For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? – 1 Timothy 3:5
Few would argue about the importance of the home environment in the development of children. The physical, emotional, social, and spiritual context in which a child is raised has been shown to have a direct impact on cognitive skills, the ability to learn, and the tendency toward good health. Everyone, child or adult, has the need for a stable, supportive place where they experience reassurance and love. What is true of the home environment is also true for churches.
In chapter 3 of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he describes the noble task of being a leader in the church. Jesus had previously laid out His requirements: “Whosoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). Godly leaders are the backbone of every Christ-following church. In the same way that God declared David to be “a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), He calls pastors, elders, and leaders to be likewise qualified. How they manage their own home environments is a large part of their testimony before their congregations.
What is expected of the leaders of churches should also be expected of leaders at home. It is an impossible task without leaning on the Lord and His Word, and spending time communicating with Him in prayer. Theologian John MacArthur adds that such a leader “does not allow circumstances or the immorality or foolishness of the world to distract him. and gain his attention and interest… He must know his priorities and be devoted to them.” Whether pastor or parent, God expects a righteous temperament in His children. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said that one hundred percent responsibility requires one hundred percent dependence on the Holy Spirit, adding, “It is sound doctrine which will nourish your soul and grow you in Christ likeness.” Pray for pastors and parents across the United States to desire to do the will of God in their churches and families.
Today’s Verse: 1 Timothy 3:5
for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
