1 Timothy 3 - Leaders Rise Up
1 Timothy 3 - Leaders Rise Up
In chapter 3, Paul brings clarity around leaders and servants of the church. Elders and Deacons. These titles and labels today might look a little different, but I am not going to dive into the nuance and roles, I want to stay at a higher level. Here is a great place to start, and maybe enough for the day.
“...This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 3:15b NLT
“This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” - 1 Timothy 3:1 NLT
This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth...as we read and process this, let's make sure we take this in. The church, it is of the living God. Does the church model and represent the living God well? When we look at the church, does it represent Jesus Christ, loving, serving, unified, and focused on the mission? The church is the pillar and foundation of the truth. This wording and referencing are significant, and we should hold the church in high regard and reverence.
The same is true for those who are a part of the church, serving and leading in the church. If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position. This is no joke, taking a role in the church, with the church, serving in the church, that leader is serving the pillar and foundation of truth, and therefore must be an honorable person.
“Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV
It can be easy to get trapped into the arguments of what is an Elder, Deacon, etc, etc. Some of those details are important, but for today lets just rise out of those nuances and details and focus on the importance of conducting ourselves in God’s household, the church of the living God. Solid examples are given in this chapter, may we treat this role and position with honor, respect, and rise above and glorify Jesus with our lives. Leaders, rise up, for such a time is this.