A Noble Desire.1 Timothy 3:1-3.
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
Dear Royal Priesthood,
We now turn to the critical matter of church leadership. It appears that Timothy was a sort of general overseer, charged with the responsibility to appoint leaders of individual congregations – most probably, house churches.
Respectable Office (v. 1). The terms overseer, elder, and pastor are used interchangeably in the New Testament and refer to the person who shepherds the flock of God (Acts 20:28). Considering that the flock is the body of Christ (Ephesians 5:23, 30), one that he died for (Ephesians 5:25; Acts 20:28), it is no mean thing to desire to lead the church. It is also implied here that the aspiration is good. Serving in the church is not punishment, it is a privilege.
Respectable Officer (vv. 2-3). The responsibility for leading the flock of God is not necessarily open to everyone. There are basic standards that must be met. Exemplary Character (v. 2). The overseer must be someone others can use as a benchmark of Christian character. He must be above reproach in his marriage (husband of one wife) and must demonstrate maturity in relationships (sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable), hospitality and in the handling of the scriptures (able to teach) Exemplary Conduct (v. 3). There are many vices that the overseer must avoid. He must not be a brawler (not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome or materialistic (not a lover of money)
The problem of some is that the ministry is to them simply a form of employment. To others, it is a means of material gain. Never forget that the church was bought with the blood of the Son of God. He will not take its care lightly.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.