Sunday School 1-15-06 1st Timothy 3(2-15)
1st Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Bishop
In this epistle, Paul is teaching the young minister, Timothy, the correct way to set up and administer a church. In the section above, he deals with the qualifications required for a man to be set aside for the office of bishop. We will deal with them individually below. The word translated bishop means the superintendent, elder, or overseer of a Christian church. This office is not the same as the one most denominations today title as bishop. Today a bishop presides over a certain area, and is the overseer of all the churches in the denomination in that area. It was not so in the original apostolic church. The original church had officers with authority only in the church they were serving. The idea behind today’s bishops is to prevent a local church from apostasy be having an elder watching over them. What was originally a good, practical idea has become a problem in a lot of denominations. Churches now often have no power of their finances, the authority to name their own pastors and officers, or the administration of their property. These rulings come down from the bishop. Freewill Baptists are strongly against this type of hierarchy. We believe decisions should be made by the folks they will affect. The principle is called churches “owning their own key.” In other words, the local church has all power in decisions concerning the church. I would strongly suggest Addison Freewill Baptist always maintain this philosophy. When the local church has no authority to make its own decisions, all sorts of evil can follow. Many churches have no power today to reject pastors who are living contrary to the dictates of scripture or to make their own regulations as far as weddings and other services are concerned. The homosexual issue, for example, is being forced on many congregations because they have no power over their own practices.
The bishop is also sometimes called a presbyter or an elder. These two words can mean a pastor as well as deacons or someone within a church who is looked upon in a leadership capacity, but the word bishop indicates the office of pastor.
Qualifications of a Bishop
· Blameless= This does not mean blameless before God as then no one would qualify for the office. No man is perfect. The word alludes to being blameless before man. The word actually means he has not been guilty of any notorious crime. The idea is to protect the reputation of the church. A pastor who is being arrested for some terrible crime is no example to the unsaved or to the young Christian in the flock. Our reputation is important. I have heard some pastors say. “I don’t care what people think of me,” but I want you to know that I do. I want my reputation to be above board as much as possible. I seek to protect my name as I represent the cause of Christ to many folks.
· Husband of one wife= I want to make this very clear. This is not talking about someone who has been divorced. It also clearly shows the Roman Catholic practice of celibacy not to be God’s design for His ministers. There is nothing holier in a man who chooses not to marry. This verse if referring to the practice of polygamy. I want to clarify something for the readers who are not familiar with my life that I have only been married once, so I have no ax to grind here. It would be easy for me to condemn others and proclaim myself above them because they have been through a divorce. I hate divorce and God hates it also, but this is not talking about divorce. In the day of the writing of this epistle it was common for men to have several wives, but that was never God’s plan. God winked at this ignorance in the Old Testament, but when Christ called out His church the idea is to live as God originally designed man to live; with one woman, for as long they both shall live. God did not create 2 wives for Adam, but only Eve. She was to be his soul mate and partner in life. The perfect plan of God for a man today is the same; one man and one woman united in love. This is God’s design for the family and any other arrangement is contrary to the will and intents of God. The lust of man brought about the taking of many wives. I need to say also here as I have opportunity that there is Biblical authority for divorce in some cases. Don’t take my word for it; I will show you in the Scripture. Matthew 5:32 “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.” This verse is from the Lord’s own mouth and it clearly allows a person whose partner has committed adultery to end the marriage. I want to emphasize that the wronged person does not have to file for divorce; often the marriage can be saved, but they do have Biblical license to divorce. There is no prohibition preventing the wronged party to marry again. There is also no place where that person is prevented from entering the ministry. The other Biblical cause for divorce is given to us by the Apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians 7:10-15 “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 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. 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 7:13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.” This Scripture emphasizes the importance of the marriage, but clearly allows divorce for desertion. (“if the unbeliever depart, let him depart) If one person desires to leave the marriage, there is nothing the other one can do to prevent the separation. Notice the words “a brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases.” If you are not under bondage, then you are free. That person who has been deserted is free to remarry and free to preach the Word of God. They have not sinned, they have been wronged. Think of it this way; God calls a man to preach and his wife does not desire the life of a minister’s companion. She then decides to divorce her husband at no fault of his. Are you telling me that God would withdraw his calling from that man because of his wife’s sin? That is the most ridiculous and unfair thing I’ve ever heard. God is wise enough to know who the guilty party is and He desires good things for His children. Would God expect that man who has been wronged to live his life without the blessing of a wife due to his ex-wife’s sin? That would not be a just or fair policy and God is just! Another just cause for divorce although I have only hinted Biblical authority is physical abuse. The Scripture commands husbands to love their wives as they do their own body. No sane person would beat himself up. God never authorized one person to torture another. You will never convince me that God intends a wife who is being beaten by her husband, who should love her as himself, to stay in that relationship. As the father of two daughters, I can tell you I would be the first to vote to put wife beaters in jail for a long, long time.
