1 Timothy 3:11-13

Summary retelling of 1 Timothy 3:11-13

As Paul continues to talk about deacons, he speaks of the deacon’s spouse.  Paul says that the spouse of a deacon should dignified, in control of their tongue, able to think meaningfully, and faithful.  Again we have the comment about deacons being a “one woman man.”  (See blog post for 1 Timothy 3:1-3)  Deacons should be able to manage the affairs of their own house just as the overseers should.  Paul reminds Timothy that those who serve well gain a good public image for themselves as well as being trusted in the faith.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul spends time here talking about the spouse of a deacon.  {Yes, Paul talks specifically about a wife, but remember our earlier conversations about men and women in ministry and how Paul is careful to limit the structure of the Ephesian church because of their ability to quarrel.}  The spouse of a deacon must have many of the qualities of the deacon – especially with respect to the public witness.  The reason for this is because God’s work is hard.  When we go about God’s work, we need to support one another.  If someone who is serving has a spouse who is completely on board and able to be supportive in the role of serving, then the person’s ability to serve will be greatly enhanced.

What support network do you have?  If you are married, how much of your support network is your spouse?  If you are not married and plan to be, how much emphasis should you put on finding a spouse who will be able to support your work in and through Christ?  If you aren’t married and don’t plan on marrying, what support network will you need to create and where is this support network likely to come?

Second Thought:

Paul makes another comment about the deacons needing to be a one woman man in addition to being able to manage their house.  Again, Paul is emphasizing how our life affects our testimony.  The things we do will affect how people see our work.  The choices we make will determine our ability to honor our commitments and our promises.  We need to be careful and thoughtful about the choices we make in how they impact our ability to be a tool in God’s hand.

Do you think the modern church has high enough standards?  Do most churches that you are experienced with expect people to live up to any standards?  Why is it important to remember that standards are not necessarily for salvation (since none of us earn salvation) but rather they are for enabling us to have an effective testimony about God?

Third Thought:

Paul tells Timothy that people who serve well will gain a good public image.  People will respect a good servant’s projection of faith into the community.  One of the key ideas here is the concept of trust.  When we serve well and show our compassion for others, people will trust us and our testimony.

Why is trust connected with experience?  Why is it important for us to remember that trust is earned and given, not demanded or expected or taken?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Timothy 3:14-16