1 Tim. 3:11-12 – Qualifications for Wives & Families

Introduction:

There’s plenty of controversy associated w/3:11. Does Paul introduce a new class of people closely associated with deacons? 1 Tim. 3:8-13 – is divided into 4 sections.Does 3:11 refer to women in general or wives of deacons? The context determines the answer. Some have taken 3:11 to mean that: 1) Paul addressing women who are deacons. (women officers in the church) 2) Women who assist deacons. 3) Wives who assist their deacon husbands. Who is in question in 3:11?

I.  ____________ of deacons are under consideration here.

A.    Wives must be like their husbands (3:8-9)

1.      Wives must be of the same ________ _________ as their husbands.

2.      Wives are to be above reproach.

A.     3:11 is not an awkward interruption of thought in the middle of male deacon’s requirements.

II. God’s expectations for deacon’s wives.

A.     Wives are to be __________________.

B.     Wives are not to be ____________ _____________________.

1.      Wording here means slanderous or malicious talkers.

2.      God expects us to make ________; speak in love; __________

C.    Wives are to be ________________.  involves stable character

1.      Refers to a woman who has balanced judgment and _____-________.

2.      Wives who lack these qualities will undermine a deacon’s service within the congregation.

D.    Wives are to be ___________________ in all things.

1.      She is to be loyal to God! Unshakeable!

2.      Faithfulness marked all the great women & men of God!

a)     Heb. 3:5; Neh. 7:2; 9:8; Col. 1:7

b)     In _____ ______. in every relationship; In every sphere of life

III. 3:12 – Family Requirements.

A.     The need for marital purity.  Must be husband of _________ wife.

1.      It expresses an exemplary marital relationship; one above reproach.

2.       Phrase refers to a “______ ______________” man.

B.     Good managers of their ________________ & ___________________

1.      Emphasis on “good” here.  Properly; excellently.

3.      A candidate must supervise his family well.

C.    Children must ___________ & __________ to his leadership in the home.

1.      Not a spirit crushing dictatorship.

2.      but lovingly in the spirit of Eph. 6:4

D.    Father must not be passive or _______________________ in his children.

1.      He must actively guide/__________ for them & the entire household.

1.      See Pro. 3:12; 23:13-14; 29:17

E.     A man’s ability to manage God’s ____________ is directly related to his ability to manage his _______________________.

Conclusion:

A.     Qualifications are important. Standard every Christian needs to be living up to. Especially those who wish to lead.