Part of Timothy’s job was to establish the local leadership of the church at Ephesus. He was to find men who would be Overseers and Deacons from the congregations who would continue the proclamation of the gospel, so Timothy could then pursue his calling as an Evangelist who travels from place to place.
We normally understand Overseers as Pastors. The word here is also translated “bishop” and is the root for the word “Episcopal.” Overseer is a good literal translation for it. The text does not include a description of what Overseers were to do other than care for God’s church. Rather it gives a list of character traits for a man to be considered to be one who oversees the work of the church.
Deacons are often seen, then, as modern day Elders. The word deacon is literally translated “servant” or “minister.” While the character traits for Deacons are excellent ones for Elders, too, this office is more like what we read of in Acts 6. They proclaimed the word, but their main function within the church was to take care of people.
Notice that for both the Overseer and the Deacon their reputation mattered. These people were/are to be examples to God’s people. (Actually, this is a good description that any of us would want to live up to!) That’s a tough job, because what we often desire to be examples of is how good we are. Back in chapter 1, Paul pointed out that we are to be examples of God’s overwhelming grace. That’s important, because at some point every pastor, elder, women’s ministry leader, MOPS mentor, Sunday School teacher, etc. will fall short of the list that is laid out here.
How do we avoid falling into disgrace? Living firmly rooted in God’s grace. How do we avoid the snare of the devil? Follow the Good Shepherd and depend on Him. How do we obtain a good standing and great confidence? By humbly keeping the focus on the Cross of Christ and relying on Jesus for our standing and confidence.
The people of God are a pillar and buttress of truth. Both pillars and buttresses are supports. Our lives are intended to support the truth. What truth is that? That God loves sinners so much that He gave His one and only Son to rescue and redeem us through His death and resurrection. The truth which our lives shows forth is one of scandalous love – God’s love for us at it is displayed in Jesus.
How we live and how we conduct ourselves in this world matter. Our lives are intended as a witness to the world around us. That can be a weighty burden. However, we are even more so examples of what it means to be broken, redeemed, and healed in Jesus.
Father, the thought of being an example to others is unsettling. I see my sin and where I fall short. I see where I am not a good example of holy living. Help me to see and be comfortable with where you use my life to display what it means to be forgiven for Jesus’ sake so that by Your Spirit people may know Your love in their lives, too. Amen.
We normally understand Overseers as Pastors. The word here is also translated “bishop” and is the root for the word “Episcopal.” Overseer is a good literal translation for it. The text does not include a description of what Overseers were to do other than care for God’s church. Rather it gives a list of character traits for a man to be considered to be one who oversees the work of the church.
Deacons are often seen, then, as modern day Elders. The word deacon is literally translated “servant” or “minister.” While the character traits for Deacons are excellent ones for Elders, too, this office is more like what we read of in Acts 6. They proclaimed the word, but their main function within the church was to take care of people.
Notice that for both the Overseer and the Deacon their reputation mattered. These people were/are to be examples to God’s people. (Actually, this is a good description that any of us would want to live up to!) That’s a tough job, because what we often desire to be examples of is how good we are. Back in chapter 1, Paul pointed out that we are to be examples of God’s overwhelming grace. That’s important, because at some point every pastor, elder, women’s ministry leader, MOPS mentor, Sunday School teacher, etc. will fall short of the list that is laid out here.
How do we avoid falling into disgrace? Living firmly rooted in God’s grace. How do we avoid the snare of the devil? Follow the Good Shepherd and depend on Him. How do we obtain a good standing and great confidence? By humbly keeping the focus on the Cross of Christ and relying on Jesus for our standing and confidence.
The people of God are a pillar and buttress of truth. Both pillars and buttresses are supports. Our lives are intended to support the truth. What truth is that? That God loves sinners so much that He gave His one and only Son to rescue and redeem us through His death and resurrection. The truth which our lives shows forth is one of scandalous love – God’s love for us at it is displayed in Jesus.
How we live and how we conduct ourselves in this world matter. Our lives are intended as a witness to the world around us. That can be a weighty burden. However, we are even more so examples of what it means to be broken, redeemed, and healed in Jesus.
Father, the thought of being an example to others is unsettling. I see my sin and where I fall short. I see where I am not a good example of holy living. Help me to see and be comfortable with where you use my life to display what it means to be forgiven for Jesus’ sake so that by Your Spirit people may know Your love in their lives, too. Amen.
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