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1 Timothy 3:1–7
In 1 Timothy 3:1–7 is the Apostle Paul’s instruction for being a bishop, and is stated as follows, “1This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
This is an example of someone worthy of holding the position of bishop in the church.
I am confident that there are few in the Church that can fully attest to this list of qualifications as described by the Apostle Paul for being a bishop, or as some would translate, an elder of the Church. I am also confident that for one to realize and understand the importance of this list of qualifications, brings about a humility of human sin and the need for Jesus to bridge the gap in one’s life to righteousness.
The words of the Bible as inspired by God’s Holy Spirit working in the lives of those chosen to record its words are convicting to a heart truly seeking God’s will, forgiveness, and guidance. The author of Hebrews declares in Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV), “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The one who desires to be a leader of the Church must realize and understand that to be a leader in the Church is to be a servant as Jesus describes in Matthew 20:27–28, “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” The paradox then, is found in the realization, understanding, humility, and reliance on the need for Jesus to bridge the gap that man cannot. Jesus declares in Matthew 19:26, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” As is the instructions from the Apostle Paul for being a bishop of the Church is his own words in one’s reliance on God to accomplish the mission as he declares in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And in Philippians 4:19 he declares, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” These words, coming from the one who first persecuted the Church, are the words of the one who, through the work of Jesus in his life, became its most prominent evangelist.
Dear LORD,
To become worthy of such a calling on one’s life is to first realize and understand that no one is worthy of such a calling and the reliance of Your guidance through the working of Your Holy Spirit as given to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior and Savior of the world. Please work through all Your chosen bishops of the Church to be the chosen people and representatives of Jesus that You have called them to be – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.