Hi guys, two verses today with a very long list. But I think Paul is very clear in these verses.

Here you can find the transcript:

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1 Timothy 3:2-3, “Now the 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.”

Interesting points:
1. In this verse Paul continues to advise Timothy regarding those who aspire to serve the church in the role of overseer (also translated as elder, pastor or bishop), stating they “must be above reproach.” In this passage of verses, he lists certain traits that help provide a means of evaluating the criteria of a potential overseer, thereby protecting the flock from wolves in sheep’s clothing.

2. The point of being a “husband of but one wife” speaks to sexual morality, so a single man (to include a widower) who is celibate would also meet this requirement. By “temperate” Paul meant level-headed. Obviously, the fruits of the spirit would be evident in a believer being assessed to serve as overseer, with self-control and gentleness at the forefront of how they treat others. Consequently, they would be respectable (humble or not boastful) and not quarrelsome (argumentative or hot-tempered) or violent. They would also drink moderately and avoid drunkenness.

3. As overseers would most likely offer their homes for church gatherings, they would need to be hospitable and able to teach. Both these traits are a gift requiring a common touch and discernment of how to communicate with others: hospitality requires knowing how to make someone feel welcome and teaching requires knowing how to communicate so a matter is understandable/applicable.

4. Lastly, overseers would not be lovers of money: their choice to serve must not be motivated by financial gain or other “perks” as their desire is focused on serving God’s people.

Application.
Brothers, Paul’s assertion that “If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task” resounds in this description of Christian character. As we walk with Jesus may we see our lives transformed from our old ways to Christlikeness, where God’s handiwork becomes evident in our conduct and posture towards others.
Not everyone will be called to serve as an overseer but let us be careful not to disqualify ourselves for the course that God has planned out for each of us: His ways are mysterious yet amazing.