Its Offices (Continued)

4. THE OFFICE OF A BISHOP (Continued)
2. The Qualifications of a Bishop (1 Timothy 3:1-7 [1] This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. [2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; [3] Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; [4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) [6] Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. [7] Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
   See All...; Titus 1:5-9 [5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: [6] If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. [7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; [8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; [9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
   See All...) (Continued)
9. He must not be given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
   See All...; Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
   See All...).
1. The pastor must not be one who indulges in wine.
2. The point is that he must not be given to alcoholic beverages (Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
   See All...; Proverbs 21:17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
   See All...; Proverbs 23:29-31 [29] Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? [30] They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. [31] Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
   See All...).
10. He must not be a striker (1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
    See All...; Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
    See All...).
1. Refers to those who settle disputes with physical blows
2. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 [24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
   See All...a says, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.”
11. He must not be greedy of filthy lucre (1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
    See All...; Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
    See All...)
1. Lucre refers to riches and money; compare to the related word lucrative .
2. The man of God must avoid the love of money (1 Timothy 6:5-10 [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
   See All...).
12. He must be patient (1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
    See All...).
1. Able to work with others at their rate of growth
2. To be patient with all men (1 Thessalonians 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
   See All...; 2 Timothy 2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
   See All...)
13. He must not be a brawler (1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
    See All...).
1. A requirement of all Christians (Titus 3:2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
   See All...)
2. Comes from the lusts of the flesh (James 4:1From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
   See All...)
14. He must not be covetous (1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
    See All...).
1. Scriptural covetousness is not the watered down version of our day.
1. It is the opposite of contentment (Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 6:5-10 [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
   See All...).
2. It disqualifies from serving God (Exodus 18:21Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
   See All...; 1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
   See All...).
3. It keeps us from obeying the commands of God (Psalm 119:36Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
   See All...; Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
   See All...).
4. We are not to keep company with those who do it (1 Corinthians 5:11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
   See All...).
5. The Lord abhors those who do it (Psalm 10:3For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
   See All...).
6. Hating it prolongs days (Proverbs 28:16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
   See All...).
7. Those who do it shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
   See All...).
8. It is connected to idolatry (Ephesians 5:5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
   See All...).
2. The basic meaning of covetousness would be to desire something so desperately that you begin to follow after it regardless of the cost. Your whole life becomes consumed with obtaining the desire of your heart.
3. Therefore, a pastor must not become so obsessed with anything in this world that the Lord has not given him that it consumes him.
15. He must rule well his own house (1 Timothy 3:4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
    See All...; Titus 1:6If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
    See All...).
1. Having his children in subjection with all gravity (1 Timothy 3:4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
   See All...)
2. Having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly (Titus 1:6If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
   See All...)
16. He must not be a novice (1 Timothy 3:6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
    See All...).
1. A novice is a beginner; one without much experience.
2. They are susceptible to being proud in their position and falling from service to God.
3. No man should be put into a position of authority that has not first proven himself over a period of time.
17. He must have a good report of them that are without (1 Timothy 3:7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
    See All...).
1. Them that are without refers to the lost (Colossians 4:5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
   See All...; 1 Thessalonians 4:12That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
   See All...).
2. This refers to the pastor’s testimony in the world (2 Corinthians 6:3Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
   See All...; 3 John 1:12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
   See All...).
18. Additional qualifications given by Titus
1. He must be a steward (Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
   See All...).
1. A steward is one who takes care of the affairs of another.
2. A pastor must act as the steward of the affairs of God (1 Corinthians 4:1-2 [1] Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
   See All...; 1 Peter 4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
   See All...).
2. He must not be self-willed (Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
   See All...).
3. He must not be soon angry (Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
   See All...; Proverbs 14:17He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
   See All...; James 1:19-20 [19] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: [20] For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
   See All...).
4. He must be a lover of good men (Titus 1:8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
   See All...; Psalm 119:63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
   See All...; Proverbs 13:20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
   See All...; Malachi 3:16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
   See All...; Hebrews 10:24-25 [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
   See All...).
5. He must be just (Titus 1:8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
   See All...).
1. Specifically means to be impartial or fair; generally means to be holy or righteous
2. The pastor should have this testimony (Proverbs 20:7The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
   See All...; Isaiah 26:7The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
   See All...; Ezekiel 18:5-9 [5] But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, [6] And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, [7] And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; [8] He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, [9] Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
   See All...).
