3:2 - "Above reproach" - live a life that no one can call into question.
3:6 - Rising to a position of authority too quickly can lead to thinking you are better than others. That is a great foothold fro the devil to use against your personal ministry.
3:7 - I thought this was an interesting and often ignored portion of the elder requirements. It would be my guess that there are a few elders in a lot of churches in this world that are not thought of very highly in the secular world. Words like arrogant, judgemental, "holier than thou," and hypocrite come to mind. (NCC has some pretty stinkin' awesome elders though, one of my favorite parts about this church - I know the leadership is in godly hands)
3:9 - I thought it was interesting that the deacons are called to know the mysteries of the faith, and the elders were not. What does that mean? It may have been a forgone conclusion for Paul that the elders would already be incredibly strong in their faith, because they were expected to be strong teachers.
3:11 - Another interesting difference between the elder and deacon expectations...there is a lot more said specifically about how the wives of the deacons should live their lives. What does that mean? There is a biblical example of a woman who was a deacon (See Romans 16:1 - servant is deacon), so it is possible that the wives of deacons were allowed to be deaconess's. This would explain why they were given such specific instructions and also why he says these things before the "husband of one wife" line which would not apply to the ladies.
3:15 - This drives home the importance of personal accountability and faithfulness in the way you live out your life. We are the church...the lives we live are a pillar of truth to this world. What kind of truth are we putting out there through our actions?
3:16 - Love this - "mystery of godliness." What is the mystery of godliness? Well, Christ is the center of Christianity and the only way to enter into a relationship with God, correct? The sacrifice of Christ offers us a chance to be made holy and he lives his life as an example for us to follow when it comes a to living holy lives. So Jesus Christ himself is the mystery of godliness.
2 comments:
so leaders should live their own lif well before leading.. hmm.. brilliant
It is refreshing to read through the qualifications of an overseer of a congregation. To read through and see what the Lord has done in the lives of many (I know some guys who at one point would not have qualified, but now do) provides inspiration in my pursuit of holiness that God's not done with me. Lord, may your name be praised as you continue to build me and mold me for your glory.
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