1 Timothy

This book is like a leadership training manual, very much like the book of Titus. Paul began by telling Timothy, his son in faith, the noble aspiration one has if he aspires to the office of an overseer (3:1). Having a desire to be a leader is one thing, having the qualities of a leader is another. Paul envisaged the leadership structure of the church to be male (2:11-12). He went on to list some of the qualities required in being an elder/leader:

1. Blameless (v2,7): not one where people can point an accusing finger at but having a good testimony
2. Husband of one wife (v2): practising monogamy
3. Well-disciplined (v2-3): temperate, sober-minded and of good behaviour/gentle, not violent/quarrelsome
4. Hospitable (v2): a people's person, caring for their needs
5. Able to teach (v2): probably the truths and principles found in the Word
6. Well-controlled (v3): not addicted to wine or liquor
7. Not envious (v3): not greedy for money nor covetous
8. Manage own house well (v4): children are in submission or obedient
9. Not a newbie (v5): would still be subjected to a lot of temptations

A slightly shorter but somehow similar list is given for deacons to be (v8-13). The key idea Paul told Timothy was to put candidates to a test first before giving them a leadership position. From the qualities listed above, it seems that God wants us to be blameless in body, soul and spirit.

In body, we have to learn how to control ourselves and not be easily enticed by various lusts. In our soul, we have to imbibed the Word of God in order to be able to teach and we are not to allow the devil to throw his fiery darts at us. In spirit, we have to be strong in faith in order to extinguish the enemies' fire power. Prayer is featured quite prominently where Timothy was instructed to pray for all men especially those in authority (ch 2). The Scriptures is emphasized in 2 Timothy 3. Together, prayer and the Word make for a mighty combination that prepare and equip every believer for every good work (2 Tim 3:1-17).

It is good for Timothy to have a mentor in Paul. Likewise, for new believers, it is good that they be mentored by someone more senior in spiritual age. The relationship should not just be an impartation of knowledge but also of life's lessons learnt. When we do that, the multiplier effect kicks in (2 Tim 2:2) and the lives we touch could very well touch many other lives in return.