August 16, 2010

1 Timothy 3:1-16 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith

Introduction

1 Timothy 3:1-16: Today's reading offers explicit instructions for "church leaders" (3:1), known also as bishops. In the early church, a bishop was the chief leader of a local congregation. The passage also gives instructions for "church helpers" (3:8) also known as deacons. They had the task of serving people and taking care of their needs.

Today’s Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:6

He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was.

Today’s Reading

¹This is a true saying: If a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work. ²A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife, be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach; ³he must not be a drunkard or a violent man, but gentle and peaceful; he must not love money; ⁴he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect. ⁵For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? ⁶He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was. ⁷He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil's trap. ⁸Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money; ⁹they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. ¹¹Their wives also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything. ¹²A church helper must have only one wife, and be able to manage his children and family well. ¹³Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴As I write this letter to you, I hope to come and see you soon. ¹⁵But if I delay, this letter will let you know how we should conduct ourselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. ¹⁶No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion: He appeared in human form, was shown to be right by the Spirit, and was seen by angels. He was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, and was taken up to heaven.

Reflect

What kinds of people should be leaders in the church, according to the author? What instructions do these passages offer to church leaders? Which instructions might still be useful today? Are there any that no longer seem relevant? Think of strong church leaders that you know. What makes them strong leaders?

Pray

Holy God, bless and care for the leaders of your church. Equip them with integrity, good sense, wisdom, boldness, courage and love, that they may help the church become a reflection of your realm. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Church leaders