UBF Daily Bread

A NOBLE TASK

Passage: 1Timothy 3:1~16

Key verse: 1

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:^(A) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(B) desires a noble task. ²Now the overseer is to be above reproach,^(C) faithful to his wife,^(D) temperate,^(E) self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,^(F) able to teach,^(G) ³not given to drunkenness,^(H) not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,^(I) not a lover of money.^(J) ⁴He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full^[a] respect.^(K) ⁵(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)^(L) ⁶He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited^(M) and fall under the same judgment^(N) as the devil. ⁷He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,^(O) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.^(P)

⁸In the same way, deacons^[b]^(Q) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,^(R) and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.^(S) ¹⁰They must first be tested;^(T) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

¹¹In the same way, the women^[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers^(U) but temperate^(V) and trustworthy in everything.

¹²A deacon must be faithful to his wife^(W) and must manage his children and his household well.^(X) ¹³Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church^(Y) of the living God,^(Z) the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶Beyond all question, the mystery^(AA) from which true godliness^(AB) springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,^(AC)
    was vindicated by the Spirit,^[d]
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,^(AD)
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory.^(AE)

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Footnotes

1 Timothy 3:4 Or him with proper
1 Timothy 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
1 Timothy 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit

1. A shepherd must be above reproach (1-13)

A shepherd or overseer has a noble task. He should live a faithful life before God. He should have spiritual leadership in his own family. He should be self-disciplined; he should be clear about women and money. He should be a good Bible teacher and have an open, hospitable home. He should pay his bills--including credit card bills--and he should not bounce checks. He should be a good influence in his community. When he is in a position of leadership, he must not become proud. Deacons and deaconesses--leaders--are stewards in God's household. They must be trustworthy. Most importantly, a leader must keep hold of the truth with a clear conscience.

2. The mystery of godliness (14-16)

The 'mystery of godliness' is an open secret. That secret is Jesus. He is God who appeared in the body, died and was raised to forgive our sins and make us holy. God's church must preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations.

Prayer: Lord, raise up shepherds with vision to preach the gospel to the nations.

One Word: Spiritual leaders with vision