· A man= I know that this next part is not politically correct in these days and times, but it is impossible for a woman to be the husband of one wife. Well, it should be impossible; I don’t know what mankind is capable of now a days. The word translated husband is translated in other places as man, sir, fellow, or husband. It means a male human being. God set up the family with man at the head and the Church is designed the same way. I am so thankful for the contributions of women in our flock. Their advice and efforts I value immensely, but the office of bishop or pastor, as designed by God, should be performed by a man.
· Vigilant= The word translated vigilant means abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use. This surprised me as vigilant in the English means to be watchful, but if you think about it, the translation is valid. How could one be watchful over the Church if he is leading the life of a drunkard? Drunkards think of only one thing; where do I get my next drink. The word vigilant appears another time in the New Testament in 1st Peter 5:8, but it is translated from a different word. In 1st Peter the word means to watch or to be careful. It is my personal feeling, and I think with Biblical authority, that officers in the Christian church should refrain from the use of alcohol.
· Sober= The word translated sober means curbing one's desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate. The impression is of a person who has his temper and fleshly impulses under control. He is not flying off the handle, but is temperate in all things.
· Of good behaviour= This phrase means well arranged, seemly, or modest. We should be aware of our actions and how they reflect on the cause of Christ. When we are among the world is when our light is supposed to shine.
· Given to hospitality= This phrase means generous to guests. The Pastor must have a heart for those who are new to the flock. He is to welcome them with open arms and attempt to make them comfortable in the house of God. This, I must admit, is one of my many weaknesses. It is hard for me to greet strangers comfortably. I have often said it is easier for me to speak to 500 people than it is to one, but salvation is an individual thing and folks need to feel important in their own right. Those with out going personalities are much needed in this church to fill the gap for me.
· Apt to teach= The phrase means skilful in teaching. A Pastor should not only be able to preach in the power of the Holy Spirit, he should be able to teach the flock the principles of Scripture. Doctrine is more important than some modern churches think. We must have Pastor’s who know the plan of salvation and the directives of God to the church.
· Not given to wine= This phrase means not a drunkard. Vigilant above speaks to the use of wine, this phrase condemns those who are alcoholics and are dominated by its affects.
· Striker= This word means a pugnacious, contentious, or quarrelsome person. A Pastor should not be a man looking for a fight or a quarrel. He should be a man of peace. This word also refers to striking with the tongue. The man of God should not be quick to injure someone with his words or hands. This doesn’t mean a man of God cannot defend themselves or their families as some sects have practiced’ it means he cannot be the instigator of violence.
· Filthy lucre= This phrase means eager for base gain, or greedy for money. This does not mean a Pastor should not be paid; it means he should not be a conniver, bribe taker, or a thief. Paul taught that Preachers should be paid in 1st Corinthians 9:14: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”
· Gentle= This means gentle, fair, or mild. The man of God should have a tender love of the Church of God and for lost souls. You cannot work hard to see people saved unless you value their souls.
· Not a brawler= This means the man of God should abstain from fighting. This is close to the same meaning as a striker above except this refers to physical fighting only and not to psychological injury as does striker.
· Covetous= This means not loving money, not avaricious. Preachers need and enjoy money as do all other men, but his first desire needs to be for Spiritual matters. Earthly fortune must take a back seat to the will of God. I have never seen a rich, honest preacher. A young man who desires to be rich in worldly goods needs to seek another occupation.
· One that ruleth his own house well= Ruleth means to care for, or give attention to. A man that cannot raise his own children has no business teaching you how to raise yours. If he is incapable of managing his own affairs, how will he be able to maintain the integrity of the Church?
· Having his children in subjection with all gravity= This means his family life is in order. His children should obey and respect him. I don’t see an age limit on this. I think a 50 year old child should still respect their father and a bishop should have respect of his family whatever their age. Gravity means honor or purity. The relationship of bishop and child should be of honor and purity as an example to the laity of how God desires family to function.
· Not a novice= The word literally means newly planted. A new convert does not have the Biblical knowledge nor the experience to manage the office of Bishop. There will be damage to both the church and the man. Many a good young preacher has been ruined by being placed in a contentious pressure packed situation before they were Spiritually ready. The ones who placed him there should have adhered to the Word of God; they would’ve saved a lot of heartache.
· A good report from those without= Report means a testimony, record, or witness. The Pastor needs to be a man of his word and known in the community as one with integrity. A crook will damage the reputation of the Church and the cause of Christ.
3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Deacons
Now we take on the deacons. What an important job the office of deacon is in a church. The word translated deacon literally means a servant or waiter. The duties of the office in the original church were to care for the poor and have charge of and distribute the money collected for their use. The Bible gives us qualifications for a deacon also; let us review these guidelines.
