been divorced and remarried cannot serve in the church, but they are disqualified from being pastors.
Paul is saying Timothy the qualified man is given only to one woman. He is married to one, and only one, he loves one, and only one, he physically and emotionally knows one, and only one, woman.
Continuing on the topic of his family life we read
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
I lived in Yuma, Az for three years. Right outside the city is YPG or Yuma Proving Grounds. A proving ground is a military installation or reservation where weapons or other military technology are experimented with or are tested, or where military tactics are tested.
While these types of facilities are usually military or government establishments, some civilian industries have their own proving grounds for testing prototypes and new technologies. In fact, Hyundai Motor has a proving ground on the way to Bakersfield.
Here it is...the home is a proving ground for aspiring pastors. Pastors are tested in their abilities to lead, manage, and direct their homes.
This rule means to lead, guide, and direct. The word translated “ruleth” carries the idea of “to stand before” as one in authority. This meaning places strong emphasis on the importance of example, not just commandment. It is easy to give out commands, much harder to live them out.
So, I will finish with this, Paul tells Timothy to look out among the flock for qualified men. Men whom desire the office of a pastor, men that are called into service, men with godly character, and men who lead their families appropriately.
In the end no one will fulfill these responsibilities and qualifications perfectly. Each of us has numerous sins to confess daily. Pastors should live lives worth emulating, lives that reflect the character of Christ. They need to know the Word, teach the Word, and obey the Word, so others in the church will be instructed and spurred on to greater faithfulness.
Here is the truth I want to leave with us “know what the qualifications for our pastor consists of and seek to live out these qualifications ourselves.”
7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.