1Ti 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

In verse 2 we saw that this man of God who serves as overseer of the flock of God is to be “Clear” as seen in the word vigilant, “controlled” as seen in the word sober, “consistent” as seen in the word “good”, “compassionate” as seen in the word hospitality, and “communicative” as seen in the phrase apt to teach.

When qualified men of God serve in this capacity, the body of Christ is edified and the Lord is glorified. When his teaching is received hearts are purified and the saints are sanctified. As he teaches the truth, error is identified and Biblical convictions are solidified.

Honorable relationships are required for the overseer in chapter 3, and those relationships are enumerated in terms of his companion, his church, and his community. So let us now consider this man in regards to his community.

His Temperance – not given to wine. Whether or not we all agree about this, the TRUTH is that he is not to be intoxicated, drunk, or addicted. This man is just the opposite of those things. The Scripture says that “wine is a mocker and strong drink is raging” Proverbs 20:1. It is obvious that the overseer should be a wise man and not a wine man, avoiding the deception of drink. Baptists give me a break and be honest about this. The whole revelation of God teaches temperance. This cannot mean grape juice! It is to fermented drink which was sometimes used for medicinal purposes, as well as a meal beverage. It was often diluted; sometimes as much as 6/1. Don’t stain at gnats and swallow camels about this.

Today we have medicine that is just as deceptive as the wine which was a common beverage then and now in parts of the world and by certain cultures – even among Christians. without intoxication. Our society thinks nothing of antidepressants, sleeping pills, etc., which can be as addictive and even more harmful. The only Biblical grounds for total abstinence is that indulgence might cause a brother or sister to stumble, and as Paul says in Romans, we are not to do that.

His Temper – “striker”. The word is only used twice in the New Testament and both times by Paul in reference to church leadership. The word was originally used for one who was fierce and violent. In other words, the overseer is not to be a bomb waiting to explode or a volcano awaiting to erupt.
We have all know men who would fight at the drop of a hat, and are always ready to take issue; always trying to cram their opinions down the throat of someone else; fighting for preference rather than principles; who prefer debate to discussion.
That man disqualifies himself from this position.

The word “brawler” closely relates to “striker”, which refers to one who is characterized by a quarrelsome and argumentative spirit. His battle may not be with firsts, but it is with words which are negative, critical, judgmental, and condemning. This guy is a master intimidator. His ideas, opinions, and beliefs are always superior to anyone else.

His Treasure - The term “filthy lucre” reveals where his heart really is. He is not to be fond of dishonest gain. This is gain that is distasteful, ugly, and indecent. His heart’s desire is to make an honest living as opposed to one that is questionable. Greed is not to be his motive for getting, rather it should be a desire to glorify God with his substance whether large or small, much or little.

His Tolerance – “patient” – The Greek word means equitable, lenience, kind, or forbearing. It is the idea of gentleness, graciousness, and clemency as a noun and fitting, yielding, and gentle as used here as an adjective.

His Thirst - Finally, the text says he is not to be covetous. Money and material possession are not an end in themselves, but a means to an end which glorifies God. Many preachers have the reputation of not being able to manage their money.

Today it is easy to exploit the gospel because of the motivation of covetousness. I remember once years ago asking Dr. R. G. Lee to speak at the church I pastured. He came on a love offering basis, we received a generous love offering of $800 and he sent my wife 10 % of that. He was not a covetous man.

I asked Richard DeHaan to come speak to a church of about 45 people. He gladly came on a love offering basis and we received a $300 love offering that he would not accept and simply said, “I came to be a blessing to you. Please support the Radio Bible Class with your gift.” He was not covetous not greed of filthy lucre. These were me of God.

I could cite many more examples of days gone by when internationally known men of God came even to small churches on a love offering basis. Don’t get me wrong, in 1968 $300 was quite a bit and in 1974 $800 was quite a bit, but men today make demands for big money that small churches cannot afford. This is a day of big names, big bucks, big churches, and sometimes big mistakes.

Well, that’s all for today, but we really need to ask ourselves if we have allow “the end justifies the means” philosophy to dominate our lives rather than the eternal principles of the Word of God and the God who can feed a hungry prophet by ravens.

BLESSINGS!