1 TIMOTHY 3:4-7 QUALIFICATIONS OF A BISHOP - PART 2

1 TIMOTHY 3:4-7

QUALIFICATIONS OF A BISHOP

PART 2

1 Timothy 3:4-5 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;  (For if a man⁵¹⁰⁰ know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Susie: Note that the word used for man in verse 5, is the one we looked up in the previous lesson which could be interpreted “person,” not necessarily male. However, in other passages such as Ephesian 5 and this cross-reference from 1 Corinthians, the man is seen as the head of the household.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Susan: If the pastor/elder/overseer were to be a woman, this scripture could be interpreted as the woman instructing and leading her children well. The children should be obedient to both mother and father. A married couple should be in agreement and back each other up concerning rules and consequences for their children, presenting a united front.

Susie: The main point of this qualification is that the children of the pastor should be well-behaved and respectful. If a man cannot manage a small family of children, how can he be expected to deal with a larger group of siblings in the Lord!

1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Susan: This scripture details that a pastor should not be a new believer. The leader of the congregation needs to be well-seasoned in the scripture . . .

Susie: . . . and should be living out what the Bible teaches in front of others. His life should demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit living in and through Him to glorify God.

Susan: The pastor should be pursuing a Christ-like lifestyle, fueled by the Holy Spirit.

Susie: There is another caution about putting someone into a pastoral position to early in his/her walk with the Lord. The person might become prideful over their promotion to such a prominent place and become easy prey for the devil. We should not want to put a new believer into that position. Satan works hard to discredit pastors, so we need people serving who are rooted and grounded in God’s word.

1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Susie: The pastor should have an excellent reputation in the community at large as well as among Christians. He should be respected as a man of integrity who lives what he believes and preaches.

1 Peter 2:12 (AMP) Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].

Susan: The pastor must have a good reputation with those outside of the church in the broader community where he/she serves.

QUESTIONS

1.       Why is it important for a pastor to have a well-ordered household and family? What does that look like?

2.       Should a pastor be a newly converted believer? Why or why not?

3.       Does a pastor’s reputation in the community around the church matter? Why or why not?