Morning Moments

1 Timothy 3:2

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

In a day when riches seem more important than relationships, we must understand that God’s standards are not merely suggestions, but requirements. God’s demands for morality seem meaningless. Adultery seems acceptable, perversion seems popular, and “priests” have conformed to the standard of the people.

What has happened in the pastorate is what happened with the priests of Israel. Hosea used the phrase, “like people, like priests”. Books are written about perfect marriages, and there aren’t any. The stress of being a pastor’s wife has turned many against the “church”. Small minds mind small things, and far too many have small minds. I once had a couple that had aborted a baby against my advice because the baby was said to be Down syndrome and would not fit their busy lifestyle. Then they got upset that the church took part in an anti-abortion rally and tried to wreck the church.

This man of God MUST be blameless, who gives no ground for accusation. In other words, no one can say about him that he violated the Word of God by transgression and did not make it right.

The husband of one wife - Paul declares that widows are free to marry again, and puts widows and virgins on the same level; and comp. 1 Timothy 5:9, according to which a widow is to be enrolled only on the condition of having been the wife of but one man. Word Studies in the New Testament.

He is to be vigilant – sober. In N.T. the meaning of the verb is always metaphorical, to be calm, dispassionate, and circumspect.Word Studies in the New Testament.

Sober - It signifies entire command of the passions and desires; a self-control which holds the rein over these. Word Studies in the New Testament.

Of good behavior - the primary meaning is to arrange. Word Studies in the New Testament. The idea is that this man’s life must be orderly.

Given to hospitality - “hospitable, generous to guests” Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. A necessary injunction when so many Christians were banished and persecuted. The verb indicates not only that hospitality is to be furnished when sought, but that Christians are to seek opportunities of exercising it. Word Studies in the New Testament.

Apt to teach - “apt and skillful in teaching ”Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Far too many evangelists have taken pastorates because they cannot make a living in evangelism. It is required of this man that he be able not just to preach but to teach. Preach your teaching and teach your preaching. It is why so many Christians have NOT been equipped for ministry.
We shall continue tomorrow, God willing – until then – BLESSINGS!