This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop [overseer], he desires a good work. (I Timothy 3:1)
Becoming a leader in a church is an honorable position to have, but it comes with great responsibility. Paul reiterated that point to the overseers of the church in Ephesus; Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) It seems today that many churches and denominations have turned away from the Word of God as their guide on the qualifications and responsibilities of an overseer, but God's Word is very clear.
Becoming a leader in a church is an honorable position to have, but it comes with great responsibility. Paul reiterated that point to the overseers of the church in Ephesus; Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) It seems today that many churches and denominations have turned away from the Word of God as their guide on the qualifications and responsibilities of an overseer, but God's Word is very clear.
First, Paul explained the qualifications of a leader in the church: A bishop [pastor] then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (I Timothy 3:2-7)
Second, Paul explained the qualifications of a person who holds positions of authority within the church, a helper to the pastor and interceder on behalf of the members: Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 3:8-13)
It can't be made any clearer or plainer than this! We need to be sure that before we become a part of any church or denomination, that they preach and believe the entire Word of God; that they believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and that their leaders, starting with their pastor meet the requirements of being in those positions, as outlined in the scriptures. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. If he meets these requirements, then we can be sure he will teach the gospel message that will lead others to repentance and salvation through faith in Christ Jesus; for how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15)
It can't be made any clearer or plainer than this! We need to be sure that before we become a part of any church or denomination, that they preach and believe the entire Word of God; that they believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and that their leaders, starting with their pastor meet the requirements of being in those positions, as outlined in the scriptures. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. If he meets these requirements, then we can be sure he will teach the gospel message that will lead others to repentance and salvation through faith in Christ Jesus; for how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15)
And the gospel message is this: These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh [John 1:14; I John 1:2], justified in the Spirit [Matthew 3:16; John 1:32-33; Romans 1:4] , seen by angels [Matthew 28:2; Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4; John 20:12], preached among the Gentiles [Acts 10:34; Acts 13:46-48; Galatians 2:8; Ephesians 3:5-8; Colossians 1:27-28], believed on in the world [Romans 1:19-20; Colossians 1:6, 23], received up in glory [Acts 1:10-11; Luke 24:51]. (I Timothy 3:14-16) AMEN!
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