Today we are reading 1 Timothy 3. In this chapter we read about the qualifications for those who serve in the church. “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:1-7 ESV Traditionally, these qualifications have been applied to pastors and other professional church workers. I strongly believe that they should be the standard we all aim towards. By God’s grace we are forgiven of our sins and by God’s command we are told to live a life worthy of the Gospel. Meditate on the various qualifications. Are there any that seem unreasonable to you? Which are most challenging for you? How could this list be misused? May God equip you for the ministry He has called you to and let the final word be forgiveness. Pastor Tim