6. He must be holy (Titus 1:8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
   See All...; Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
   See All...; 1 Peter 1:15-16 [15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
   See All...).
7. He must be temperate (Titus 1:8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
   See All...).
1. Temperance is self-control over the desires of the flesh.
2. Full service to God requires temperance (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 [24] Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
   See All...).
3. Part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
   See All...)
8. He must hold fast the faithful word (Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
   See All...; 2 Timothy 1:13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
   See All...).
3. The Responsibility of a Bishop
1. Take heed to yourselves (Acts 20:28Take 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.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
   See All...).
1. In both passages this is the first admonition listed.
2. Apparently, it is of the utmost importance that the man of God takes heed concerning his own walk.
3. This includes
1. His fellowship with the Lord
2. His family life
3. His testimony in the world
4. His testimony with the saints
2. Take heed to the flock (Acts 20:28-30 [28] 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. [29] For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. [30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
   See All...)
1. This is both a positive and negative responsibility.
2. Bishops are responsible for the health of the sheep.
1. They are to feed the flock (Ezekiel 34:1-3 [1] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? [3] Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
   See All...; John 21:15-17 [15] So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. [16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. [17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
   See All...; Acts 20:28Take 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.
   See All...; 1 Peter 5:2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
   See All...).
2. They are to lead the flock (1 Timothy 4:11-12 [11] These things command and teach. [12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
   See All...; Titus 2:15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
   See All...; Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
   See All...).
3. They are responsible for the removal of wolves.
3. Take heed unto the doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
   See All...).
4. The Pitfalls of a Bishop
1. Not taking heed to themselves
1. Spiritual problems
2. Personal sins
1. Laziness
2. Ambition
3. Worldliness
4. Pride
5. Anger
6. Gossip
7. Dishonesty
3. Family problems
4. Money problems
5. Women problems
2. Not taking heed to the flock
3. Not taking heed to the doctrine
1. Lack of basic Bible knowledge (Hebrews 5:12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
   See All...)
2. Lack of solid doctrinal foundation (1 Timothy 2:15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
   See All...)
3. No plan for continued Bible learning (Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
   See All...)
4. An inability or unwillingness to preach (2 Timothy 4:1-2 [1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
   See All...)
5. An inability or unwillingness to teach (2 Timothy 4:3-4 [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
   See All...)
6. Riding a hobbyhorse doctrine (1 Timothy 6:3-5 [3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
   See All...; 2 Timothy 2:14-18 [14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. [17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; [18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
   See All...)
7. Always being drawn to the new and the different (Acts 17:21(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
   See All...)
5. THE OFFICE OF A DEACON
1. The Office of a Deacon
1. Five Bible references (Philippians 1:1The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 3:8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
   See All..., 10, 12, 13)
2. Dictionary meaning: servant or messenger
2. The Qualifications of a Deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13 [8] Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; [9] Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. [10] And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. [11] Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. [12] Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. [13] For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
   See All...)
1. He must be grave (1 Timothy 3:8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
   See All...).
1. The word grave means to be serious.
2. The word is probably connected to other uses of the word that are connected to death.
2. He must not be double-tongued (1 Timothy 3:8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
   See All...).
3. He must not be given to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
   See All...).
4. He must not be greedy of filthy lucre (1 Timothy 3:8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
   See All...).
5. He must hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
   See All...).
6. He must first be proved (1 Timothy 3:10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
   See All...).
7. He must have a faithful wife (1 Timothy 3:11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
   See All...).
1. She must be grave.
2. She must not be a slanderer.
3. She must be sober.
4. She must be faithful in all things.
8. He must be the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
   See All...).
9. He must rule his children and house well (1 Timothy 3:12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
   See All...).
3. The Responsibility of a Deacon
1. To serve the needs of the church
2. To serve under the leadership of the pastor since their name means servant and they are never called to rule as is the bishop
3. To serve according to need
1. Titus was not commanded to set up deacons in the churches, indicating that this was an optional position (Titus 1:5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
   See All...).
2. Acts 6:1-6 [1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. [2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. [4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. [5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: [6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
   See All..., though not using the name of deacon, shows how they can be chosen and set aside for particular needs as they come up.
4. The Pitfalls of a Deacon
1. Sins of the home
2. Sins of the flesh
1. Gossip
2. Pride
3. Greed