Paul’s checklist to Timothy for approval of an overseer, or bishop. 1 Timothy 3:1-7
N.B. Note Well, It’s often easier to appoint people to a position than to get them out! Positions or offices appeal to egos.
Paul wanted to come to Ephesus himself, but in the event he was delayed, 1 Tim. 3:15, he gave Timothy and us some Spirit inspired guidelines.
3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task (PERHAPS WHY GOD IS SO PATIENT WITH US). 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable (OTHERS WELCOME), able to teach, (TO ESTABLISH TRUTH IN THE BODY, AND THE ONLY GIFT REQUIRED!) 1 Timothy 3
It is quite true to say that a man who sets his heart on holding office has laudable ambition. Well, for the office of a bishop a man must be of blameless reputation, he must be married to one wife only, and be a man of self-control and discretion. He must be a man of disciplined life; he must be hospitable and have the gift of teaching. 1 Timothy 3, PHILLIPS (PHPS)
, 3 NOT given to drunkenness, NOT violent but gentle, NOT quarrelsome, NOT a lover of money.
He must be neither intemperate nor violent, but gentle. He must not be a controversialist nor must he be fond of money-grabbing. PHPS
Just as with the Bible’s definition of ‘Love’, 1 Corinthians 13, there are certain things that a leader in the Church must NOT Be or Do.
4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
He must have proper authority in his own household, and be able to control and command the respect of his children. (For if a man cannot rule in his own house how can he look after the Church of God?). PHPS
Paul and the Bible are quite practical, it has to be working inside our family before it will ever work in the wider Church family.
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. MSG
I like the wording of the MESSAGE (MSG) Translation, believers younger in their Faith may be open to pride if promoted too soon.
7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 1 Timothy 3
He should, in addition to the above qualifications, have a good reputation with the outside world, in case his good name is attacked and he is caught by the devil that way. PHPS
Many people have one face in the Church, but unfortunately a different one in our jobs and the wider community. We’re deceiving ourselves! God sees it all and so do the people around us, both above and below us. It’s not about perfection but we must be real, not hypocritical in all areas of life.
In the early Celtic Church, the higher the position, the greater the need to be a servant. (Restoring the Woven Cord, Michael Mitton). Unfortunately in the western Church today, many seek to rise in influence for their own benefit and ‘God sees the heart.’
God bless and keep you today.