Joel M Bradshaw

1The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.13For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Paul was expecting young pastor Timothy to appoint elders and deacons for the church. And so Timothy needed to know the biblical qualifications. Three categories stand out.

1. OUTSIDER OPINION MATTERS. It doesn’t matter most, of course, but it did and does matter. If the outside world looks at the leader and laughs, what does that communicate about God’s church? If a man’s neighbors and coworkers don’t respect him, then there’s a problem. If they see him as a drunk, a womanizer, greedy, selfish, with an uncontrollable family, why would the church submit to his leadership?
2. INSIDER OPINION MATTERS. Is he an example to the flock? Does he correctly handle teaching the Bible? Is he leading by example? Does he primarily show faithfulness or selfishness?
3. COUNTER-CULTURAL. The Roman world of Timothy’s day leaders could simply be tyrants. Power was uplifted over all. Husbands lorded control over wives and children. Wine flowed, sex was rampant, and men led in a way that fit their culture. Husbands were known to stray and fathers were many times harsh. Now imagine a church with a sacrificial leader of a husband fully committed to his wife. A father who actively and with gentleness shepherds his children. A man known not for his excesses but instead for his self-control. A one woman man and a one faith man. That kind of leader would stand out as different just like the church of Jesus was designed to be.

Pray for the deacons and elders in your church this morning. Happy Sunday!–JMB