Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• Paul writes to Timothy about the behavior and character necessary to qualify for two leadership positions in the church: overseers and deacons. The word "deacon" means "servant" (for an example, see Acts 6:1-6), whereas an overseer would likely be involved in decision-making and teaching. The qualifications Paul gives for each position are basically the same, except that overseers must be able to teach.
• In the last few verses Paul points out that the church is God's household. (The church is not a building. The church is a collection of God's people who join together to love God and each other, and to share Jesus with those who don't know him.) 

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• Though the character traits listed are for people who are leaders in the church, every Christian should aspire to these character traits.
• Since the church is God's household it does not belong to us. We don't get to decide how we should act or treat others. We don't get to decide what should be taught. We don't get to decide the qualifications for leaders. It is God's household. He decides.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• You may not be an overseer or deacon, but if you're a Christian you should be growing in every character trait mentioned in verses 2-13. 
  • Look back through those traits, which one or two do you need to improve on? (Hospitable? Not given to drunkenness? Not quarrelsome? Not a lover of money?)
  • How could you enlist God's help with that?
• You may not be an overseer or a deacon, but God calls every Christian to serve in his or her church.  If you're not already volunteering, maybe today you could sign up and see how it feels to impact lives in really practical ways.