Leadership Integrity Series

Proper Order In the House Of God – Leadership Integrity

1 Timothy 3:1-13

INTRODUCTION:

A. We all like order – howbeit, maybe not the same order

1. Take Denise and I for example: if it can be done in more than one way – we will do it differently

a. Making a bed

b. Doing dishes

c. Going to Walmart (had to get that one in)

2. Even those who seem to be disorderly do have order – it is the way we are able to live

3. Many disagreements within marriages, especially younger couples, come from a disruption of order or the conflict brought about by trying to re-order

4. Like I said, even when there seems to be disorder – often it is not: You can look at my desk at times and wonder, yet I have a method to my madness.

B. Some type of order is necessary in all areas of life: governmental, social, personal, church.

1. Today we will continue what we began last week concerning order within the house of God or church.

2. Please remember what we said concerning the term “house of God”

- We are not necessarily speaking about the place of worship but rather the group that worships as God’s church

3. So in chapter three Paul continues this line of thought and speaks of two leaders: Bishops (pastors) and Deacons

C. As a side note, it is important to understand that these are the only two positions (with the exception of elders – depending on how you would define that term) that God ordained as leaders in His church.

1. Nowhere do we find a biblical authority for a enlarged ecclesiastical body including priests (the priesthood ended with Christ), bishops, archbishops, cardinals and pope.

2. I bring this up because if God had intended for these to be in place He would have outlined them in this manner – because He sees the need for order and integrity in these areas.

D. So today we will look at the two groups of leaders in the church:

1. Bishop (which could also be known as a Pastor, Elder or Overseer)

2. And Deacon.

PRAYER

Paul begins with a description of the leadership position of

I. THE BISHOP (of whom I will call PASTOR from this point), 1 Tim. 3:1-7 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

A. First, let’s Clear Up Some Confusion

1. The Greek word used in this text and translated “bishop” would be translated more literally as “Overseer”

a. It has been translated bishop, pastor, elder or Overseer

b. As such he was responsible for the “overseeing” of the church

1) Its members

2) As well as its purpose and mission

2. This portion of Paul’s letter was probably prompted by those false teachers who were striving for leadership positions – for any and all but pure reasons.

3. So lets move on and look at

B. The Desire.

1. This is really the grand starting point of one who would be a pastor

2. The Greek word translated “desire” or “aspires” is in the present indicative middle form

a. The presence tense views the act as more than a passing interest

b. The indicative mood is a statement of fact

c. The middle voice may point to the inward nature of the desire

3. In other words the desire is something that wells up from inside and cannot be suppressed by a simple action or circumstance from outside.

4. Furthermore, Paul stated that this desire is for a good work - a place that is honorable and profitable (not in the monetary sense)

5. But desire is not enough – there has to be more

C. The Qualifications

1. Blameless or above reproach – to this, John MacArthur states, it “means ‘not able to be held.’ The man who is above reproach cannot be arrested and held as if he were a criminal; there is nothing for which to accuse him.”

2. The husband of one wife – hence the term “man” in verse 1.