- Grave= to be venerated for character, honourable. The deacon should be a person who is looked up at by the church for his character and honesty. The deacon should serve as an example to young men of what a mature Christian should be.
- Not doubletongued= double in speech, saying one thing with one person another with another (with the intent to deceive) The Indians called this speaking with a forked tongue. The word of a deacon should be his bond and he should be consistent with his words. The old virtues of class and integrity are not out of style with our Lord.
- Not given to much wine= again we have an injunction against drunkenness. The key word here is “much.” How much is too much? I have no idea; God teaches all things in moderation, but with alcohol we have chosen at Addison Church, and I highly recommend, that a leader in the Church of God leave it alone totally. I can think of very few benefits for it (Paul mentioned to Timothy that a “little” wine was good for his stomach” 1st Timothy 5:23) and the harm that comes from it are many. Not only that, we need to think of how our testimony is damaged in the eyes of young Christians when we appear to live as the world!
- Filthy lucre= I spoke on this above in our section concerning Bishops, so I will not belabor the point.
- Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience= What is the mystery of faith? Let the Scripture answer that question! It is best revealed in Colossians 1:27: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” This mystery of the plan of Salvation was searched for by the prophets of old and desired by those who sought the Messiah. It was finally revealed when Our Saviour was born in Bethlehem, lived as a man without sin for over 30 years, was betrayed by His own countrymen, delivered to the Romans, crucified on Calvary, resurrected the 3rd day, and now sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for you and I. A deacon must know this plan of salvation and should be able to explain it to a seeker of Christ. Bible Study is a necessary practice in the life of a true deacon. A “pure conscience” means a conscience clearn before both God and man. The Deacon should be a righteous living person before God and his neighbors.
- Proved= to test, examine, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals, to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy. A Deacon should be one who has proven over time to be faithful and worthy of the office. Just like the Bishop, this is no office for a novice.
- Husbands of one wife- We dealt with this one above under Bishop, so I won’t take it up again.
- Ruling their children and houses well= We also dealt with this concerning Bishops. The same rule applies to the family of a Deacon.
Deacon Wives
My wife may be glad to realize the Scripture gives directives for Deacon’s wives but not or the wife of the Pastor. Wonder why? Maybe because the Pastor’s wife has enough problems without the Scripture adding to them! I’m only joking. The wife of a Deacon is supposed to be:
- Grave= This is the same word used above to describe a Deacon. The wife of a deacon should be honorable among the women and men of the Church. Her reputation should be above board.
- Slanderers= prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely. Countless churches have been ripped apart by gossiping among women whose husbands are in positions of authority. Don’t feel superior men; we are susceptible to this scourge also. It is the responsibility of the Deacon to curb this. The deacon is responsible for the conduct of his wife.
- Sober= abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use. Here is another warning concerning the negative effects of alcohol. We have discussed this above so I will not dwell on it again.
- Faithful in all things= of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties, one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust, that can be relied on. I think we can see the job of a Deacon’s wife is one with great responsibility. I thank God for the faithfulness of our Deacons wives at Addison Church. They have conducted themselves honorably and with love and care for the cause of Christ continually.
3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
A Good Degree
Deacons who are mindful of these things, and faithful to the cause of Christ, purchase themselves a “good degree.” This phrase means a “step up, a grade of dignity and wholesome influence in the church.” In other words, faithful Deacons are to be recorded honor and respect in the Church of God. Notice something, this respect is not given; it is purchased. How does one purchase respect? Respect is earned by deeds. An illustration of this principle; money is earned on our jobs which allow us to buy things for our enjoyment. No one gives us a paycheck; we earn it, and once earned, we are free to enjoy the fruit of our labors. It works the same way in the Christian realm. Those who have been faithful and have wrought in the vineyard for God earn the respect of the Church of God. I recommend to the Church that they appreciate and give thanks for the leaders God has sent our way. I truly believe we have the best set of Deacons around here. Good job fellows!
3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Behave thyself
The epistles of Paul contain many directives and commandments for how a church is to be administered. When we are faithful to these rules, we prosper. When we neglect them, we suffer. Many is the church who has suffered pain and reproach needlessly because of neglect of a principle of Scripture. I pray that God help us be true to the guidance of the Word of God and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as we try to fulfill His mission on our life.
New Living Translation (to be used as a commentary only)
2 For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife.* He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money. 4 He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.* 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil’s trap and be disgraced.
8 In the same way, deacons must be people who are respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers and must not be greedy for money. 9 They must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, they should be given other responsibilities in the church as a test of their character and ability. If they do well, then they may serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, their wives* must be respected and must not speak evil of others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I can’t come for a while, 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 support of the truth.
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PASTOR RICK BARCUS
