1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2-3 Therefore an overseer (bishop) must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

4-5 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 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. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 English Standard Version.

The word 'overseer' comes from a Greek word which gave rise to the word 'bishop'. And in his letter to Titus, the apostle Paul also used the word 'elder' for such people. So the words were more to describe an important role, rather than being a religious title. A man who ‘aspired’ to be an overseer – or bishop – wasn't seeking a prestigious position, but was someone willing to take on the noble task of being a faithful under-shepherd to Christ, of God's people. This is clearly expressed in vs 4-5. He is to 'care for God's church'. For this reason, Paul says such a man is to be 'above reproach'. What does that involve? Verses 2-7 give us the answer.

The literal Greek for 'husband of one wife' is 'a man of one woman'. That would rule out a man who may have had more than one wife in those days, but also a man who was in any way promiscuous. It also meant that a Church leader was not expected to be celibate. The rest of the list in vs 1-3 is pretty self explanatory, but it sets a high standard. Even the matter of not being a quarrelsome person! And what about not being 'a lover of money'? One looks at the prosperity preachers so popular in parts of the world today and wonders how they missed Paul's words here. What was one important test Paul gave in vs 4-5 when considering a man for eldership, or spiritual oversight of a congregation?

Look to his family life. This in itself suggests that the man would be an older person, which the word 'elder' implies. We must never lose sight of the fact that wisdom (like hindsight) often comes with age! If a man has a wife that shows him little respect, or children who are badly behaved, he is unlikely to be someone capable of helping others in a meaningful way, no matter how skilled a preacher he might be.

Speaking of preaching, we see Paul used the words ‘apt to teach’ rather than ‘apt to preach’. In Titus 1:9 Paul said an elder/overseer “must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” An elder doesn't have to be eloquent, but he must be able to help others understand what God's word teaches. That’s a big reason why Paul says “he mustn’t be a recent convert.” But what's the other reason why he says that? (vs 6)

How well the Holy Spirit knows human nature! Though we were created in the image and likeness of God, we are sadly more likely to follow the devil’s example. And, just as the devil's pride led to his downfall, so too has pride been the snare of some Christians. Being in authority, or receiving great praise for sermons, can lead to a puffed up ego, and being of little use to the Lord. Christ's harshest words were against religious teachers in His day who “liked to walk around in long robes, and liked greetings in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at feasts.” (Mark 12:38-39)

I think verse 7 sums it up. Those leading the Church should not do things that lead to even unsaved people seeing their shame. When the world sees sexual sins or greed in those who lead the Church, or drunkenness, or a quarrelsome argumentative arrogance, or dysfunctional families, then such leaders fall into disgrace in the sight of all, and it stains the Church itself. If only more of those who aspired to lead the Church had taken the Holy Spirit's words to heart, how much disgrace they, and the Church, would’ve been spared! But, on the positive side, let us be thankful to the Lord for men He raised up through the centuries who have been faithful shepherds of the flock that Christ purchased with His blood. And let us pray often for the men God has given to oversee the local congregation to which we belong.