web page hit counter

Monday, October 10, 2005

What does the Bible say about .....

those who lead His church?

Instructions for overseers, elders and deacons of God's church:
(as recorded in 1Timothy 3, Titus 1)  (ESV)

Maybe the structure at your church doesn't have titles like elders or deacons.   No matter, these commands are applicable to all pastors, executive staff, and lay ministry leaders or teachers.

DON'TS

arrogance,
quick-tempered,
must not be a recent convert,
not quarrelsome,
not a drunkard,
not violent,
not greedy for gain,
not a lover of money,
not double-tongued,
not addicted to much wine,
not greedy for dishonest gain.

DO'S

be blameless,
be dignified,
hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience,
must be tested first,
be well thought of by outsiders,
hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught,
be able to give instruction in sound doctrine,
able to rebuke those who contradict it (sound doctrine),
above reproach,
the husband of one wife,
his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination,
manage his own household (well),
spouses likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things,
hospitable,
gentle (not soft),
respectable,
sober-minded,
faithful in all things,
a lover of good,
self-controlled,
upright,
holy,
disciplined.

Grace and peace,


2 Comments:

At 11 October, 2005 18:59, Blogger ...steven said...

Good list - what does "dignified" mean and where does it come from scripturally?

 
At 12 October, 2005 05:18, Blogger Mark said...

Steve,

Good question, thanks for asking.

I found it written in the transition of qualifications for overseers to deacons, in verse 7 to verse 8. Paul is asserting that a Biblical overseer is dignified , so too, must be deacons.

This is similarly written other transaltions:

1 Tim 3:8

- Deacons likewise must be dignified, ... (ESV)

- Deacons, likewise, ... (NIV)

- Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, ... (NASB)

- The same goes for those who want to be servants in the church: ... (The Message)

- Likewise deacons must be reverent, ... (NKJV)

- Deacons likewise must be dignified, (11)... (NET)

11 tn Or "respectable, honorable, of serious demeanor."

Your thoughts?

 

Post a Comment

<< Home