Kristi Burchfiel

Connection. Paul had a connection with Timothy and he wanted to remind Timothy of that. The last few days we have discussed the criteria Paul is giving for leadership. Now, we see Paul reminding Timothy of one of the most important pieces of ministry and service, relationships. Read 1 Timothy 3:14-15. I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 1 TIMOTHY 3:14‭-‬15 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.14-15.NASB There…

Serve well. It’s important to note that there is a difference between just serving and serving well. Read 1 Timothy 3:12-13. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 1 TIMOTHY 3:12‭-‬13 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.12-13.NASB Those who serve well have an opportunity to see themselves in high standing and great confidence in the faith that is Jesus Christ. interestingly, the way that you serve well is by allowing Christ to serve through you. All of the…

Women. Paul has been discussing leadership in the church. He knows gives some qualifications for women who would serve. Read 1 Timothy 3:11. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 1 TIMOTHY 3:11 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.11.NASB Dignified, temperate, faithful, and not gossips. These are the characteristics that Paul uses to describe the women who serve in the church. When we take a look at these characteristics, do we measure up? Are we allowing God to move and work in us in a way to demonstrate all that He is through us? Only God can live out these qualities, but we have to let him.

Tested. Those who choose to be part of leadership in churches should expect to be tested. As Paul moves on from discussing overseers or pastors to now discussing deacons, he mentions in this. Read 1 Timothy 3:8-10. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 1 TIMOTHY 3:8‭-‬10 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.8-10.NASB There are also criteria mentioned here for deacons. Paul does not go into as much detail for this criteria,…

Ignorant pride. Pride by itself is dangerous enough, but ignorant pride can be disastrous. Paul recognized this and he speaks about it when he talks about the criteria for an overseer of the church. Who should be the leader of a church? One thing that must be taken into consideration is how long have they been a believer? Read 1 Timothy 3:6-7. and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1…

Predictive. “Past performance is a predictor of future performance.” I had an opportunity yesterday to present a training on recruiting for the business/retail world. This sentence was used to help explain the importance of some interview techniques. Interestingly, Paul references the exact same idea when looking at what makes a great leader in the church. Read 1 Timothy 3:4-5. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 1 TIMOTHY 3:4‭-‬5 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.4-5.NASB Paul is still referencing the…

Criteria. As we learned yesterday, service is work. While anyone can serve, not just anyone can serve in leadership. There are prerequisites for someone who desires a place of leadership and service in the church. Paul goes on to list these requirements here read 1 Timothy 3:2-3. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 1 TIMOTHY 3:2‭-‬3 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.2-3.NASB Some people don’t like having to meet a list of criteria. However, if there isn’t a list or a standard by which people should…

Desiring service. It is noble and a fine thing to desire to serve others. Leadership is service. True leaders understand the importance of serving those that they lead. Paul understands this as well and mentions it in 1 Timothy 3:1. It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 1 TIMOTHY 3:1 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.1.NASB Did you catch it? Ot says that it is a trustworthy statement that if someone aspires to the office of overseer, then that is a fine work. It is work. Any time any one desires to lead others or to serve in…

Deception. The woman was deceived. These verses take us back to Genesis and Adam and Eve in the garden. Eve was deceived and made a terrible decision that has consequences throughout the generations. Read 1 Timothy 2:12-15. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. 1 TIMOTHY 2:12‭-‬15 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.2.12-15.NASB Eve…

Submission. This has become one of the most misused and misunderstood words of the Bible. The concept of humbling yourself to the authority of another seems to go against every cultural teaching in the United States over the past 40 years, especially when talking about women. Read 1 Timothy 2:11-12. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 1 TIMOTHY 2:11‭-‬12 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.2.11-12.NASB These verses and the ones we will look at over the next few days are some of the most controversial you will read. I will promise you…