Jesus the Body Builder Part 3 - The Trainers
1 Timothy 3; Hebrews 13:17; Matthew 20, 23; 1 Peter 5; Titus 1
Here we are: part 3 of “Jesus the Body Builder.” We are considering how He builds by defining the Trainers of the body with respect to the character and qualifications of a Pastor/Elder/Ministry Leaders/Deacons. It should be the desire of men, especially fathers in the home.
The role of an Elder
Position of leadership (verse 5, Acts 20:28-30) take care of the church of God
1 Timothy 5:17, 22 – serious matter – don’t set apart without thought/prayer
1 Peter 5 – gracious under-shepherd - spiritual oversight focus
Elders – more than one (Titus 1:5) appoint elders in every city
Hebrews 13:17: “pethio” is something that happens to you; you are being persuaded. Your will is not forced; your mind and will are persuaded by argument, by logic, by reasoning. This is an action that happens to you by power of argument and cannot happen unless your will is engaged. The obedience suggested is not by submission to authority, but resulting from persuasion. Trust would have been a better word to use, but doesn’t fully nail it either. It means trust through logical persuasion of reason. The Lord says let us reason together. Let us come to a logical conclusion.
There can be no doubt that “have the rule over you” is not a proper translation of hegeomai, there is not a Greek word in this verse that carries the idea of "rule." Recent scholarship testifies to the fact that "leaders" is the best translation, as we have demonstrated above.
Qualifications of an Elder
1. Man: “If anyone desires the position of bishop/overseer/shepherd/pastor/elder” all these are interchangeable in the New Testament, husband of one wife, ‘he’ used throughout the text, why? Verse 2: must be able to teach – likely in a congregational context, why? Verse 15 – in the house of God – I.E. a corporate gathering – however balance with 1 Timothy 5:17 – those who labour in word and doctrine – I.E. the paid pastors. Therefore, they were non paid – those who perhaps led the church, but not necessarily the main preacher/teacher. Why a man, because this is a teaching position – a woman is not permitted to teach or have authority over a man – that is why elders/pastors/bishops/overseers must be men. As Christ directed – All Apostles were men – God’s order, men lead. Not Junia – Romans 16:7 – known to the Apostles – ESV correct. Among the Apostles - NIV vague.
Objections – what about Deborah, ‘the Judge’ in the Old Testament, what about Huldah and Miriam the prophetesses, what about Priscilla teaching Apollos, and 7 daughters who prophesied? They were not Priests in Tabernacle/Temple service – those were all men. New Testament: no examples of women elders/pastors/bishop
verse 1: He who wants to be an elder “desires a good work” – but what are his desires – remember Diotrephes in 3 John – loved the pre-eminence. Elder is to be shepherd/pastor not lording it over others. Matthew 20 – not a dominant suppressor – but a servant of all, a slave – not a lazy man.
Blameless – without anything that, particularly an outsider would see as hypocrisy, must have served faithfully in ministry and has a good report from others in the faith – does not mean sinless – no one would qualify, but without any obvious point of neglect in his faith and witness.
Husband of one wife – why? Jews/Greeks could have more than one wife in a society that tolerated polygamy – one woman man. Today – eyes only for his wife – not given over to lust or have wondering eyes to other women.
Temperate, sober minded and of good behaviour – his character, what is he like as a person. Does he have a quick temper, does he answer back harshly, is he gracious, compassionate, sober minded – rational, logical, even tempered – not one who is noted for emotional mood swings? Must have a depth of spirit and character. What’s he like under pressure? Hospitable – entertains believers and unbelievers in his home and is known for doing so.
Apt to teach – some people have knowledge, but are not necessarily able to readily disseminate that knowledge in a logical way that is able to be understood and applied. (Titus 1:9) both exhort and convict those who contradict, (verse 11) mouths must be stopped, (verse 13) rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in faith. Must be able to hit the heart, not the just the head, otherwise no motivation to change or be stirred into action. This is a skill – not every man is apt to teach. Regardless of his week – he must be able to overcome.
Not given to wine – not abstinence – it means not a drunkard (cross-reference 1 Timothy 5:23 – use a little wine) – alcoholic. Christ, the servant of all, turned water to wine – alcoholic. But not given to it – discerning use.
9. Not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome – has a repulsion for disputes and arguing, one who puts down gossip and slander because they lead to these things.
10. Not greedy for money or covetous – They are called as Elders/Teachers because God has commissioned them, not because they are unable to do anything else.
11. Household in order – wife and children should be an example to his character. Pastors kids etc – but that’s a reality. Not necessarily converted – but in submission.
12. Not a new convert, have a good witness to those outside the church lest he fall into pride – the trap of the devil.
Qualifications for Deacons/Ministry Leaders firstly – 1 Timothy 3:8-15
“Deacons likewise” – Likewise to what? Likewise, to the Elders. The only real difference between deacons and elders is that Elders are apt to teach. The moral qualifications for both, aside from this, are comparable. This first thing to note is the term Deacon – simply means servant or more broadly – a waiter of tables. This role involves the responsible administration of everything involving the practical and administrative operation of the church. These are the church servants – diakonos – servant leaders. They are to be spiritual men who have the practical oversight of the church. Godly deacons who have the oversight and management of the administration of the church are a blessing to any church. They can’t be just anybody, though. Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:9 – translation – to Deacon from servant. Why different? Role of deacon as opposed to just a servant. Jesus, Paul and Timothy are all called by this word – not as Deacons as a role, but as a function, as servants.
Elders were to be established – the church needed to be established – just like in Acts 6 – an administrative diaconal role was established when the church grew. Spiritual oversight first, then administrative. Same in the Church; Elders have the oversight – deacons administrate.
Verse 8 – Deacons must be dignified – this word means grave, venerable, honourable, honest. These men are to be trusted. Trusted in their actions and trusted in their words – the second qualification is not to be double tongued. Say one thing and mean another. Straight talkers. Not addicted to wine oinos – does not mean teetotallers, this was fermented wine – ‘not given to drink’ – if they do drink, they are responsible and discerning as to where and when. Not greedy for dishonest gain – your deacons aren’t going to be gone every other Sunday because they are cramming in overtime – not talking about shift workers – who work the odd Sunday – overt desire for cash. Not to tithe, but to travel, or to boat, or to car.
Verse 9 – Must hold the Mystery of faith with a clear conscience. Musterion – greek – Mystery of the gospel. It was veiled in the Old Testament – now revealed in Christ. Must have the revelation of Jesus Christ as Messiah – the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. Clear conscience – bold and obvious Christian witness – one which you could be martyred for…hence verse 10
Verse 10 – Let them be tested first – they must be tried in previous Christian service, ministry – then blameless – again not sinless – nothing anyone can point to – no obvious sin, questionable behaviour.
Verse 11 – Their wives must be – some question whether this should be ‘the women should be’ – but not correct within the context. This is not female deacons or even deaconesses. I believe there is a case for Deaconesses – but not here. The role of Deacon is a position of leadership in the church and hence Deacons should be men. – 30 yrs earlier Acts 6 – men over women’s issue – widows missing out. But it shows that the role has an administrative purpose – managing money and resources, practical and godly oversight. These men were under the direction of the Apostles. But their wives should have these characteristics – also dignified (Deacons should be dignified – or grave, venerable, honourable, honest – so should their wives), their wives should not be slanderers (involved in gossip); they should be sober-minded or even-tempered, faithful in all things – their witness inside and outside the church.
Verse 12 – If some thought Paul was talking about plural wives in verse 11, their wives likewise must be, he reaffirms they must be the husbands of one wife, managing children and households well.
Verse 13 – good standing – before God and man and great confidence (boldness) in the faith of Jesus Christ. The epitome of this bold faith and standing is Stephen, one of the 7 martyred for Christ in Acts 7.
What should the church do with respect to their trainers?
1. Support them. “The labourer is worthy of his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:18) “Those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14) Pay your pastor.
2. Pray for godly elders/ministry leaders. Pray for your pastor – I need prayer.
3. Pray Jesus continues to build His church in this place and gives us elders/pastors/ Ministry Leaders who are called by His Spirit.