1 Timothy 3:1–7 - Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Wed PM March 11, 2015

“Qualifications for Pastors” (1 Timothy 3:1–7)

Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/March 11, 2015 

1 Timothy 3:1–7 (NIV)

3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.  

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:15, NIV)

 

Main Idea: The church of Jesus Christ must be led by men who are morally qualified to be examples to the flock and who have been gifted by God with the necessary abilities to shepherd the flock.

 

The oversight of the church is scripturally entrusted to elders/pastors/overseers. Elders must be male. Overseer/elder/shepherd/pastor all refer to the same office in the NT. The pastoral office in the NT church is a good and noble work that men should aspire to. The NT pattern appears to be more than one elder in each church.

 

The pastoral office is reserved for men who have attained a high degree of moral character and the necessary abilities for feeding and leading God’s flock.