Which chapter or passage in these books grabbed your attention? What was it about this passage that spoke to your life? What theological insights did you gain from reading these books? How can you apply this insight to your life?

1 Tim 3 addresses the requirements of overseers. It says that to desire to be an overseer is “a noble task” (v. 2). It gives this list of things which are required of an overseer.

“

• must be above reproach
• the husband of but one wife
• temperate
• self-controlled
• respectable
• hospitable
• able to teach
• not given to drunkenness
• not violent but gentle
• not quarrelsome
• not a lover of money.

” (vv. 2,3).

These are all very difficult things to accomplish, but certainly a man of God can attain these qualities if he truly desires to be an overseer and if God (and He will) gives that man the power to accomplish them. But the biggest challenge of all comes after these: “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect” (v. 4). It says that “if anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” (v. 5).

I have a huge burden for the spiritual development of my family. I have small children and wish to raise them with an understanding of God so that when the time comes they will choose Him. I desire that my wife be sanctified by the word of God and that she appear blameless according to the teachings of Ephesians. This requirement is huge and should be a burden upon all men whether they desire to be overseers or not.

I think this passage gives some insight into the mind of God and His plan for the church. He has given the task of an overseer to men who truly know and love Him and desire to walk in His ways so that they can be an example of how the entire flock should live.

Paul's Instructions Regarding Overseers or Elders of the Church