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If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? 1 Timothy 3:5
As Paul spelled out the qualifications for a bishop (or deacon) to Timothy, he included the qualification we find in today’s verse. A man must be able to manage his own family before he can take care of God’s church.
Note that in 1 Timothy 3:1, Paul sets all of this up by saying, “Whoever aspires to be an overseer.” In other words, this office isn’t a calling, but an aspiration. Think about the setting for a moment. Who would actually aspire to become a bishop/deacon in the hostile environment the first-century church existed in? Persecution and death would have hung around every corner especially for leaders. Yet, wanting to shepherd young converts is a work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers.
As a man, you’re called to be a priest in your home. If you don’t desire to lovingly lead your family in devotions, prayer, spiritual discussions, and guidance-especially in a country that allows such religious freedom-then something is wrong. Yes, Paul’s words refer to aspiring bishops in the context of a church, but in a broader context, this should be the call for every Christian man, no matter what his position.
As Paul spelled out the qualifications for a bishop (or deacon) to Timothy, he included the qualification we find in today’s verse. A man must be able to manage his own family before he can take care of God’s church.
Note that in 1 Timothy 3:1, Paul sets all of this up by saying, “Whoever aspires to be an overseer.” In other words, this office isn’t a calling, but an aspiration. Think about the setting for a moment. Who would actually aspire to become a bishop/deacon in the hostile environment the first-century church existed in? Persecution and death would have hung around every corner especially for leaders. Yet, wanting to shepherd young converts is a work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers.
As a man, you’re called to be a priest in your home. If you don’t desire to lovingly lead your family in devotions, prayer, spiritual discussions, and guidance-especially in a country that allows such religious freedom-then something is wrong. Yes, Paul’s words refer to aspiring bishops in the context of a church, but in a broader context, this should be the call for every Christian man, no matter what his position.
