April 2
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OVERSEER QUALIFICATIONS
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, 3 not overindulging in wine, not [a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.- 1 Timothy 3:1-7
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In this letter to Timothy, Paul breaks down the qualifications needed for an overseer. He wants them to be very clear that the office of overseer is an honorable position that needs to be clearly filtered. He specifies to Timothy the requirements needed for this very important position. Among these are:
1. Must be above reproach and has only one wife
2. Temperate and self-controlled
3. Respectable and hospitable
4. Skilled in teaching
5. Not a drunk or not a bully but gentle
6. Not quarrelsome and doesn’t love money
7. One who manages his own household well and disciplines his children
8. Not a new convert and has a good reputation with those outside the church
Being an overseer in the church is not a position that must be taken for granted. Paul reminds Timothy to ensure that the house of God must be kept pure. If someone who takes the position of an overseer doesn’t qualify based on these requirements, there will be division and other problems that may arise in the body of believers. Since the position is not merely any physical office, but a spiritual calling, the selection process must follow the law of God. Can you imagine what will happen if a corrupt and greedy and drunk or quarrelsome person gets an overseer position? Unity will be compromised and the Holy Spirit will be quenched.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to select persons of reputation as overseers in the church?