leadership qualifications (1-13)

Being an official leader within the Church body is something to be held reverent. The Church represents Christ in a broken world and it is important that the leaders within this representation are upholding the character of Christ and his mission here on Earth.

A man who belongs in a Church leadership position is drawn by an inward motivation. It is important to note that having this motivation is not an instant qualification for the role. We see in this passage that there are many qualities a man must live up to aside from having a desire to lead over others. Many of us will desire control and responsibility but will be gifted in other ways. There are countless characters in the Bible and in the world around us who are working for God without being the face of the Church. You are called to follow God’s commands whether or not you are in an official leadership position.

God called Timothy to lead the church of Ephesus even when Timothy was not comfortable in this position. God also called Moses to lead God’s people when Moses was terrified of public speaking. God tends to use the most broken people to show his endless mercies. God rarely tends to call the qualified (since none of us are qualified without Christ), but he qualifies those that he calls. We see this in both Timothy and Moses’ lives as God never leaves their side.

Paul is telling Timothy in this passage to look for good, noble, and honorable men. These men aren’t qualified by their titles, but through their selfless actions and godly character traits.

• Above reproach: There must be nothing in his life that others can take hold of and attack the church.
• Husband of one wife: Committed to the biblical view of marriage.
• Temperate: Emotionally self controlled.
• Sober-minder: Not always solemn and sober, but knows the value of things and does not cheapen the ministry of God by foolish behavior.
• Self-controlled: Not a drama queen.
• Respectable: Gentleman.
• Hospitable: A welcoming lover and servant of strangers.
• Able to teach: Inclination to instruct and able to defend the essential truths of Christianity.
• Not a drunkard: Do not allow what the Bible prohibits, or prohibit what the Bible allows.
• Gentle and not violent: Skin of a rhino, but the heart of a dove.
• Not quarrelsome: Not someone who looks for or continues fights.
• Not a lover of money: There is nothing wrong with possessing riches. It becomes wrong when riches possess you.
• Having a well managed household: There is an imbalance when an elder’s household is in disarray.
• Not a recent convert: Pride pollutes our mind.
• Having a good reputation/testimony: So as not to hurt the testimony of the church.

These standards have to be kept high because these people are representing Christ through their position. We as believers should also be living up to these standards since we also represent Christ to those around us. Being a Christian is not a Sunday only responsibility, but a lifestyle choice. We have to ask ourselves if our behavior is helping people think about Jesus in a good way or a bad way. Are we offering bridges in our communities or burning bridges so people are less likely to ever come to the cross? Are we living in a way where people would want to imitate our walk? God calls up to live according to his will and purpose. Are we living our lives for him or ourselves?

many mysteries (14-16)

Scripture is written to make you think and ponder God’s many mysteries. What kind of love does someone have to have to die for people that hate him?