Day 166/260: Read 1 Timothy 3

The Holy Spirit, through the pen of the apostle Paul, set forth certain qualities for those who would lead the church of Christ.

Qualifications are also set forth for those who would serve as deacons. Look closely at these qualifications, though. Is there anything listed that should not be true of any Christian?

“Blameless,…temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous.” These are things every Christian should want to be.

There are those qualifications related to the family that may not apply in every Christian’s case, but for the married Christian, shouldn’t he be faithful to his wife? For the Christian parent, shouldn’t he strive to raise believing children?

The church needs elders and deacons to serve in those roles faithfully. If you are a married man with children, what is preventing you from serving in such a role? If you are a young man, not yet married or not yet a parent, what traits do you need to work on in your own life to make you qualified to serve once those family qualifications are met?

In his letter to the churches of Galatia, Paul listed qualities of the fruit of the Spirit, then said, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). Every Christian must live and walk in the Spirit and strive to serve God where He has placed him.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

2 Timothy 1:13. Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

Pray

Pray for maturity in spiritual matters and Christian behavior.