A note from our Pastor:

“This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”

1 Timothy 3:1

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

As we examine our study verse this week we move into the third chapter of 1 Timothy. In this chapter, the Apostle still writing to Timothy with instructions for his ministry at Ephesus and for the conduct of the church sets forth lessons in ordaining both elders and deacons. We will walk through each verse of this chapter, but keep in mind the overall message of the chapter and the entire epistle.

The Apostle begins what is now chapter three with the phrase “this is a true saying.” Using this phrase was not meant to imply other items in the epistle were not also based in truth, but rather the Apostle wanted to call attention to his shifting subject matter. Keep in mind when the Apostle wrote this text it was in letter form without the helpful verse and chapter divisions we have now. This context clue of the change in subject was beneficial to those reading and especially to those listening to the letter.

The first office of the church the Apostle is going to address is pastor or elder. Here, the Apostle uses the Greek term which is translated as “office of a bishop.” The differing word choice should not impact the bible reader and it is fair to replace the office of a bishop with elder or pastor. In other words, the Apostle is saying if a man desire to be a pastor, he desireth a good work.

The main point of clarification which should accompany this verse is how a man goes about desiring the work of an elder or pastor. In order to follow scripture the desire for this work must come from God through the Holy Spirit. If a man simply decides he wants to be a pastor because he likes study, speaking, or counseling then there is a lack of sufficient reason and justification to ordain the man to the office of elder. However, if the Holy Spirit has moved on the man then the work of an elder or pastor is a good work to desire.

Finally, let us in the community of believers remove the idea that false humility is desirable in a elder or pastor. If the Holy Spirit has moved on a man to call him to be an elder or pastor then it is a good work and it is a desirable work. The man ought to pursue the calling with all of his might and desire to exercise the skills he has to be an elder or pastor and due so with enthusiasm and dedication.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah