1 Timothy 3:1-7 NKJV
The Qualifications of a Bishop
1 Timothy 3:1-7 NKJV
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
The Qualifications of a Bishop (3:1-7)
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
The Characteristics of a Bishop
- Blameless: A bishop must be above reproach, with no stain on his character.
- Husband of one wife: A bishop must be a one-woman man, faithful to his wife.
- Temperate: A bishop must be moderate and self-controlled in all things.
- Sober-minded: A bishop must be sensible and wise in his judgment.
- Good behavior: A bishop must exhibit good conduct and be a model for others.
- Hospitable: A bishop must be welcoming and generous to strangers.
- Able to teach: A bishop must be able to teach the Word of God with clarity and conviction.
- Not given to wine: A bishop must not be addicted to wine or any substance that could impair his judgment.
- Not violent: A bishop must not be prone to violence or anger.
- Not greedy for money: A bishop must not be motivated by financial gain.
- Gentle: A bishop must be kind and compassionate towards others.
- Not quarrelsome: A bishop must not be prone to arguments or disputes.
- Not covetous: A bishop must not be covetous or desirous of material possessions.
The Importance of a Bishop's Family Life
- Rules his own house well: A bishop must be able to manage his own household before he can manage the household of God.
- Has his children in submission with all reverence: A bishop's children must be respectful and obedient to their parents.
The Dangers of Pride and Condemnation
- Not a novice: A bishop must not be a new convert, lest he become puffed up with pride and fall into condemnation.
- Lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil: A bishop must be humble and recognize his place before God, lest he fall into the same trap as Satan.
The Importance of a Good Reputation
- Must have a good testimony among those who are outside: A bishop's reputation among outsiders is crucial, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
