Reflection
- (1Ti 3:4 ESV) He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
- (1Ti 3:5 ESV) for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?
- (1Ti 3:6 ESV) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
- (1Ti 3:7 ESV) Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Discussion
When you are cutting material, be it wood or fabric or glass, it is wise to measure twice and cut once. Cutting a board to the right length is a one-shot effort. Cut it too short, the board is wasted. The process of establishing leaders for the church is similar. The qualifications for both elders and deacons are given specifically in Scripture and the church is ordered to follow those instructions. We are to measure those who are potential leaders twice so that they may be established correctly by the Word of God.
In his commentary on this passage, John MacArthur said, “The church must not lift up those whom the Lord will later have to cut down.”
Connection
Why is it so important for us to follow the direction of the Bible is the selection of church leaders?
If we are unable to find people who meet all of the qualifications of leadership, do we have the right to remove some of those qualifications?
If so, which ones would you remove first?
| Above reproach v2 | Not violent but gentle v3 |
| Husband of one wife v2 | Not quarrelsome v3 |
| Sober-minded v2 | Not a lover of money v3 |
| Self-controlled v2 | Able to manage his household v4 |
| Respectable v2 | Keeping his children submissive v4 |
| Hospitable v2 | Not a recent convert v5 |
| Able to teach v2 | Thought of well by outsiders v7 |
| Not a drunkard v3 |
What are the side effects of us deciding to remove parts of these qualifications?
What does it say about our faith in Christ to build His church if we alter the qualifications He gave for leaders?
Expansion
Calling Of God
Romans 8:27-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, John 1:12-13, Romans 6:16-18, Romans 9:10-24, John 6:43-45, Romans 10:10-21
God Will Build His Church
Colossians 1:15-20, Colossians 3:15, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Matthew 22:37-39, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:42-27