In his pastoral leadership letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul now instructs his spiritual son as to how church leaders should be chosen, for their faith exuded not only by their words but also, and more importantly by their actions. For this will be also how they will be judged, and rewarded by almighty God Himself, not at all based on His love for us, but our love for Him.
“1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1)
The position of “bishop” in the early church meant this person would rule over a single church, which itself was led by a team of elders. Such an endeavor to oversee a church was one meant for a special breed of servants, blessed with many traits indicative of one’s faith, sacrifice and devotion to serving the Lord as a leader.
“2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;” (1 Timothy 3:2)
To be blameless does not mean within sin. Since all sin and fall short of God’s glory, church leaders, like all men are indeed sinners however, their conduct must clearly spell out the reasons why they were appointed as overseers of God’s church.
Bishops should be teachers without reproach, of good reputation, with only one wife whose faith and works are becoming of her husband, their church and God Himself. When bishops are concerned, divorce is not a biblical option. No divorced man should lead a church.
“3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;” (1 Timothy 3:3)
Through faith and the Holy spirit, church leaders should also be cleansed of drunkenness, greed and envy as each one endeavors to glorify God in their ways, knowing the almighty creator is omnipresent, always searching the hearts of His children and rewarding them accordingly.
“4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);” (1 Timothy 3:4-5)
Church leaders should also be established leaders in their own house, where men are appointed leaders by God Himself and women are called upon to submit and obey their husbands, as are their children.
“6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6)
Bishops should also be mature Christians, blessed with wisdom bestowed upon each one as part of their salvation process.
“7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:7)
Church leaders must inevitably have a strong testimony how their faith in Christ changed their lives, and each bishop should be appreciated among the body and outside the church as well, as he continues to advance the gospel and spread the good news about Jesus, Yeshua, and God, Yahweh, the creator of all living things and the earth itself. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
