"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"
Chapter Three
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To examine the qualifications necessary for bishops and deacons
2) To appreciate the noble view that Paul has of the church
SUMMARY
In this chapter we find the qualifications necessary for those who
would serve as bishops in the local congregation (1-7). A similar list
is included for those who would be deacons (8-13).
Paul then explains the purpose in writing this epistle. Though hoping
to come soon, he writes so that Timothy will be well-instructed on how
to conduct himself in the house of God, which is the church, the pillar
and ground of the truth (14-15). Mention of "the truth" prompts a
summation of "the mystery of godliness" which pertains to the coming of
Christ into the world (16).
OUTLINE
I. THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR BISHOPS (1-7)
A. THE NATURE OF THE WORK (1)
1. It is a position, or office (1a)
2. It is a good work for a man to desire (1b)
B. WHAT A BISHOP MUST BE (2-7)
1. Positive qualifications
a. Blameless (2a)
b. The husband of one wife (2b)
c. Temperate (2c)
d. Sober-minded (2d)
e. Of good behavior (2e)
f. Hospitable (2f)
g. Able to teach (2g)
h. Gentle (3d)
i. One who rules his own house well (4a)
1) Having his children in submission with all reverence
(4b)
2) For if he can't rule his own house, how will he take
care of the church? (5)
j. A good testimony among those outside (7a)
1) Lest he fall into reproach (7b)
2) And into the snare of the devil (7c)
2. Negative qualifications
a. Not given to wine (3a)
b. Not violent (3b)
c. Not greedy for money (3c)
d. Not quarrelsome (3e)
e. Not covetous (3f)
f. Not a novice (6a)
1) Lest he be puffed up with pride (6b)
2) And fall into the same condemnation as the devil (6c)
II. THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEACONS (8-13)
A. WHAT A DEACON MUST BE (8-12)
1. Positive qualifications
a. Reverent (8a)
b. Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience (9)
c. Proven (10a)
d. Found blameless (10b)
e. The husband of one wife (12a)
f. Ruling his children and house well (12b)
2. Negative qualifications
a. Not double-tongued (8b)
b. Not given to much wine (8c)
c. Not greedy for money (8d)
3. Their wives
a. Reverent (11a)
b. Not slanderers (11b)
c. Temperate (11c)
d. Faithful in all things (11d)
B. THE HONOR OF THEIR WORK (13)
1. Those who serve well obtain a good standing (13a)
2. Also great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus
(13b)
III. PAUL'S PURPOSE IN WRITING (14-16)
A. WHY PAUL IS WRITING THIS EPISTLE (14-15)
1. He hopes to come shortly, but writes in case he is delayed
(14-15a)
2. That Timothy might know how to conduct himself in the house of
God (15b)
a. Which is the church of the living God (15c)
b. Which is the pillar and ground of the truth (15d)
B. THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS (16)
1. Without controversy, it is great (16a)
2. In summation, it key elements are these: God was...
a. Manifested in the flesh (16b)
b. Justified in the Spirit (16c)
c. Seen by angels (16d)
d. Preached among the Gentiles (16e)
e. Believed on in the world (16f)
f. Received up in glory (16g)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
Move your mouse pointer underneath each question to see the answer.
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) How does Paul describe the position of a bishop? (1)
3) What are the positive qualifications required for a bishop? (2-7)
4) What are the negative qualifications required for a bishop? (2-7)
5) What are the positive qualifications required for a deacon? (8-12)
6) What are the negative qualifications required for a deacon? (8-12)
7) What are the qualifications for the wives of deacons? (11)
8) What is said of those deacons who have served well? (13)
9) Why did Paul write this epistle? (14-15)
10) What does Paul call the house of God? (15)
11) What are the basic facts of the mystery of godliness? (16)