International Ministry Training Leitung und Familie – 1. Tim 3,4 – Joanna Richardson

International Ministry Training Leitung und Familie - 1. Tim 3,4 -
Joanna Richardson 1 Timothy 3:4 (ESV)
He must manage his own
household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive
Background to the context The First Epistle to Timothy is one of
the pastoral epistles written by the Apostle Paul.It was addressed
to Timothy, a young leader in the early Christian community,
providing guidance on matters of doctrine, church organization, and
pastoral care. Paul discusses the qualities needed for church
leaders. He focuses NOT on their talents, but on their personal
character traits. During the time of the Apostle Paul, the
household structure was central to society, especially in
Greco-Roman culture. The household was not only a place of
residence but also a unit of economic, social, and religious
significance. The head of the household held considerable authority
and responsibility, and effective leadership within the household
was highly valued. The phrase "managing his own household well"
carries implications beyond mere administration. It encompasses the
ability to provide for, protect, and guide one's family members in
a manner that fosters harmony, stability, and growth. This cultural
backdrop helps us appreciate the importance of household management
as a criterion for leadership within the early Christian community.
1. What is it to MANAGE? He must manage his own household well
Literally, you must stand before them to guide and direct them.
That’s what the word “manage” means in the original language. It
pictures someone who “stands before” a group of people. 
He is in
charge, and that is demonstrated by the willing obedience of those
under him. Whether we're leaders, want to be leaders, or just
starting out we are to keep a watchful eye over our families. Why
would Paul make home leadership an aspect of godliness? From the
very beginning of time, the idea of leading well started. 
Adam and
Eve were created to manage and rule over creation. 
As their
children and as people made in God's image, we also have that
responsibility. 
This role of guiding and supervising won't end but
will continue forever in the new world that God will create.
Revelation 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the
light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give
them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Part of our
sanctification is growing in that ability. And the first place we
need to lead is in our own homes. 1a. Leading well does not mean we
will have no problems. Anyone who manages people should expect
complications. What manager has no problems? If we are serving
people, we will have problems. But ruling well means responding
well to those problems when they arise. Dear men is your heart set
on guiding your household with wisdom and dignity; bringing up your
children to worship with devotion and purity. ? Dear women Proverbs
14:1 says "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands
the foolish one tears hers down." are you playing a role in shaping
the atmosphere of your homes through wisdom and actions. 1b.
Managing well also means elevating others. Philippians 2:9-11
highlights the principle of elevating others. True leadership isn't
about seeking personal glory or recognition but about lifting
others up and enabling them to reach their full potential. In a
family context, this means nurturing and supporting each family
member to grow and flourish in their own unique ways. Managing well
involves embracing servanthood without compromising the values of
Christ. Philippians 2:6-11 makes it very clear: Jesus earns the
respect of the whole world, not by hanging onto his rights as God,
but by emptying Himself of all those rights and stooping to serve
even to the point of death on a cross. Mark 10:45 says, “The Son of
Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a
ransom for many” It's also important to note that a leader's
children don't all have to be believers. Some have misunderstood
Titus 1:6 on this matter, causing further distress to parents with
wayward children. However, Titus 1:6 essentially repeats what is
said in 1 Timothy 3:4–5. The accurate translation isn't "believing
children" but rather "faithful children." Ultimately, the Holy
Spirit is the one who changes hearts, and parents cannot guarantee
their child's faith. 4. The qualification - with all dignity
keeping his children submissive The idea of keeping children
submissive may sound outdated and offensive to modern ears. Should
we overlook Paul's seemingly outdated and backward perspective on
parenting? Contrarily, it's our understanding that is flawed God
commands Ephesians 6:1–3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord,
for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the
first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you
and that you may live long in the land.” Training for obedience
doesn’t suppress our children, rather it pleases the Lord and will
result in life going well with them Col. 3:20 Children, obey your
parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Overseer is to
have faithful children who are not unruly and disobedient , unlike
Eli and David (examples). 1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were
worthless men. They did not know the LORD. The sons of Eli were
corrupt and disobedient, treating the offerings of the Lord with
contempt and engaging in immoral behavior, despite their father's
admonitions. Their sinful actions were severe in the eyes of the
Lord, leading to their ultimate downfall. (1 Samuel 2:17, 1 Samuel
2:22 , 1 Samuel 2:23–25) 1 Kings 1:6 introduces Adonijah, one of
King David's sons, highlighting his handsome appearance and lack of
parental discipline. Adonijah's unauthorized proclamation as king
triggers a succession conflict with Solomon, leading to political
intrigue and alliances. Ultimately, Solomon emerges as the rightful
king, ending Adonijah's rebellion. Paul not only mentions the
outcome of leadership but also emphasizes the approach: "with all
dignity." This could be understood as maintaining one's dignity
without compromising it. Alternatively, as the NIV renders it,
"worthy of full respect." Essentially, it means that the leader
maintains authority while keeping composure, even when dealing with
submissive children. He doesn't govern his children through fear as
a harsh dictator would. Instead, He guides them with both authority
and compassion. According to John Stott, pastoral ministry involves
serving with gentleness, yet it also carries a necessary authority.
Without pastors demonstrating discipline in their own homes, it's
unrealistic to expect discipline within the local church. Don’t
expect perfection. Instead, assess if your children are on a
trajectory toward obedience. As the leaders, we’re responsible for
the atmosphere of the home. We should expect our children to obey
us because God commands it. But we aren’t surprised when our
children disobey us because they’re sinful. Since there’s sin in
every heart, a godly parent will receive problems in the home as
personal training assignments from the Lord. Don't expect your
children to be perfect. Instead, consider if they're moving in the
right direction towards obedience. As parents, we set the tone for
our home environment. We should expect our children to obey us
because God commands it, but we shouldn't be surprised when they
don't because everyone is affected by sin. A wise father sees
challenges at home as opportunities to grow personally with God's
guidance.

If we understand the importance of this qualification,
we'll also grasp the significance of living faithfully in our
homes. Equally important, we'll be nurturing future leaders with a
crucial quality that's often lacking—practical wisdom gained
through experience. Many young pastors leave seminary with abundant
knowledge of the Bible but limited understanding of relationships.
Both are essential for leading God's people. The home is where we
learn how to lead relationally, and it's where we first put this
wisdom into practice for God's glory.