This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 3:2
DailyBibleStudy.Org
2 A bishop [episkopos] then [oun] must [dei] be [einai] blameless, [anepileptos] the husband [aner] of one [mia] wife, [gune] vigilant, [nephaleos] sober, [sophron] of good behaviour, [kosmios] given to hospitality, [philoxenos] apt to teach; [didaktikos] KJV-Interlinear
2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, NASB
Paul lists some of the requirements of the overseer, pastor, teacher, etc. And certainly all of these requirements apply in many respects, to everyone, regardless of your position in this world.
Note quickly, that Paul, before he was in the Christian ministry, was a self-righteous, lying, murdering hypocrite.
So, you should note that since you too are human, and you too have failed in life (we all have), your former life, is not relevant, as you live your latter life.
In the Christian life, it is how you live now, that matters, not how you lived some time ago. If we all had to live a perfect life from birth, then all of our names would be Jesus. And of course none of us are that perfect.
The teacher at the very least, must put into practice what he teaches.
He must be blameless, which means he watches his own life and confesses regularly in order to remain in fellowship. He studies from the position of fellowship. He teaches from the position of fellowship. Therefore, all the help he will get from the Holy Spirit (this is the same for every believer), will result in sound teaching.
Remember, that none of us have the ability to talk to God. We do not hear voices and we do not talk to the air.
He must be the husband (if married) of one wife. No fooling around. No Mormon stuff. His focus must be on his studies and teaching. Faithful to one wife, faithful to one doctrine. His wife has an additional obligation to take extra care of him, on behalf of all of those he teaches, such that his teaching will be the best it can be. This also applies to any helpers who participate in the ministry. The teaching of Bible doctrine has but one objective, and that is to help others in their spiritual life. Its implications are infinite, therefore it must be taken seriously.
If he works elsewhere in addition to his spiritual obligations, then he is to approach that work honorably as well. The instructor must have the fewest possible distractions, if possible.
He must be vigilant or temperate. He must not have any vices such as wine or drugs or gambling habits, etc. No distractions. He must be alert and clear headed, so that he can concentrate on the work at hand.
He must be prudent, sober, which means to be self disciplined, having right priorities, organized and poised in his thinking. He must look at the world through Gods eyes (we all should do that).
He must have good behavior, be respectable, ‘kosmios,’ meaning to live an orderly life. The ministry is no place for someone who is constantly looking for shortcuts or is chasing rainbows, in life. The ministry is no place for those who are in it for gimmicks or the sensationalism of prophecy or some other popular topic.
He must be hospitable, showing hospitality to others, showing politeness and courtesy. This does not mean that he must be a social butterfly, but only that he is to be polite.
He must be able to teach, ‘didaktikos.’ This word is found in only two verses in the Bible, 2 Tim. 2:24. It is the key attribute of the overseer / bishop / teacher, which sets the person apart from all other church positions, and serves to further identify specifically this role as instructor or teacher of Bible doctrine.
The person must be a skilled teacher or communicator, such that those who hear or read or see him, are actually able to learn with ease. He does not get bogged down in tedious details or use confusing language, but approaches the teaching of Bible doctrine in such a way that students can actually understand what is being taught, and learn by means of a simple, systematic, and orderly fashion.
Now, wouldn’t many of these attributes apply to almost anyone, in many areas of life? Employers with employees, perhaps? Moms with children, perhaps?
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
