A note from our Pastor:

“One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;”

1 Timothy 3:4

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week is one filled with complex thoughts and various implications and applications. For many, this verse has often been used to determine the type of father a “Christian” man should be. He should rule over his house, he should have his wife and children under his authority, and he should be serious minded. However, this interpretation leaves out many aspects necessary to understand this verse and focuses on a view of the bible designed to reinforce societal norms for masculinity. This week, as we consider this verse let us focus on some other applications and understandings we can gather that are more appropriate spiritual understandings.

First, it is necessary to remember this instruction was being given by The Apostle to Timothy. The Apostle was not married and was not a father. He had no practical experience in fatherhood, but he was an observer of behavior and knew actions which created positive impacts. Second, the instruction is given for young ministers who would be examples for the flock. These instructions were to be visibly modeled by the pastors so other men could follow the example.

The first and possibly greatest understanding we need to comprehend in looking at this verse is the need for presence. The Apostle instructs the young ministers to rule their own house well but an absent man cannot do so. While the calling of God to preach the word is a high calling, the Apostle says being a present father is part of his calling. Too many ministers leave the parenting to the mother while they excuse themselves from family life to study, visit, travel to meetings, or other so called duty of the minister. In these instances, the mother is ruling the house well and the father is just a figure head. Ministers who are fathers need to first be present in their homes.

The second take-away from this verse is ministers need to be encouragers and supporters in the home. In the prior verse, the Apostle highlights how ministers should be patient because change and learning is a gradual process with those you are teaching. The same is true in the home. Ruling the house well doesn’t happen through shows of patriarchy and masculinity, but rather through patience, support, encouragement, and high standards. The father should be as concerned with teaching his children how to find joy in life as he is with teaching them to find discipline.

Finally, the term subjection is used here and other places in the Apostles writing. In American thinking subjection happens because of a show of force. Our society has long valued those who were strong, well armed, and with force or violence could cause subjection. However, this is not the biblical view of subjection. The biblical view of subjection is a willingness or desire due to respect. A father who rules his own house well does not cause subjection by a show of force but through actions which garner respect.

As with all of the instructions the Apostle gives Timothy, no minister is always going to fulfill all of them to the highest degree in all situations. They are guidelines to strive for not measures of achievement.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah