I Timothy Chapter 3
In this chapter Paul writes to Timothy who is leading the church at Ephesus with qualifications for the Overseers of the church. The term overseers is used interchangeably with the term shepherd, bishop, or pastor. Simply put, there were godly qualifications that the church should look for in a man who desired to be a leader of the church. Churches will never find a perfect man to lead them because all men are sinners, but they certainly would want to find a leader who seeks God first and is above reproach.
Let's Reflect
1. As you think about the term “above reproach,” what comes to mind as to why a leader of a church should be above reproach?
2. Does Paul’s writing indicate that there may be some who would desire to be in leadership of a church who are not fit to do so?
3. Why does Paul say that the leader of a church must be able to manage his own household well?
4. What is the danger of choosing a leader who is a new convert to the faith?
5. One of the qualifications mentioned has been debated greatly amongst people regarding the meaning of the phrase “husband of one wife.” This phrase first and foremost has the idea that this man is “a one-woman man.” He is not a playboy, he does not make romantic gestures toward other women, and he is careful about what he allows his eyes to look at. What can happen in churches where the leader does not have self-control? See verse 7.
6. The list of qualifications for deacons is very similar to the list for the overseer. In verse 11 Paul adds a new qualification to the list for deacons, what is it? Would this also apply to the qualification of an overseer?
7. Notice an important truth in verse 13. When we serve the Lord with a good heart (just as a good deacon would), what will be the results of our serving?
8. The key to finding a good church is to find one where the leadership understands that the church is the church of the _____________ God.
9. According to verse 16 there is godliness in the church because of the one who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. Who is being described?
