Daily Manna

Key Verse

“And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless” (1 Timothy 3:10).

TEXT — 1 Timothy 3:1-12

Message

Whenever applications for a job are invited, there are prescribed qualifications to determine the suitability of the applicants. There are usually, general considerations such as experience, certification, and communication skills, physical abilities, among others. Besides the general qualifications, there are issues with specific knowledge as they relate to the job for which an applicant is being considered. This will mark out the certified structural engineer from the mason or carpenter, as highly skilled jobs that demand more endowments. These qualifications are intended to identify applicants who are likely to perform successfully on the job and to drop those who are deemed unsuitable.

In our text, Paul the Apostle itemizes the qualifications needed for ministry work. He points out clearly that ministerial duty is a job, an office. It is then clear that ministry work is for those who are prepared and qualified in line with God’s standards. It has its distinctive. While there are some subtle clarifications on each office, the qualifications are generally the same. The primal requirement is to be “blameless”. A minister must of necessity be without reproach in every area of life.

The other qualifications can be briefly categorised as having a good family with a good and godly wife and children, being of good character, being faultless, and being scripturally sound. He must also be experienced, living in peace with his neighbours. He must be in one accord with church members. These are qualifications for ministry service.

Believers must approximate the high virtues of our Lord Jesus Christ to work for His Kingdom. If the people of the world place a high premium on the competence of those they engage in their organisations, the kingdom of God must not become a dumping ground for people who failed in other areas of life, or who now seek it out as an easy way to earn a living. For His work, God requires only “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness”. They must also be “of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.” Are you in ministry? How qualified are you?

Thought for the day

The kingdom work deserves the best qualifications.

• Bible
• in one year
• Luke 23 – 24 (Read By Alexander Scourby)