Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
Summary: Paul’s instruction to Timothy reveals another glimpse of Timothy’s role at Ephesus as well as providing a clear guideline for parsing complaints about church leaders.
This passage is very specific and is directed personally to Timothy.
That does not mean that there is not an underlying principle we should pay attention to. There is.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 5:19 – Finding the Facts”
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
Summary: Paul points us to the obligation we have in the body of Christ to honor those who serve the most.
Here is an interesting fact: If we look back at 1 Timothy 3:1, the text reads:
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” (NIV)
Continue reading “1 Timothy 5:17 – Double Honor”
A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
Summary: Once more, Paul circles back to his guiding principles for church leadership.
Does this passage sound familiar? Let’s compare it to what Paul wrote about overseers:
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:12 – A Deacon’s Standards”
Now the overseer is to be above reproach…
Summary: Paul’s instructions on being an overseer lead us to consider where they come from and how they relate to God’s will for us.
Paul begins this part of his letter to Timothy with a job description for an overseer.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:2a – The Building Blocks of Integrity”
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
Summary: Leadership in the church has always been a challenge, and — quite frankly — somewhat of a miracle.
Here is another one of Paul’s “trustworthy sayings.” These appear to be key teachings that Paul wants us to use in the organization of the church.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:1 – Regula Fidei”
… together with the overseers and deacons:
Summary: This letter is unique because the introduction includes “overseers and deacons.” Their presence in the letter’s opening lines gives us an opportunity to explore who these people are.
In some ways, Paul’s letter to the Philippians is unique. Like his other letters, Paul expounds on the love of Christ and the heart of the Gospel. Unlike his other letters, he singles out “overseers and deacons” in his greeting.
Why is this important?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:1c – Church Leaders”