This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 1. Desire - How important is it for a man to desire to serve as an elder? Should men be appointed even if they do not desire the office? 2. Office - What does this word mean? Does it allude to a room with a des... [ Continue Reading ]
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 1. Must - Are the following terms absolutes? Must a man possess these qualities to be a leader in the local congregation? 2. Blameless - How can we be blameless? Don't a... [ Continue Reading ]
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 1. Given - Can an elder drink any alcoholic beverages? 2. Striker - Does this prohibit an elder from joining a union? How would you describe a striker? 3. Greedy - What is prohibited by this quali... [ Continue Reading ]
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 1. Ruleth - What is the obligation of the man in the operation of a home? Does this require a man to be a "dictator" with his family? 2. Children - Why is this requirement given? Does this obligate the man to h... [ Continue Reading ]
(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall be take care of the church of God?) 1. House - What is included in "ruling his own house"? Why is this an important qualification for an elder? 2. Take care - What is the duty of an elder? What must he "take care" of? How does his managem... [ Continue Reading ]
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 1. Novice - When does one cease being a novice? Does this word apply to the spiritual status, their occupation, or their mental and emotional maturity? 2. Pride - What is wrong with pride? Is it sinful to be... [ Continue Reading ]
Moreover he must have good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1. Report - Who makes out this report? How does one gain a good report? What would result in a bad report? 2. Without - To what does this word refer? Does it describe those who have... [ Continue Reading ]
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, nor greedy of filthy lucre; 1. Deacon - What is the difference in this work and that of an elder? Are deacons "junior elders" in some area of work? What does the word "deacon" mean? 2. Grave - What does this word mean?... [ Continue Reading ]
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, 1. Mystery - What is the mystery mentioned here? How is this term used in other passages? See - Ephesians 3:3-6; Colossians 1:26-27; 1 Timothy 3:16. 2. Conscience - What is the conscience? How do we develop a "pure" conscience? What other type... [ Continue Reading ]
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 1. Proved - What must a deacon do to be proved? Why is this an important requirement? 2. Blameless - Is there a person who is "blameless"? How can a man be blameless as this passage requires?... [ Continue Reading ]
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 1. Wives - Why are qualifications given for the wife? 2. Slanderers - What is a slanderer? How could a slandering wife harm the work of a deacon? 3. Faithful - Does this phrase refer to her spiritual faithfulness? D... [ Continue Reading ]
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling well their children and their own houses well. 1. Husbands - Can a man serve as a deacon and never be married? Can a man serve as a deacon whose wife has died and he has remarried? 2. Children - Since this term is in the plural does it require ea... [ Continue Reading ]
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 1. Used - How does one "use" an office? Is this office to be used as a stepping stone to move up to service as an elder? 2. Degree - Does this word de... [ Continue Reading ]
These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 1. Write - Was this letter the work of Paul or God? Does this phrase deny inspiration of the Holy Spirit? Is this letter just the thoughts and ideas of Paul? 2. Hoping - What is the difference in a wish and a hope? Is it proper for... [ Continue Reading ]
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1. Behave - Does this term apply to all actions of Timothy? Is there a spiritual meaning to this word? 2. In the house of G... [ Continue Reading ]
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1. Godliness - What is godliness? Can we be godly? How can we possess godliness when we ar... [ Continue Reading ]