There are men that should be in ministry and there are those who should not. As we stated un the last lesion the ministry is not an occupation but a holy calling. It is not a calling that man chooses but rather a man that the calling chooses. God who does the calling and sets for the responsibility has also created a set of required qualifications for those whom He calls. There are only two offices of the church mentioned in the Bible. God sets forth a list of qualifications for both. Philippians 1:1, “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.”
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1. Saved
2. Serving
3. Surrendered
4. Sold out
5. Steadfast
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1 Timothy3:1-7, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” Titus 1:5-9, “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee. If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop much be blameless, as the steward of God; not self willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of a good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” 1 Peter 5:1-4, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” Acts 20:17-35, “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there. Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
1. Blameless- Literally this means “nothing to take hold of.” Acts 6:3; 16:2. A bishop should be above reproach
2. Husband of one wife. – A male. A loyal husband, who sets the example in marriage.
3. Vigilant – Literally “temperate” Alert to dangers around him. A clear perspective.
4. Sober – Serious, earnest, sensible. Romans 12:3
5. Of good behavior – Literally “Orderly” Organized, respectable and respected. 6. Given to Hospitality – Literally “Lover of strangers”
7. Apt to teach – Anyone who shows himself incapable of successfully teaching others is not qualified to be an overseer. A God called minister will produce fruit.
8. Not given to wine – Literally “not to set along side of wine” A minister should not be addicted to anything that can control his life.
9. Not a striker- Quick – tempered, contentious. Not looking for a fight.
10. Not greedy of filthy lucre – A minister should not e in the ministry for money. He should have control over finances. Should set the example in tithing and giving.
11. Patient
12. Not a brawler – We should be peacemakers not troublemakers.
13. Not covetous
14. Not a novice- Literally “one newly planted”
15. Good testimony outside the church- Good reputation. You should pay bills on time, keep yard clean.
16. Faithful (men) 2 Timothy 2:1-7
17. Thin-skinned vs. 3
18. Not entangled with the affairs of this life vs. 4
19. Honest vs. 5
20. Laborer vs. 6
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