1Tim 3:3 Qualifications for an Overseer Part 2

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Qualifications for an Overseer Part 2

1Tim 3:3 "not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;"

The first three appear to correspond to the second three.

1. not given to wine  4. gentle

2. not violent          5. not quarrelsome

3. not greedy            6. not covetous

Actually concerning these the situation is more serious than merely excluding one from the office of overseer. In 1Cor 6:9,10 as well as Gal 5:19-22 Paul indicates that if these be characteristic of their life, such people will not inherit the kingdom of God.

While he had already covered the character quality of "temperance" in verse 2, here in contrasting drunkenness with gentleness here he is speaking of a person who is reasonable, equitable, fair-minded.

The attribute of "violence" may be discerned most readily by one's speech when dealing with opposing ideas. Does the person end up misrepresenting or slandering his opposition? Does he swear at the person or other such defamation?

And does have an ambition to accumulate unnecessary resources to himself? Or is he generous?

There are many examples throughout history where people have been misassigned to religious office. Why is that?

A person given over to the passions of the flesh might be misassigned such a position as he may deceptively portray himself as simply a person passionate for his cause.

A violent person may portray himself as simply very religiously zealous, such a Paul was prior to his conversion.

And a greedy person may portray himself as simply a very resourceful person.

Thus one must be discerning when evaluating character.

The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources

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