Background
of Ephesus prior to Timothy
The Gospel went to Ephesus through
Apollo. Paul noted that the Church
teaching there was incomplete. He
brought along Timothy to guide the church there. Timothy was young, he was born of a Greek
father and a Jewish mother. His mother
and grandmother were devoted to God.
Timothy joined Paul in his second mission. After Paul was released from prison Timothy
followed him to spread the Gospel. Later
Timothy like Paul was martyred by the Romans.
What
is an overseer?
One of the leader of the early church. Used interchangeable with “elder” or “pastor”.
Overseers also means a group of leaders who
watch over a congregation.
What
is a Deacon?
Deacon was first mentioned in Acts. It also means administrator. A person who looks after the needy and
perhaps the finances of the church. In
our example, can be our administration committee. Here it is talking about the role and not the
position.
1 Timothy 3:1
“Here
is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble
task.”
The role is talking about the heart.
1 Peter 5:1-4
“5 To
the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s
sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of
God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must,
but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest
gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but
being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will
receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
The desire to serve is very important. God gave us a choice whether to serve or not.
What
are the standards?
Overseers
1.
Above reproach – means
blameless
2.
Husband of one wife – monogamy
3.
Temperate – moderate and humble
4.
Self-controlled – sound,
including judgement
5.
Respectable – social grace,
dignity
6.
Hospital – opening their houses
to visitors or strangers
7.
Abe to teach – know the
Scripture, so will know what is false teaching
The qualities from 1 to 6 are about the
character, except 7 is about ability.
8.
Not given to drunkenness
9.
Not violent but gentle
10.
Not quarrelsome
11.
Not a love of money
12.
Manages his household well
13.
Must not be a recent convert
14.
Must have a good reputation
with outsiders
Deacons
( 1 Timothy 3:8-9, 12)
1.
Worthy of respect
2.
Sincere
3.
Not indulging in much wine
4.
Not pursuing dishonest gain
5.
Keep hold of the deep truth of
faith
6.
Husband to one wife
7.
Manages his household well
Women
leaders ( 1 Timothy 3:11)
1.
Worthy of respect
2.
Manages her household well
3.
Not malicious talkers
4.
Temperate
5.
Trustworthy in everything
1 Timothy 3:14-15
Purpose
of this letter
Paul may be delayed so he wrote to the
church regarding their conducts. Because
believers are pillars of God’s truth, we are the expression of the truth. We have the duty to display these truth to
others.
What
is leadership?
The world’s definition of leadership is
very different from our church’s definition.
Jesus taught if you want to be first you must be last.
Mark 9:35
“35
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first
must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
A leader is a servant as far as God is
concerned. He serve from a position of
weakness.
John 21:15-25 Jesus taught His disciples to
take care of His sheep.
Conclusion
Dr. Tiong shared a story of his varsity
days where he was tasked to organize a church camp, at the end of it he was
short of RM2,800. After he shared with
his pastor, he was reimbursed by the pastor.
He concluded that as we step out in faith God will provide.
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