"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

Chapter Three

Introduction

A.      Paul explains the purpose in writing this epistle.  

          1.       Though hoping to come soon.....

          2.       Writes so that Timothy will be well-instructed on how to

conduct himself in the house of God, which is the church, the pillar and ground of the truth (14-15).  

B.      In this chapter we find the qualifications necessary for

          1.        Those who would serve as bishops in the local congregation 

                   (1-7).  

          2.       A similar list is included for those who would be deacons 

                   (8-13). 

THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR (ELDERS) BISHOPS (1-7)

A.      THE NATURE OF THE WORK (1)

          1.       It is a position, or office (1)

                   God put it there – demands respect for the office

                   Titus 1 – Things are “out of order” without

                   Proper organization demands it

                   Plural – never mentioned as singular

                   Acts 20:20; 1 Pet. 5 – shepherds – NOT Goat herders

                   Lead – not drive

          2.       It is a good work for a man to desire (1)

                   Highest work a man can do

                   We ought to instill that in the young

                   NEVER talk down about that office

                   TEACH young men to desire to be an elder one day

B.      WHAT A BISHOP (Shepherd, elder) MUST BE (2-7)

          1.       Positive qualifications

                   a.       Above Reproach (Blameless) (2)

                             What it means – why

                   b.       The husband of one wife (2)

                             What it means – why

                   c.       Temperate (2)

                             What it means – why

                   d.       Prudent (Sober-minded) (2)

                             What it means – why

                   e.       Respectable (Of good behavior) (2)

                             What it means – why

                   f.       Hospitable (2)

                             What it means – why

                   g.       Able to teach (2)

                             What it means – why

                   h.       Gentle (3)  

                             What it means – why

                   i.        One who manages (rules) his own household (well) (4)

                             (parenthetical)

                             1)       Keeping his children under control 

                                      with all dignity  (4)

2)       For if he can't manage his own household, how will he take care of the Lord’s church? (5)

                    j.       A good reputation (testimony) among those outside (church)  (7)

                             1) Lest he fall into reproach (7)

                                      He represents the BEST of God’s people!

                             2) And into the snare of the devil (7)

                                      Tries to justify – look at presidents (snare of devil)

                                                Nixon – should have come clean

                                                Clinton – should have come clean

                                                Martha Stewart 

          2.       Negative qualifications:  

                   a.       Not addicted to (given to) wine (3)

                             What it means – why

                   b.       Not pugnacious (violent) (i.e. pugilism)(3)

                             What it means – why

                   c.       Free from the love of (Not greedy for) money 

                             (Not covetous) (3)

                             What it means – why

                   d.       Uncontentious (Not quarrelsome) (3)

                             What it means – why

                   e.       Not a new convert (novice) (6)

                             1) Lest he be puffed up with pride (6)

                             2) And fall into the same condemnation as the devil (6)

THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEACONS (8-13)

A.      WHAT A DEACON MUST BE (8-12)

          1.       Positive qualifications

                   a.       Men of dignity (Reverent) (8)

                             What it means – why

                   b.       Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear (pure) conscience (9)

                             What it means – why

                   c.       First be tested (Proven) (10)

                             What it means – why

                   d.       Beyond reproach (found blameless) (10)

                             What it means – why

                   e.       The husband of one wife (12)

                             What it means – why

                   f.       Good managers of their children and households 

                             (Ruling his children and house well) (12)

                             What it means – why

          2.       Negative qualifications

                   a.       Not double-tongued (8)

                             What it means – why

                   b.       Not addicted to (given to) much wine (8)

                             What it means – why

                   c.       Not fond of sordid gain (greedy for money) (8)

                             What it means – why

          3.       Their wives

                   a.       Dignified (Reverent) (11)

                             What it means – why

                   b.       Not malicious gossips (slanderers) (11)

                             What it means – why

                   c.       Temperate (11)

                             What it means – why

                   d.       Faithful in all things (11)

                             What it means - why

B.      THE HONOR OF THEIR WORK (13)

          1.       Those who serve well obtain a good standing 

          2.       Also great confidence (boldness) in the faith which is in Christ Jesus