1 Timothy 3:8-13 English Standard Version

Qualifications for Deacons

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Note closely the differences between overseer and deacon.

Is there anything that stands out to you in those differences?

The first thing I noticed was that the overseer should be a man married to only one wife.

The deacon’s wife is measured against a standard where the overseer’s wife and children just need to be submissive to the husband/father.

Some of these things we should consider if we feel God is calling us to serve in any of those leadership roles. Godly wisdom leads to Godly actions.

1 Timothy 3 English Standard Version

Qualifications for Overseers

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Even if we do not aspire to be overseers, these things are recommendable; sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome.

Such principles are sound advice for all of us.

Why?

1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover, he (we) must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he (we) may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Avoiding snares is a good thing.