The Mystery of the Faith

March 13, 2011

Lesson: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 3:9

aaa

Introduction

In the days of the apostles, the disciples “were multiplied” (Acts 6). Such was the quick growth that it was noted that the ministry to the widowed were being neglected. A congregation of disciples were gathered together by the apostles and said unto them, “It is not right that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” The neglect of the widows was a sign that other physical needs of the congregation of believers were being neglected. Therefore, the apostles encouraged them: “Brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” These men, who would be called deacons, were to serve under the ministry of the apostles, yet not separate from the ministry, for they would both serve the King and Head of the Church to His word and glory. M. Henry wrote, “Now it was requisite that deacons should have a good character, because they were assistants to the ministers, appeared and acted publicly, and had a great trust reposed in them.” Deacons are to have an honest report in the community, revealing the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit in their study of the Word, heads of households, in the fellowship of believers, and their witness to the gospel of Christ.

Continuing in Acts 6, the congregation of believers responded to the apostles’ request, having thus known the character and life of the men, chose “Stephen, ‘a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte from Antioch: whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” The result of having such men of the Lord and Spirit as the apostles and deacons is recorded: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Today, elders and deacons are to be men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit, mature in the Word of God, and witnesses of the gospel in their homes and in the congregation. Thus their character in Christ and His word is to be manifested in their lives before they are elected to the office.

aaa

The Elder Desires a Good Work—1 Timothy 3:1-7

What Paul is to teach Timothy about holding an office in Christ’s body, the Church (congregation), is of such importance that close attention must be made: “This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” The term ‘bishop’ reveals the work of a pastor or elder as one who is an overseer, one who shepherds the sheep of God’s pasture or household, or vineyard. ‘Bishop’ is further defined as Paul taught the elders in Ephesus: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers (bishops), to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The congregation of God, purchased by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, belongs to Him, and thus He is truly the King and Head of the Church.

Paul continues in giving to Timothy the outward fruits of an overseer, or under-shepherd of the Great Shepherd: “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one who ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” Herein we see the character of the work of an under-shepherd, an overseer. He must be blameless, without scandal, above reproach, as good a work as possible that the name of Christ be glorified. The fruit of righteousness proceeds from his faith in Christ, and is seen in his love for his wife, care of his finances, mature in his decisions, not coveting for those things which come from a selfish heart. And, therefore, is able by the grace of God to be a blessing to the flock of which he was appointed by Christ.

Therefore the bishop, the under-shepherd, is not a novice. For the novice has a greater temptation, “lest being lifted up with pride,” he would thus “fall into condemnation of the devil.” The bishop “must have a good report” in the community,” lest it be seen as one whose outward work does not match his inward character, and “he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” For the under-shepherd must feed the souls which have been given him by Christ: It is a good work, a work of the greatest importance, and designed for the greatest good; M. Henry wrote that “the ministry is conversant about no lower concerns than the life and happiness of immortal souls; it is a good work, because designed to illustrate the divine perfections in bringing many sons to glory; the ministry is appointed to open men’s eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.” (Note Acts 26:18.)

Discussion: What is the character and work of a bishop?

aaaa

The Deacon Likewise—1 Timothy 3:8-13

The deacons—whose task of service has to do with the certain needs of the people, i.e., the widow or widower, financial needs, comfort of the Spirit, etc.—they must be of the same character as that of the elder, as serving Christ their Savior: “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” The deacon is to be grave, to be honest in all things. They are not to go about telling stories, speaking from both sides of their mouth. They are to be in control of their lives, being able to take care of their finances. Thus “holding the mystery of their faith,” that which is revealed of the Spirit through His Word. The deacon needs to know the Scriptures and how to apply them as he ministers to others. Calvin wrote, “yet it would be exceedingly absurd to hold a public office in the Church, while they were ill informed in the Christian faith, more especially since they must frequently be laid under the necessity of administering advice and consolation, if they do not choose to neglect their duties. It is added, in a pure conscience, which extends to the whole life, but chiefly that they may know how to obey God.”

Deacons, as well as elders, are to proved, trained, discipled in the Scriptures, that in word and deed they may show themselves worthy of such an office: “And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.” They also proved themselves in their relationship to their family, revealing also that same faith in their wives: “Even so must their wives be grave (honest), not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.”

Not only will such deacons be a blessing to the members of Christ’s congregation, they will also receive a blessing from their Lord, which will result in a “great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” The deacons will manifest their faith in Christ Jesus as they minister to His people. They will serve Christ with much boldness.

Discussion: What should you look for in one who would serve as a deacon?

aaa

Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2011 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.