1 Timothy 3: Who Can Lead?
SOME CHURCHES AND fellowships have a few people who are willing to lead. Those people may end up feeling burdened and alone. Other churches have people who are willing to lead, but not ready. If there are not enough leaders, however, the work of the church will not get done. The church of Ephesus was in the latter category. Those who were willing to lead were immature. And Timothy could not hope to carry out his mission against false teachers unless the leadership was healthy.
Warming Up to God
What have your experiences of Christian leadership been like?
Read 1 Timothy 3. »
Discovering the Word
- Consider two categories of qualification—character and ability. How do the qualities mentioned in these verses divide into these two categories?
- What do you think is Paul's reason for insisting that a leader's relationships must work in the spheres of both church and family (vv. 5-6)?
- How have you seen the principle in verse 7 obeyed or disobeyed?
- "Deacon" simply means "servant." In the passage it seems that deacons deal with the more practical affairs of church life, rather than with teaching. Given that, why do you think the point about doctrine in verse 9 is made with so much emphasis?
- What do verses 14-16 tell us about Paul's purpose in writing this letter?
Applying the Word
- Verse 16 was probably a hymn sung in the church at Ephesus. The word translated as "deep truths" in v. 9 is rendered "mystery" here. We can say that the result Paul wanted from good Christian leadership was that these truths would be revealed. Therefore, when people look at our fellowship, what should they see?
- How can you serve your church through leadership, or encourage others who lead?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
For Further Study
The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott