Above Reproach (1 Tim. 3:2)

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Above Reproach

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  1Timothy 3:2

 

            What the verse says to me:  In this verse Paul gives seven words to describe the qualifications of a Pastor, Bishop, Elder, or Overseer, as they all are the same person.  1.  He is to be blameless.  The word means “nothing to take hold upon.”  Satan or the outside world must not have anything to hold against a Pastor.  2.  The husband of one wife.  There are different views as to what Paul was speaking of when he wrote this.  He must be a one woman man is how it says this in the original language and this leaves it open to different interpretations.  Is he disqualified if he has been divorced is the main question and this is where the disagreement comes in.  3.  Vigilant is the next word and it means “temperate” or “sober.”  “Temperate in all things or keep your head in all situations” is another way to describe the word.  4.  Sober is the next word and this means that he must be serious as he goes about his work.  5.  Of good behavior is number five.  Orderly would help to describe this quality.  6.  Given to hospitality is next and it means that the Pastor must be hospitals to guests.  In the first century Church there were no hotels and when people traveled they would stay as guests in homes and this is where this came from.  7.  Apt to teach is the last one in this verse, however the list goes on in the next verse.  The Pastor must be able to teach the Word of God so others can understand what he is teaching.

            What this verse says to me:  I believe that this list of qualifications would be good for anyone who is a Christian and this certainly applies to me.  I believe that God calls Pastors into the ministry and that he has not called me to this office, however these are honorable traits for me to have.

 

The Word of God brought conviction to me today and it brought teaching too.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I have in the past been somewhat bitter because I have not fit into all of these qualifications, especially the one of a one-woman man because I was married before.  I do believe that Lord can use me to do other things and I would pray that I would not be bitter over this.