Author Topic: Christ's Ways (Read 11210 times)

Olde Tymer · « **Reply #299 on:** November 18, 2019, 09:13:33 am »

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An overseer must also be:

1Tim 3:2c . . temperate

This kind of temperance relates to a personality that's self controlled, sensible, disciplined, levelheaded, avoiding extremes of behavior or expression: observing reasonable limits.

1Tim 3:2d . . prudent

The Greek word for "prudent" is sophron (so'-frone) which means: having a sound mind; viz: rational, reasonable, and sensible as opposed to emotional and reactive.

1Tim 3:2e . . respectable

The word for "respectable" is kosmios (kos'-mee-os) which means: orderly, viz: decorous.

Webster's defines decorous as marked by propriety; viz: correct; and exhibiting good taste in conduct, language, or appearance. A decorous person is-- among other things --neat, tidy, well-mannered, well-groomed, and polite. They bathe often too.

1Tim 3:2f . . hospitable

The word for "hospitable" is philoxenos (fil-ox'-en-os) which means: fond of guests.

In other words, church officers shouldn't be hermit types, or friendless loners preferring solitude. Not that there's anything wrong with hermits and loners; it's just that church officers are supposed to be shepherds, which requires them to associate with the sheep entrusted to their care. A man who doesn't mingle easily and comfortably really should consider taking a position in church where he doesn't have to sit on a board or meet the public.

1Tim 3:2g . . apt to teach

"apt to teach" is from the word didaktikos (did-ak-tik-os') which means: instructive ("didactic")

That word is tricky. It's sometimes translated "able to teach". That's okay I guess, but I suspect didaktikos actually refers to role models, i.e. people whose manner of life exemplifies Christianity. In other words; their teaching is in shoe leather rather than only in a classroom.

1Tim 3:3a . . not addicted to wine

Church officers aren't forbidden alcohol; just too much alcohol.

"No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments." (1Tim 5:23)

A "little" wine can lead to a lot for someone with a predilection to over imbibe. For people like that, it's best to avoid wine altogether rather than risk becoming a candidate for AA.

For church officers with health issues, I suggest consulting a doctor because there are much better treatments available in our day than there were back then.

1Tim 3:3b . . not pugnacious

Webster's defines pugnacious as: militant, defensive, warlike, combative, pushy, assertive, scrappy, and belligerent. Some men are natural-born bullies and others are ready to "take it outside" at every challenge. With them, turning the other cheek is not an option. Well; you sure don't want personalities like that on the board of your church and/or helming a pulpit. Heaven forbid!!!

1Tim 3:3c . . gentle, non contentious

A good church officer isn't what might be called shrinking; but rather, he's an affable, courageous man who selects his conflicts carefully.

For some people, every disagreement is an act of war: they're assertive, demanding, reactive, defensive, and confrontational not just some of the time; but all the time. A gentle man is not so quick to draw his guns at the slightest provocation.

A gentle, non contentious man is a good choice to chair a Sunday school class because there's always at least one or more hecklers, fault-finders, and/or know-it-all kibitzers in the room that are sure to try his patience.
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Author Topic: Christ's Ways (Read 11210 times)

Olde Tymer

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