Knowledge is Power

1 TIMOTHY 3

I was reminded in reading a book on marriage that knowledge is power. Actually, knowledge of sin is power, specifically when that sin is someone else’s. What does this have to do with 1 Timothy 3? I’ll try to get there from here.

One of the most vulnerable positions for a Christian to find himself in is to know that there are others who possess an intimate knowledge of one’s sin. Satan and his angels use that aspect of our fallen lives to bring about temptation to share what we know about others, especially the ugly parts. We talk much about protecting testimonies in our family, and the same applies to the Christian church, local and at-large. The hardest thing we can do, and yet likely the most important, is to protect the testimonies of brothers and sisters all around us.

Chapter 3 is most often used to lay out the qualifications for pastors, deacons, and ladies in the church. Knowing that Timothy was already in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3), Paul was instructing him on what to look for in leadership, and yet we can certainly apply the qualifications to any Christian, as these are among the ideal to strive for. When I look at each one, I tend to say, “yeah, makes sense”, because in essence they are so very basic, and yet our sin often shows us and others around us just how short we can come.

Above reproach, husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious (love that word, only in the NASB), gentle, peaceable, free from love of money, manage house well and with dignity, not conceited, good reputation outside of church. Great list there for the overseer. Similar for deacons and the ladies. You can read them there.

Paul also says to hold to the faith with a clear conscience. And the most reassuring thing going for me right now is that my testimony, including my sinful being, is in the hands of Almighty God. People know things about me that I wish they never did. Many have the power to very literally destroy any part of me that is still of good repute, friendships can be destroyed based on the trust I have put into the hands of other sinners. And I know the Holy Spirit can work if we will let Him. The Spirit gives all the assurance I really need.

You see? Paul knew that all these qualifications would all have to be working through people together to deal with what we see in everyone, what we should see in ourselves as well. And they all come into play within the realm of church, local and at-large.

The church is supposed to be the pillar and support of truth. Nothing else in this world is going to uphold the truth of God and His Word. That is the job of the church, and that takes people, and Paul explains this to Timothy after going through the list of spiritual qualifications. Christianity does not work well when His people do not work together. That seems to me a point worth hearing.

Very personally and honestly, I rest so very comfortably today, knowing this: how others respond to me, how they treat me, how they even view me as a person, may very well rest on the lips and in the ears of people who can build me up or tear me down. And God has my back, of this I am certain. And I pray for His help and guidance.

And may God also guard my eyes, ears, and tongue today as well, because that sword cuts both ways. There is always a choice, always a way to escape temptation. Like Paul, I want the church to thrive and succeed for the Savior. And what I and others know needs to be filtered through this list that Paul gives Timothy, in order to properly proceed along the Christian life.