(1 Timothy 3:1-7) It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Reminder:
"praying effectively" involves knowing God's will. When we pray in His will (in His name), He
may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like,
or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!
It is God's will:
- that only worthy men should be allowed in the office of overseer (3:1-2)
- that overseers must be above reproach (3:2)
- that overseers must only have one wife (3:2)
- that overseers must be temperate, showing moderation and self-restraint (3:2)
- that overseers must be prudent, acting and showing care and thought for the future (3:2)
- that overseers must be respectable, regarded by society as good, proper and correct (3:2)
- that overseers must be hospitable, friendly and welcoming (3:2)
- that overseers must be able to teach (3:2)
- that overseers must not be drunks or alcoholics (3:3)
- that overseers must not be pugnacious, quarrelsome or contentious (3:3)
- that overseers must be free from the love money (3:3)
- that overseers must be gentle (3:3)
- that overseers must be peaceable (3:3)
- that overseers must be able to manage their own households well (3:4)
- that overseers must act with dignity, even in their own homes (3:4)
- that overseers must be able to keep his children under control while still remaining composed (3:4-5)
- that overseers must be mature believers, not a new convert (3:6)
- that overseers must have a good reputation with those outside the church (3:7)
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your word, and for very clear guidance. Help us to be humble enough to see the value of these attributes. Even if we are not pastors or elders, help us to see that these qualities should be applied to all our lives.
Guard our spiritual leaders from pride and greed. Keep them from evil, and keep them steadfast and above reproach. Guide them in unity, in the power of the Holy Spirit, as they work together to shepherd the church. Protect their families. Help their marriage to stay strong, and their parenting skills to be wise and loving.
Guide believers to graciously support and encourage their pastors and elders, and even their family members. May we not put unrealistic expectations on them. May we not grumble, complain or knit-pick about things, but rather step up to help serve in the church, to help build up Your kingdom into what it should be. All to Your glory, amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment