1 Timothy 3:1-9

[Psalm 51:17]

OK - it's the FIRST verse in particular in this passage that popped out at me this morning - it's the word DESIRES.

Ultimately, the context of this passage is talking about a man that DESIRES the office of a bishop, and NOT NECESSARILY the current pastor of whatever "church".

Pt I'm trying to make is that don't ALL of us born-again believers DESIRE just that, the office of a bishop? When I read the first verse of this passage this morning, it just helped me to get a much better understanding of the remaining 10 verses. Otherwise, I almost ways thought "Well, it's talking about ordained pastors...", and end up daydreaming somewhat when reading the rest of this passage.

And no - I'm not saying we should be enrolling in these cemateries...err...seminaries.

Any thoughts?

1Timothy 3:1  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1Ti 3:2  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Ti 3:3  Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1Ti 3:4  One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1Ti 3:5  (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
1Ti 3:6  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1Ti 3:7  Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1Ti 3:8  Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1Ti 3:9  Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
 

[Christian40]

1Ti 3:2  A bishop then must be blameless

how many Christians are blameless?

1Ti 3:2  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Ti 3:3  Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1Ti 3:4  One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

how many Christians meet this criteria? These verses disqualify alot of them current "bishops" out there already

Pt I'm trying to make is that don't ALL of us born-again believers DESIRE just that, the office of a bishop?

There are lots of women that do, i dont really have a desire to be a bishop i wouldn't qualify according to verse 2.