Introduction:

Though the church is an organism, a living and growing body united to Christ, the church is also an organization. In fact, every organism has to be organized or it would destroy itself! The human body is a living organism, but it is also a highly organized machine. If the local church is to do its task effectively, it must have leadership, and this implies organization.

I. The New Testament Pastor (3:1-7)

A. The term Bishop - A bishop is an elder (Acts 20:17), but a special elder (ordained) to do a particular ministry. That of course is to oversee and feed the flock of God (Acts 20: 28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Because of the feeding requirement the name Pastor came into being from the word pasture. The idea of a shepherd (I Peter 5) watching a flock.

B. The Requirements -

[1]. Blameless - Does not mean sinless (good luck in finding one of those). Its a reference to functioning in the office in a way so that others may not legitimately criticize his life (see vs. 7).
[2]. Husband of One Wife - There has been endless debate over what this means; polygamy or divorce. Since moral laxness was a serious problem in those days (as it is today), it is probably a reference to polygamy.
[3]. Vigilant - Literally wide awake. If the pastor is asleep, so will the people sleep (I Peter 5:8).
[4]. Sober - It means just what it says; that is don't get drunk.
[5]. Of Good Behavior - A well ordered life and testimony. He should be a real gentleman.
[6]. Given To Hospitality - A pastor should love people and always make them feel welcome.
[7]. Apt To Teach - Pastor and teacher are same office in (Eph. 4:11).
[8]. Not Given To Wine - Nor Miller's, Genesee, Jim Bean, Mogan David, etc.
[9]. No Striker - Not given to physical force (as much as the temptation comes) (James 1:20).
[10]. Not Greedy of Filthy Lucre - Not money hungry (I Tim. 6:10).
[11]. Patient - Patience primarily toward the sheep (I Pet. 5:2).
[12]. Not A Brawler - Not given to arguing.
[13]. Not Covetous - Christ and His church should come first.
[14]. Rules House Well - The pastor, not his wife should be the head of the house. He should have his children under control. This does not mean that the pastor's children will not be real children. After all they have to associate with your kids. It also does not necessarily mean that every church member has to agree with the way the pastor rules his house. The command is simply that he do it.
[15]. Not A Novice - He must not be a new convert. It takes alot of time to learn how to deal with people (vs. 5) and Bible doctrine.
[16]. Good Report - He must have a good testimony among the unsaved. Of course people will always say things that are not true, but it is our responsibility to live so that the condemnations are not true.

 

II. The New Testament Deacon (3:8-13)

The word "likewise" (Vs. 8) indicates that God expects the deacons to conform to the same standard as the pastor. In addition to that God says they must be:

[1]. Grave - Held in high respect.
[2]. Not Double Tongued - Not political, but must speak the truth.
[3]. Holding The Mystery of Faith - The mysteries are revealed in the Word of God. Therefore a deacon must be a student of the Word.
[4]. Must be Proved - That is, tested out.
[5]. Their wives should not be gossips, carry good testimonies.

A. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEACONS (Acts 6) -

[1]. Take some of business burdens off of pastors (vs. 3) - administration.
[2]. Preach - (Stephen & Philip) - general flexibility, to meet needs of the church.

 

II. The New Testament Church (3:15-16)

A. The House of God - The house of God is people (I Pet. 4:17). The intent is to teach men how to behave in God's family (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19).

B. The Mystery of Godliness -

[1]. God manifest in the flesh (John 1:14; Phil. 2:6-11).
[2]. Justified in the Spirit (John 1:32).
[3]. Seen of angels (John 20:12).
[4]. Preached unto the Gentiles (Gal. 2:2).
[5]. Believed on in the world (2 Thess. 1:10).
[6]. Received up into glory (I Peter 3:22).