Chapter 3
This is a true saying, If
a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
We are now
looking at the qualifications for a Pastor/Elder/Bishop/Overseer. All four of
these titles really refer to the same office: a ministry of pastoral leadership
of a local flock of the Church. Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5 both talk about this
office as well, but as we look at 1 Timothy, Paul is saying that it is a good
thing if a man (not a woman) desires the office of bishop
(pastor/elder/overseer of the house of God). It is a good work, a life of
service, that he desires. However, he must meet certain qualifications, not
just desire it. Today, we hear a lot of emphasis on experiencing a call and
this is good; but it cannot be divorced from Scriptures clear qualifications.
2 A bishop then must be blameless,
Being blameless carries with it the idea of being innocent, not deserving
reprimand for wrong actions. In short this man is self controlled and is not
bring reproach on the name of Christ through living in a questionable fashion.
As we will see in all these requirements, God expects the pastor to set an
example through his lifestyle that the flock should follow. He is to be an
example and a leader.
the husband of one wife,
When
this man got married, he should stay married for life. He should not be getting
divorced upward of 3x’s as many over half in the American church today do. If
he was divorced before accepting Christ, this may not apply; however,
the Scripture is very clear that God expects the pastor to set an example in
his marriage: by clinging fastly to his wife and not getting divorced over
unbiblical grounds (the only Biblical grounds is adultery—Matt. 5). If he has
problems and conflict with his wife, he is to love her as Christ loves the
Church and gave himself for it (Eph. 5).
vigilant,
Vigilance carries
with it the meaning of being alert, spiritually awake; ready to detect and
avoid danger. In short, the pastor should not be lukewarm, but should be “on
fire” for the things of God and in relationship with the Lord and in the Word
so that he can detect dangers in doctrine, in lifestyle, in national policy, in
beliefs, and in the culture for himself and the flock he is an undershepherd
of.
sober,
The
pastor is to be seriously minded, sober; and not caught up in pursuing
pleasures and a “good time.” Rather, he is to set the example of carefully
living a life that honors the Lord. Not be mere willpower, but by continuous
humility and trust in God.
of good behaviour,
The pastor should be known for his good behavior, not for losing his temper and
showing immaturity through his tongue. This applies not only in his words, but
his actions. A helpful illustration is this “Even a child is known by his
doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right”
(Proverbs 20:11, KJV).
given to hospitality,
He
should know how to be hospitable. This many times may apply by opening his
home, caring for people, and practicing kindness.
apt to teach;
This is one is very important. Even if he is not naturally talented to teach,
he must be able to. For the role of pastor is largely teaching the flock. Yes
he is to lead them, but he cannot effectively lead if he cannot effectively
teach. Therefore, he must learn how to clearly teach the truth to others.
1 Timothy 3:1-2 (KJV)
