Tuesday is back! My does time fly. We’re in 1 Timothy 3 this week. Should be fun. Come on, enjoy it with me.
I’m in the NIV mostly but if I change that I will let you know. If you have an NIV get it, otherwise, go here for this chapter. While you’re at it, grab your favorite writing instrument and your Bible Study journal. Yes, you should have one of those, a notebook or sheet of paper will do, so will digital files so long as you can keep track of them.
To begin, let’s pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, this chapter starts with a subtitle that kind of worries me. Yet I know You have called me to do this, so I trust You and ask You to write this lesson for us, because You, dear Lord, are immensely qualified. Lead us, Lord. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.
First thing: write out the subtitle of this chapter.
Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons
Any questions? Is there a difference between an overseer and a deacon? What makes a person a deacon? Let’s see if this chapter will clarify those questions, those are the ones I came up with. If you have others, see if this chapter answers them too.
Read 1 Timothy 3:1, yep, we have to stop at 1 this time.
Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
What does that mean to you? Here is how The Message words it…If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good!
What if you really don’t desire to do so but Jesus has thrust you into that kind of a spot? That’s how I used to feel. He changed it into a way to learn and makes me wholly dependent on Him. No, I’m not the preacher. I just lead the Bible Studies, at least when my schedule will allow it as I also am a mother of a child on the spectrum that requires a lot of extra trips.
Read 1 Timothy 3:2-5
Okay, we have to slow down on that couple verses because wow are there a lot of character demands in it. Let’s list them.
Above Reproach – scandal free
Faithful to his wife/her husband
Temperate – moderate in all waysSelf-Controlled – displays the fruit of the Spirit
Respectable
Hospitable – love others
Able to Teach
Gentle – trust me on this one. Jesus can make you gentle. Ask.
I think we can reword 4&5 to be stable, the same person with those same qualities in church and at home. Integrity is another word for it.
Boy can we see those who aren’t like this. Maybe that’s how you can think of it. The nots or the don’ts. I’ll let you go through those on your own if you feel the need to.
Read 1 Timothy 3:6-7
Humility is needed. What could happen without it? In the same vein, a bad reputation with outsiders will cause this leader to what?
Read 1 Timothy 3:8-10
First thing I see is the footnote says: “The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.”
So these overseers must be:
Worthy of respect.
Sincere
Keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscious.
Must be tested first to make sure nothing is against them.
I wonder if that last line is for all of the places stated thus far.
The deep truths of the faith. O that we might know them. And hold onto them with all we have. Repeat them. Meditate on them. Keep them at the forefront of your mind. These are some ways I know of to hold onto truth.
Read 1 Timothy 3:11-12
The footnote on this says: “Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons.”
Another list of qualities. Think of these as just reiterations of the ones above. Still, let’s make sure we have them written down.
Worthy of respect
Temperate
Trustworthy
Faithful
I can’t think of a word for ‘manage his children and household well’
But look at the promise for serving in this way! Write out verse 13.
Read 1 Timothy 3:14-16
Reasons for Paul’s Instructions
God’s household is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Reminds me of that song The Father’s House by Cory Asbury.
And the way this chapter ends is the best ever. All Jesus.
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
Beyond all question. Oh how I love that. True godliness springs from the True God who appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angles and men, was preached among the nations, believed on in the world and taken up in glory to come back again one day because He is more than our God, he is our Deliverer, our Rescuer and the One who is coming back to get those who are His.
Blessed are we, all the glory to Him.
And all God’s people said
Amen.