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1 Tim. 3:1-7
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. In general when we think of a leader, we tend to think of someone with power commensurate with their position, or title. As you might expect, God takes a different approach to His philosophy of leadership.
To be one of God’s leaders, a person must 1st learn to be a servant. Read Matt. 20: 25 – 28; and 23:8-11. Just a reminder here; the central theme of Paul’s message in 1st Timothy is, sound biblical doctrine results in godly living. Pastors are to local churches today, what overseers were to churches in Paul’s day. An overseer was not a new concept. In Acts 14 and 20, we learn the position of overseers was already established. The ESV correctly translates exactly what The Holy Spirit wrote using the word, “if anyone aspires…” The KJV says, “if a man desires the office of a bishop…” The NIV says, “if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer…” Aspire means “to reach out” or “to reach for something.” In Scripture it carries the meaning “a clear and concentrated will which in all sobriety takes reality into account.” It always expresses a driving force that can’t be ignored. It is used to express the determination an concentration of Jesus when He set His face like a flint toward Jerusalem. Meaning nothing could keep Him from going there to accomplish the mission for which He came. The English translations seem to indicate a man might seek this position because being an overseer, or bishop, or in 21st-century language a pastor, is a noble task. Holding the office is a noble task, but only if it is acquired and administered according to The Bible. The Greek word “episcopos” from which we get our English word Episcopal is translated “overseer” in verse 1; Bishop in v. 2; and elder in 5:19. Because the words are used interchangeably we believe all pastors are elders, but not all elders, or overseers, or bishops are pastors. What’s the difference? The simple answer is the call a man receives from God to become a pastor. Here is a biblical truth you want to learn and remember: a true elder, or a true pastor, never seek the office of their own desire! In both cases it is always God that brings the office to the man!
Now, let’s take a closer look at this office! Scripture emphasizes 2 distinct truths concerning an overseer. 1st is the determination to persevere. The Holy Spirit gives us some further insight into the word “aspire” in 2:8 where we are told all men are to pray with uplifted and hands. Reaching out the hands toward heaven indicates that the one reaching, recognizes God as sovereign over all creation, and his own position as subservient to God! The single most compelling reason that an overseer is determined to persevere is because when he is alone with God, the man has absolute assurance from God that he has been called to his position by God! The certainty of the call not only drives a man forward in ministry it creates within him a 2nd truth which is a desire to perform. Paul says to be called by God to be an overseer is to be commissioned for a noble task! In its simplest form noble means “sound, powerful, vigorous, and excellent.” In the OT it often referred to outward beauty; for example in Gen. 12, the Egyptians saw Sarah, Abraham’s wife, as very beautiful. In the NT the word immediately takes on a different and much more pointed and substantial meaning! The word good, or noble, is elevated in significance and impact because it is the word Jesus uses consistently to describe how a person represents the kingdom of God, through the characteristics of daily living. As you begin to understand the accountability placed on an overseer, you begin to see why the office demands the highest qualifications. It doesn’t make any difference whether you use the word overseer, bishop, elder, pastor, and listen, deacon, the position those words identify is extended only to a redeemed heart; and the desire to wear the title or occupy the position can originate only in the throne room of heaven, and be brought into a man’s heart by God Himself! God often extends a “call” to a man of God to minister as an overseer, elder or deacon in a local church without extending that specific call to preach. Read 2nd Timothy 4:1-5. Beloved, we are watching verses 3 and 4 happen before our eyes. By the very fact those people do such things, they are advertising to all true men and women of God they don’t have a clue, and they most certainly do not understand the biblical meaning of overseer. Let me show you one more truth you must know concerning an elder, or overseer, especially one who is called to the office of pastor. Read Heb. 13:17. Now read Mk. 13:32-37.. Notice that while the man is gone his servants are responsible for continuing the work they were given to do. That mandate to continue to work is given to all servants not just overseers. I trust this gives you some insight into the office of bishop, elder, overseer, and pastor!
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