Just Jesus

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? Yes, although the basics are very similar. The primary difference between elders and deacons is not in their character, though elders are expected to be more mature Christians. The difference lies in the teaching function of the elders and the administrative role of deacons. What are they? Overseers (1 Tim 3:2-7) and Elders (Titus 1:6-9) hospitable (2) able to teach (2) disciplined (8) blameless (6, 7) one who loves what is good (8) upright (8) holy (8) Deacons (1 Tim 3:8-12) church administrators trustworthy in everything not malicious talkers sincere Doctrinal Fidelity

Q2. (1 Timothy 3:6, 10) Why should leaders be observed carefully and tested before placing them in office? Ordination or setting an elder or deacon into office too soon can be disastrous for the church -- and for the church officer. What Paul is saying is that in selecting church leaders you must look for the level-headed, self-controlled person who isn't "off the wall" or reactionary. This person doesn't respond primarily from emotions or prejudice, but is able to weigh issues carefully and fairly. If you have church leaders who can't be discreet about what they say or church administrative assistants who pass gossip rather than keep secrets, then the church quickly becomes an unsafe place of distrust and competition, rather than a "society of friends" where love is the predominant motivation. Church leaders must be truthful, straight talkers, even when people may not agree. Let your "yes" mean "yes" and your "no" mean "no" (Matthew 5:37). We can't please everybody. The sooner we figure that out, the better leaders we'll be. Our "boss" as church leaders is not the bishop or the congregation. Ultimately, it is Christ to whom we answer. Not Intoxicated. The problem with church leaders who drink excessively is several-fold: (1) impaired judgment, (2) risk of a public binge and bringing discredit to the church, (3) a life pattern of lying and self-deceit to cover up or excuse the problem, and (4) guilt. Not Quick-Tempered or Violent What should you be looking for during this period? Character and spiritual experience. When we put people into high church office who are immature emotionally or spiritually, we're just setting them up for an attack of the enemy. Better no elder than one who is too immature to handle the position. Paul suggests a waiting period for deacons to see what they're really made of. Of course their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is key. If this relationship is not sound and based on the Word, the person should be reconsidered. Basic Character. The first quality that Paul gives for a leader is to be "above reproach" (1 Timothy 3:2). Character in a leader is primary, since everything flows from that. Too often when we select leaders in the church, we're looking for warm bodies who are willing. We don't really examine character. But we neglect this to our peril. Selecting a leader with unanswered charges is foolish and can backfire if the charges are proven or publicized. Faithfulness, dependability, trustworthiness is a basic and indispensible character quality. Our leaders must possess it. This is someone whose personal value system is in order, loving the good and despising the evil. Too often we wink at evil or compromise with it. Sometimes we find the "perfect person" for a position, but we don't take enough time to observe them, to evaluate their spiritual maturity and their character. A recent convert placed in high position in the church can easily fall victim to pride (2 Chronicles 26:16; Proverbs 16:18; 18:12). Hospitality. A leader who doesn't show hospitality to others is likely to lack two character qualities: (1) generosity and (2) openness towards others. Of course, in many cultures today hospitality is practiced less in the home and more in restaurants. But the attitude of generosity and help toward others must remain the same.

Q1. (1 Timothy 3:2-12) What kind of leader do you believe Paul is indicating for us with the phrase "husband of one wife"? Most likely Paul is referring to faithfulness within the marriage bond on the part of elders and deacons. This is important for three reasons: (1) God places a high priority on faithfulness and uses the relationship between Christ and the church to describe the relationship between husband and wife, Eph 5:23. (2) They must be considered above reproach in the larger community or they will bring disrepute on the church. (3) Their example will be emulated by families in the church. 2Tim 2:22 also commands us to

Q5. (1 Timothy 2:11-15) How should Paul's instructions about women teaching and leading in the church be applied in the twenty-first century? Very carefully. We need to make a distinction between something being

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? Even today the question remains, what makes the Christian different from the rest of the world? Women (and men, for that matter) aren't to dress primarily to draw attention to themselves, but are to dress in a way that projects propriety and decency. Once again in order to consider others, i.e. where there are great differences in worldly status (wealth, position, etc.) among members of the same church, it is necessary to think twice before doing certain things

Q2. (1 Timothy 2:5-6) In the context of the salvation of all, why do you think Paul emphasizes the roles of Mediator and Ransom? To Jews, the mediator is the high priest and the ransom for sin was a spotless lamb. Since the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, He is the mediator (through Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth) and the ransom for sin (Heb 10:7-18). The difference being, the Jews alone were covered by the Old Testament sacrifice whereas Jesus

Q1. (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Why does Paul emphasize salvation of all mankind in this letter? To overcome the attitude towards the lost (2:1-7), i.e. exclusion of the Gentiles. Prayer should be made for everyone and the gospel message be taught to the Gentiles (as given in Romans 1:16), implying that that false teachers have been promoting a kind of Jewish exclusivity both in Ephesus as well as in Crete (Titus 1:10-16). By including praying for

Strengthens our faith in God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit, a positive input into our lives.

Paul says he acted out of ignorance in unbelief (verse 13), those who "wandered away into vain arguments and discussions and purposeless talk" can also through the grace of God be forgiven and follow after "the glorious gospel of the blessed God" (verse 11).

Jesus prayed in John 17:21 That they all may be one (Jesus wants His church to be unified - false doctrine/doctrinal controversy divides), [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us (with so many denominations, how are we one with our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father?), so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent me (division keeps the church from it's mission, preventing growth) (brackets added)