Quick Devotional from 1 Timothy 3:1 (Observation from the Greek)

This is from my daily Greek exercise of sight reading many months ago, courtesy of Vincent S Artale Jr.

Our text is from the Greek translation of 1 Timothy 3:1.  Here is my translation:

“SENTENCE 3 ‹ πιστὸς ὁ λόγος › [CD Εἴ [TP τις TP] ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγεται CD]
This is a faithful word: If anyone desire to be an overseer

καλοῦ ἔργου ἐπιθυμεῖ”
he desire a good work

Here are some observations:

 

1. Paul wants the readers to know that what follows is a “faithful word.”
2. What follows is a conditional statement in light of the presence of Εἴ (“if”).  That is, this isn’t necessarily the case with everyone in every situation.
3. Also the conditional in the Greek is a first class conditional sentence which assumes that still this is true (as opposed to counter-factual statements, statements that are unlikely, etc) that some would desire this, and that this situation would “fit the bill” for certain individuals.
4. The possible scenario is “If anyone desire to be an overseer.”
   1. The Greek verb for “aspire” (ὀρέγεται) occur also in 1 Timothy 6:10.  There it describes the longing for wealth.  Thus we should understand “aspire” here not just a second thought but an intense focus and desire.
   2. The Greek present tense of the verb “aspire” (ὀρέγεται) indicates that this is a continuous and habitual desire.  In other words, its not just a one time thing.  Again this emphasize the strong desire.
   3. The Greek word for the office of “overseer” here is ἐπισκοπῆς which is where we get our English word today “Episcopal.” (But don’t equivocate that this is the same thing as the ecclesiastical group and traditions).  It is used interchangeably with the term “elders.”  We know this because of Paul’s usage.  For instance in Titus 1:5 Paul tells Titus: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.”  Then two verses later Paul explains the qualification for those he would appoint but this time he calls the office “overseer” (ἐπισκοπῆς).
5. God’s evaluation of this is described as follow: “he desire a good work”
   1. A different word for desire is mentioned here than “aspire” (ὀρέγεται) in the first half of the verse.
   2. It is also a noun instead of being a verb and this noun ἐπιθυμεῖ is often used in a negative sense such as in 1 Timothy 6:9 (Kitchens, 123).
   3. ἐπιθυμεῖ is a compound word with the word “upon” and “be angry” put together; the word thus has the idea of intense desire.
   4. This desire is described as “good” (καλοῦ).  In the Greek the word καλοῦ is not just only ethical in its dimension but also aesthetically pleasing.  That is, it is good and beautiful.  It is a beautiful thing when God puts the desire into someone to love and serve the church and serve God!
   5. Yet this is also described as “good work.”  Don’t miss the fact that it is “work.“

 

Application:

• For those who are not pastors
  • Do you realize leading the church is a good calling?  Sometimes in some quarters I have met Christians who have a low view of serving God in the ministry.  Often its because of the money is low, etc.  Let this not be true with us!
  • Yet a high view of the pastorate means we should pray for our elders, pastors and other church leaders.
  • Pray for them according to the rest of the chapter of 1 Timothy 3, that this be true in their lives.
  • Also encourage them to live out and become what is the qualifications mentioned in 1 Timothy 3.  Point out problems gently.  Also on your end be patient and pray!
  • Pray and keep an eye out for also future men to desire ministry.  Don’t forget the church is multi-generational.  Biblically speaking your affirmation and support matters!  Its how one tell if someone is really called or not.
• For those who desire to be a pastor
  • Do you desire to be a pastor?  Realize it is a good desire!
  • But don’t just stop with the desire; if God is truly calling you, He would bear character and virtues in your life that shows you are truly called by the Lord to minister.  Read the rest of the chapter in 1 Timothy 3.  Do you aspire to be those things?  How are you progressing towards that in your life?
  • Also grade yourself from 1 Timothy 3 of the characteristics of an overseer. Is there something you can work on in terms of your virtue?  Talk to someone about this to grow deeper in being a man of God!
  • As we pointed out in this devotional don’t forget being an overseer is “work.”  Don’t be a pastor because its easy or because you are lazy.  I’ve worked in the Marines and pulled over 24 hours job and other work and there’s nothing like the intensity for me as the amount of work that ministry demand both physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, intellectually and sacrificially.
  • Consider the importance of discipleship by a godly pastor or elder.  I think that’s one of the ways you can tell someone who merely wishes to be a pastor for ulterior motive versus someone who genuinely serves God: there’s a mark of humility and willingness to grow and be equipped versus someone who is blinded by pride and arrogance which is motivating them to be a leader.
• For those who are pastors
  • Do you grumble in the ministry?  Never forget the high calling and privilege to serve the Living God!
  • Never forget this is work.  But it is “good work.”  Do you work hard for the Lord?
  • Would people in your congregation say you are doing “good work?“
  • Also read and pray through 1 Timothy 3 to be true in your life in terms of the characteristics of an overseer.  Work on the areas you are weak in.
  • Ask someone which area you work work on in 1 Timothy 3.  Always be sensitive to what people point out in terms of sin, weaknesses or constructive criticism; you need it, God knows and what is said to you might be used providentially by God to grow you, regardless if your suspicion of the person’s motivation in telling you things.
  • Do you have the perspective that difficulties in ministry refines you and is also the test whether or not you are really called to lead?
  • Also you don’t want to be a tyrannical pastor.  It doesn’t please God, its sinful and ineffective.  You don’t want to go there.  Be one who desire to be a man of God and open to critique.  Have people close to your life that you know will tell you where you are wrong or need to grow in.
  • Remember it is a good work to be a minister but you are not the only one that God is using in the church.  Work with your lay elders, work with your congregation and just because being an overseer is a good work does not mean church is a one man dog and pony show with the pastor on stage.  Rather, your job is to lead and equip others to do more ministry and service to God!
  • Regularly read good books on a minister’s character and doing ministry bibilcally.  Don’t forget this is a high calling.