A Pastor’s Qualifications – Part 2 – 1 Timothy 3:4-7

13th lesson in a verse by verse exposition of 1 Timothy. This lesson covers the final qualifications for the Office of Pastor in Vs. 4-7

This Chapter: Outlines the qualifications for the two church offices – Pastor and Deacon. The chapter ends with those great statements concerning the nature of the local church and the truth concerning Christ she is to uphold.

There are only two offices in the N.T. Church – Pastor & Deacon

The importance of having qualified, local church leadership: Everything rises and falls on leadership. Hosea 4:9 “like people like priest” Strong leadership = strong church. Weak leadership = weak church

Some similarities between qualifications. The office of pastor is the highest office with 16 qualifications listed compared with 8 qualifications for the deacon.

Titus 1:5-9 – Other passage dealing with a Pastor’s qualifications

Domestic Qualifications (Vs. 4-5)

The Requirement stated (Vs. 4)

1. His household
   1. ‘rule’ = to stand before, preside over, manage
   2. ‘well’ = good, excellent
   3. ‘household’ = not just his wife and children but all household affairs
2. His children
   1. ‘children’ = “The children (tekna) are those who have not yet attained adulthood (Gal. 4:1-3). The qualities of children who are married or who are single, responsible adults should not affect the candidate’s eligibility for the office.” (Gromacki)
   2. ‘subjection’ = submission (in subjection to father’s headship)
   3. ‘gravity’ = dignity, respect, stateliness (decency of deportment)

The Reason explained (Vs. 5)

1. A man must first qualify in his home before he can qualify to oversee the church.
2. “It is impossible for a poor father to become a good pastor.” (Gromacki)

Questions

1. What happens when a pastor’s child runs off the rails?
   1. The Bible makes a distinction between childhood and manhood: ‘Children’ = Refer 1 Cor. 13:11; Gal. 4:1-3. Men were numbered for war in the O.T. from the age of 20
   2. Take careful note of the wording of the qualification: “his own house”
2. What about Proverbs 22:6?
   1. The rule of context (1:1). It is a Book of Proverbs (wise sayings/maxims), not a Book of promises.
   2. The rule of comparing Scripture with Scripture
      1. One must never construct a philosophy of parenting primarily on one verse of Scripture. This applies to other doctrines as well.
      2. One must take care not to strap personal ideas upona text of Scripture. Refer 2 Peter 2:20. ‘private’ = one’s own
      3. Comparing Scripture with Scripture will bring the balance God intended.
      4. Example: Isaiah 1:2 (also consider Adam & Eve who had a perfect environment!)
      5. Example: Hebrews 11 – includes men like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Samson, David and Samuel. These men didn’t have perfect families!

Maturity Qualifications (Vs. 6)

‘novice’ = newly planted in the Christian faith (new convert)

1. 5:22 “Lay hands suddenly on no man…”
2. 4:11-12 “These things command and teach. Let no man despise they youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

‘pride’

1. “lifted up” = term based upon the concept of smoke that comes from a smouldering fire (pride has a blinding effect)
2. The sure consequence of prematurely putting someone in a position of leadership

“condemnation of the devil”

1. Pride = how Satan fell (Isaiah 14:12-15)
2. James 4:6 – God resists the proud
3. Prov 16:18 – Pride precedes destruction
4. The three big killers for a man of God: Fame, Fortune and Females (Money, Reputation, Women)

Helpful quotes

1. Macarthur: “The church must not lift up those whom the Lord will later have to cut down.”
2. Fairbairn: “The lesson, with its attendant warning, is for all times. It tells the church, that as there are temptations and perils peculiar to the ministerial office, so men should not be in haste to enter it, nor should others seek to push them prematurely forward. At the same time, the matter is wisely left in a certain indefiniteness; no precise age or specific term of probation is fixed in Scripture.”

Social Qualifications (Vs. 7)

Reputation

1. ‘report’ = witness. Refers to his testimony.
2. Those without = a reference to the unsaved community
3. Application: He is to be a man in reputation for good character amongst the unsaved who know him.

Reason

1. ‘reproach’ = verbal accusations
2. ‘snare’ = trap. Satan is the hunter of souls. He specially targets God’s men.
3. Application: If a man has a poor testimony with the lost, it will be used to Satan’s advantage to ensnare him, and in so doing damage the work of God and the honour of Christ’s Name.

Conclusion:

1. Pray for your Pastor.
2. Prepare diligently for leadership. Don’t encourage a flippant attitude towards preparing for the highest calling on earth; a calling to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Sermon 13 of 27 in 1 Timothy Series

Sermon Audio Id: 62616618361