I Timothy 3:3-7
This study has been a blessing to me personally. The Lord has given me a clearer understanding of these qualifications and with this a clearer understanding of who can and who can't be an elder, according to the Bible, not man. I can't imagine the confusion and division we would have if God hadn't given us these clear qualifications. Even though we have these clear qualifications, many still don't submit to these qualifications. It is real simple; if you don't fit these qualifications, then God has not called you to be an elder. You may do something to be disqualified, but if you aren't qualified to begin with you have no business being what God has not called you to be. Many desire the office of a bishop, and it is a good thing to desire, but desire alone doesn't make someone qualified. Let's pick up here in verse 3.
The next qualification is Not given to wine. The elder is to set the example for others to follow. A bishop is not to be a drinker or a boozer. If he is he will lead the people wrongly (Isaiah 28:7-8). Wine and strong drink causes one to err in judgment. In Isaiah 28:7-8, the leaders of Israel were given to wine. They led the people away from the Lord, not closer to Him. With their mouth they worshipped the Lord, but their heart was far from Him. Turn to Proverbs 23:29-35. There are many more Scriptures we could look at, but let's get back to I Timothy. Someone who is given to wine will twist the Scriptures to justify their actions, just like any other sin that someone wants to do. The bishop cannot be given to wine, if he does, he is disqualified.
The next qualification in verse 3 is the elder is not to be a striker. "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient," II Timothy 2:24. The bishop is not to settle disputes with his fist. This goes back to being sober minded and of good behaviour. The bishop must have self-control, especially with strangers. Some men don't have a problem walking away or turning the other cheek, others do. The bishop must not be a striker, if he is he is disqualified.
The next qualification in verse 3 is the elder is not greedy of filthy lucre. Lucre is gain in money or goods; profit; usually in an ill sense, or with the sense of something base or unworthy.
Greedy means having a keen desire of anything; eager to obtain; as greedy gain. Filthy is dirty; foul; unclean; nasty. Filthy lucre is obtained by base and dishonest means. Someone who is greedy of filthy lucre is one who looks at people and circumstances as a way to get gain. Much like the false prophets of our day (James 2:1-9; I Timothy 6:6-10). If someone is out to get rich from the ministry, they are disqualified. Please note that this doesn't mean that a bishop can't have nice things, but simply that he mustn't get what he has by filthy lucre. Be content with what God gives us.
The next qualification in verse 3 is the elder must be patient. He is to be mild, gentle. The bishop will be tried and tried again. People will openly and at times maliciously attack him.
The bishop must be able to take open criticism. When someone questions him he must be able to handle it mildly and gently. People should know they can go to the bishop and ask him questions about what he believes and why he does things a certain way without having their heads bitten off for questioning him. Opposition will come. Sometimes it is a blessing. It helps show us if we are thinking too highly of ourselves. Some come with a legitimate critique, others do it to appear super spiritual. The bishop must be able to handle this with patience.
The next qualification in verse 3 is the bishop must not be a brawler. All this goes together. The bishop must not be one that threatens others to get his way. He must not use any type of force. The opposite of brawler is peaceable. He shouldn't bring a baseball bat to a men's meeting. He shouldn't use the pulpit as a platform to threaten others. This also means he will not be overbearing. It is not his way or the highway. This is not his church, it is the Lords church. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood," Acts 20:28. We also see here the importance of a plurality of elders. Each keeping the other in check and leading the church to become more like Jesus Christ. This also helps to keep a dictatorship from taking place, which also helps hold the church together when leadership changes.
The next qualification in verse 3 is the bishop is not to be covetous which means he is to be without covetousness, not greedy of filthy lucre. The pastor must have his interests in spiritual matters more than material matters. His mind and heart must be fixed on heavenly things. If his mind and heart are fixed on earthly things, he will not be able to focus on feeding the flock of God the Word of God. Example: if he listens to talk radio, his messages will be geared, knowingly or unknowingly, around these things he is filling his mind and heart with. If he desires riches, his messages will be geared that way. He will have compromise after compromise, and like those leaders of Israel, he will lead the people away from God, not to God. I want to remind us again that these qualifications are not man made. These are qualifications God requires for His bishops.
If someone does not meet these qualifications, they cannot be a bishop. There are other things they can do in the Lord's church, but they can't be a bishop if they aren't biblically qualified. God does not give us an exception to the rule. As we continue to look at these qualifications, we will see how these qualifications narrow down who can and can't be a bishop.
Lord willing next week we will get into verses 4-7. I want to encourage you to read and study these verses as we go through them. The churches in America need to know these qualifications.
Please send questions and comments to richardsonbaptistchurch@gmail.com. To God be the glory.
