1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop [overseer], he desires a good work.
The first seven verses of 1 Timothy 3 set forth the qualifications of the overseer. The qualifications emphasize his character over his role.
1 This is a faithful saying:
The idea of “faithful saying” is of an established principle or fixed axiom; it is a truth of great importance and is self-evident. The principle here is that it is appropriate to desire the office of a bishop.
If a man [masculine] desires [aspires]
The Greek word “man” is masculine for the Greek word whosoever. A qualification for a bishop is to be a male. A woman cannot be “the husband of one wife” (1 Tim 3:2; cf. also 1 Tim 2:11-12).
“Desires” is a rare word that occurs only here and carries the idea of inner desire. The bishop must have a compulsion and drive to do the role. This aspiration has to do with “a noble work.” It is about work, not personal glory. Other motives may include his mother’s vision for him, recognition, wealth, or an academic exercise.
the position of a bishop [overseer],
The term “bishop” means overseer. The idea is for the overseer to lead and manage the local church. When addressing the “elders” at Ephesus, Paul challenged them to keep watch of their congregations over which the Holy Spirit made them “overseers” (Acts 20:28), making elders and overseers overlapping terms. The concept of an elder is simply a leader. An overseer is an elder with specific authority for overseeing a congregation. Therefore, they are not synonymous terms.
Peter called Jesus “the Shepherd and Overseer” of your souls” (1 Pe 2:25). A pastor’s love for his church is the cause for his care for them.
PRINCIPLE:
Qualified church leadership matters.
APPLICATION:
Jesus described the person who has true character for service in Mark 10:42-44. Some pastors do not have the right passion for what they do. Much of their motivation is self-promotion.
Most pastors have been a great blessing to their congregations. Yet, other pastors have been a blight on the congregations. They hurt many by their actions. This is why a pastor must take the moral and spiritual qualifications of his role seriously. The issue is important to every person in his congregation.
