1 Timothy 3:1-10

1 Timothy 3:1-10

We have often rushed into the qualifications of an overseer concerning his moral character without taking sufficient time to look at the first verse of this chapter. If a man “aspires to,” “desires,” or “reaches up to take hold” of the overseership, he desires a good work. The word ‘office’ is not in the Greek text. The word is inserted into the English translation to make the sentence flow more smoothly. The unfortunate result is we have made the life of an overseer a job, or hobby, or part-time distraction. This is often further reduced to the seat on a panel or board that gives oversight to church operations. ‘Overseership’ is as all-encompassing as kingship. Every aspect of a king's life is defined by the fact that he is a king. You can't separate being a king from the person of the king. Nor is it possible to have an overseer for whom part of his life and days are not spent as an overseer.

The word “aspire” is a most important selection. The word in the New Testament is always in the middle voice or acting upon oneself. It literally means to “stretch oneself out in order to touch or to grasp.” There is an implication that no one is ready to be an overseer but must work toward this role or life. It also implies serious and meaningful effort. It carries the implications of focus. The use of sports metaphors might help. The sprinter stretches out to reach the tape first. The baseball player is stretching to catch the ball as it flies over the fence. Think of the golfer who, by concentration, is able to block out everything except the point of impact of the club head with the ball. This calling is no casual nomination to sit on a board of directors, but intense self-discipline to get ready for the role, the life of an overseer.

The word “overseer” is sadly distant from its New Testament roots. The translation επισκοπη (episcopal) has become a word that means a denomination or form of church government. However, the word in the New Testament was very different. It is a compound word, the first of which meant “upon” and the second meant “to look intensely.” It meant to examine closely, with a view to giving wise counsel or judgment. There is also the distinct implication of visitation and close personal contact. Imagine two shepherds, one who systematically checks each sheep for health and well-being, going over it with the eye of a concerned vet or caregiver. The other takes a monthly casual glance at the whole flock. The first is an overseer as described in this passage; the second is often what we have today. The first shepherd will know the condition of the whole flock more clearly than one with a bird's-eye view or general view. Any leadership of a congregation that focuses on the big picture but neglects the attention to individual sheep is like the second shepherd.

One final thought: leadership is hard. It is never easy for any man to be an overseer. However, in the context of first-century Christianity, it meant setting oneself up as a target of persecution. The role of overseer would make a man very likely the first to be arrested and abused. Why desire a difficult job filled with risk and with a high likelihood of suffering? Because this man has received from God a calling that has initiated a desire in him that only this ministry can satisfy.

“God, please bless the good shepherds in our churches, and correct those who lack love for Your sheep. AMEN”