Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 137

May 17;   I Timothy 3:15;   193/260(I);   ‘Godly Standards’

1 Timothy 3:15 so that if I can't come for a while, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth.     NLT

Paul, writing what was given to him by the Holy Spirit, lists the necessary credentials of the Pastor and those who serve in the church.  The devil does all that he can to discredit Christians and especially ministers.  So often the Lord is ‘judged’ by those who represent Him.  Knowing this, godly standards are laid out by Paul for the conduct of Pastors and those who serve.  In any profession guidelines are in place for the protection of those who seek the help of these professionals.  How much more in the eternal work of a Pastor and those who serve with him.  Paul, in this verse, teaches that Pastors and servant leaders must live their lives by the standards set forth by the Holy Spirit.  Teaching ability, morals, conduct and the care of their family are all part of these guidelines.  The Pastor should be an example to the congregation of a man or woman of God.  The love of the Pastor and those who serve for their families should be exemplary.  Paul cautions that a Pastor, when he or she starts out must not be prideful because of the position they hold.  They must know that the Five Fold ministry gifts are an honor and must be entered into with humility and reverence.  The call into the ministry is by the Lord Jesus, not the personal desire to the individual, serious stuff. A Pastor, understanding that the gift and calling on their life, is sacred, must live in such a way that the Lord Jesus gets all of the glory.  A servant leader must feel and conduct themselves in the same way .  If this is the case the local church that they officiate in, will be a ‘safe haven’ and powerful ‘spiritual home’ for everyone.