Tag: noble task
Overseers–a noble task
Scripture reading for September 26: 1 Timothy 3
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:1-7
Paul was an overseer in the early church. He was mentoring Timothy for that same task and teaching him how to help others identify their leadership calling and walk in that noble task. God calls each person to the task He desires for them and then equips them to walk effectively in that calling. When we aspire to leadership, it is often the Holy Spirit drawing us to submit to God’s call. But God has qualifications for those He calls into leadership. Each person must be submitted to Him and to those He has placed over them to teach, rebuke, and guide in their daily walk.
Paul stated that the overseer must be above reproach. That means that they are not open to charges of misconduct or wrong-doing that bring reproach to Christ and His Church. He lists several things in the leader’s life that must be brought in line with God’s requirements. First, his home must be in order. He must have one wife and be faithful in his marriage. His children must be instructed in godly living and respectful of parents as well as elders and those in authority. Paul asks the question: If a leader can’t manage his own household, how can he oversee Christ’s church? The leader must not be a recent convert either, as his life must be tested for faithfulness and consistency. He must be able to teach, respected by all, and have a reputation as a sound and sober man of God. Those aspiring to leadership must check out what God requires and make necessary changes and additions.
As you review these qualification for overseers, are there areas of your life that need adjusting and growth? How do these qualifications clash with the world we live in? Do you feel that the church gives emphasis to choosing leaders who have these qualifications?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for calling leaders and holding them to account for their character and conduct. As a leader, help me to live my life in such a way that reflects Your character and attitudes to the younger members. Use me as a mentor to help equip those You call. Amen.
The noble task of overseer!
Scripture reading for September 28th: 1st Timothy 3
“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1st Timothy 3:1) God calls men and women into pastoral and apostolic leadership. It is a high calling and those who open their hearts to respond, desire a noble task. Leading in Christ’s church is challenging and rewarding for those who apply themselves fully.
“Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited, and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” (1st Timothy 3:2-7)
As we look at the qualifications of an overseer, there is more about character than gifts or talents. The person must be above reproach and if married, husband of one wife. (or wife of one husband) They must manage their own household and finances well as a prerequisite for working with the family of God and finances of Christ’s Church. New converts are not yet proven in their character and humility and should not be placed in leadership. One ability mentioned is the ability to teach. Teaching sound doctrine is one of the great needs of the church.
“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” (1st Timothy 3:13) It is a noble task to serve Christ as overseer!
The mystery of godliness!
Scripture reading for October 18th: 1st Timothy 3:1-16
In this chapter, Paul tries to help Timothy with some guidelines for those who work at overseeing the church. He gives Timothy some qualifications for both overseers and deacons and their spouses. These are not meant to be laws, but help Timothy evaluate those seeking to become leaders in the church and to give instruction to the church of the standards that God values in His leaders. Behind all these values and qualifications is what Paul calls ‘the mystery of godliness.’
It’s a good thing to desire to be an overseer in Christ’s church! Overseers are what we might call the pastors, superintendents and bishops of today. “Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.” We note that these qualifications involve character more than gifting or charisma. The ability to manage and minister in the home takes precedence over ministering in Christ’s church. If it doesn’t work at home, in will not fly in God’s household!
“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.” Time in service is also a qualification. It takes time to grow in grace and the character of Christ. Pride and conceit are primary weapons of the devil and each man is born the first time will pride as a stronghold. When Christ changes us, we need time to grow in relationship and to build a reputation outside the church as well as in as a consistent follower of Christ. Reputations are easy to lose!
These instructions were given to help people know how to conduct themselves properly. But a relationship with Christ is foundational to godly living. “Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” (1st Timothy 3:16) Faith in Christ brings godliness to all who believe as we humbly follow our Lord!