In our study of 1 Timothy chapter three, .
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Here is a statement you can trust: anyone aspiring to be a congregation leader is seeking worthwhile work.
Paul starts off by saying that the desire to be a congregational leader or what we would call a pastor is a good thing. But, as we shall see, desire is not enough in the eyes of God.
A congregation leader must be above reproach, he must be faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, orderly, hospitable and able to teach.
Now, we see that there are qualifications for being the pastor of a congregation of believers and we see the fact that they must be above reproach but what does that mean in practice? The simple answer is that a pastor must not have any glaring failures that blot out his witness for Yeshua. Paul goes on to explain by saying that a pastor is a man and, although that is not popular to say, it is the truth and there is no biblical basis or exception to this. We also see that the man cannot be divorced or cheating on his wife and the reason goes back to being above reproach and maintaining a witness. Also, the man must have self control in every way and his actions should reflect that control. We also see that he shold be kind to strangers as well as those he knows and he must have the ability to teach.
He must not drink excessively or get into fights; rather, he must be kind and gentle. He must not be a lover of money.
Pauls continues as he speaks of not being a heavy drinker and argumentative but being gentle and kind as well as not being focused on money and the things that it can buy. It is sad to say but, today, we see many pastors living the high life and saying that their wealth and possessions show that they are blessed by God. In reality, those lavish possessions are a sign of someone that is in a role that God did not call them to.
He must manage his own household well, having children who obey him with all proper respect; for if a man can't manage his own household, how will he be able to care for God's Messianic Community?
Now, we see that these qualifications extend to his wife and children. Common sense says that if you cannot run a household in a Godly fashion then you are not qualified to lead a congregation of believers.
He must not be a new believer, because he might become puffed up with pride and thus fall under the same judgment as did the Adversary.
We see that the pastor cannot be someone that is new to the faith and we see the reason is pride. It would be easy for a man to let pride creep in if he was a relatively new believer and was put in charge of a congregation. That would surely be an open door for attack by Satan.
Furthermore, he must be well regarded by outsiders, so that he won't fall into disgrace and into the Adversary's trap.
Paul extends this idea of being above reproach to those that are not in the congregation. Even those who do not know Yeshua Messiah should have nothing but good things to say about a pastor if the pastor is truly qualified.
Likewise, the shammashim must be of good character, people whose word can be trusted. They must not give themselves to excessive drinking or be greedy for dishonest gain.
The Hebrew word shammashim literally means servant and it is what is commonly called a deacon in the church. This is not referring to just anyone that helps others in the church or outside the church. It is speaking of an office as basically an assistant to the pastor who works in the congregation. Although all members of a congregation should be servants of God, this refers to a leadership position. The qualifications are much the same as those of the pastor.
They must possess the formerly hidden truth of the faith with a clean conscience.
Here, we see that these deacons must be firmly grounded and not compromising in the faith. They must be focused on pleasing God instead of pleasing men.
And first, let them be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them be appointed shammashim.
Here, we see that they must have a history of faithfullness to be appointed to the position. The word that is translated as "blameless" is "tam" in Hebrew and it speaks of one who is gentle and loving. This is one of the same words that was used to describe Job in Job chapter one The testing is like it was in the times of the animal sacrifices when the animal to be sacrificed had to be examined by the priest to see ensure that it was acceptable to God. In the same way, if the prospective shammashim (deacon), is not found to demonstrate the gentleness and loving spirit of Yeshua Messiah, then, they are disqualified.
Similarly, the wives must be of good character, not gossips, but temperate, faithful in everything.
We see that these qualifications also apply to his wife and, specifically, the woman cannot be a gossip.
Let the shammashim each be faithful to his wife, managing his children and household well.
Just as the pastor had to be able to lead his family in the ways of God, the deacon has that qualification as well.
For those who serve well as shammashim gain good standing for themselves and much boldness in the trust that comes through Yeshua the Messiah.
This verse speaks to the biblical principle that, as we are faithful in the responsibilities that God has given us, we are given more responsibility by God. This service and faithfullness matures us in the faith and that is especially true for leaders of congregations.
I hope to visit you soon; but I am writing these things so that if I am delayed, you may know how one should behave in the household of God, which is the Messianic Community of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
Paul tells us the purpose for this teaching and it comes down to the fact that the congregations of believers are to be pillars and the foundation of true; uncompromising in the application of the Word of God.
Great beyond all question is the formerly hidden truth underlying our faith: He was manifested physically and proved righteous spiritually, seen by angels and proclaimed among the nations, trusted throughout the world and raised up in glory to heaven.
Paul concludes with words that are a basic confession of faith speaking of the fact that Yeshua is God in the flesh; he was justified and raised from the dead. This reminds us that Yeshua Messiah was and is our ultimate example.
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