Faithful Wives

1 Timothy 3-Part 3               
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.  1 Timothy 3:11


LET IT GLOW

Have you noticed that television shows are portaying unfaithful wives as the norm? What ever happened to the days of "Ozzie and Harriet" and "Father Knows Best"? Is our society saying it's acceptable to be unfaithful to your husband as long as you don't get caught? Is it a game to wives? Is divorce not a sad thing anymore? (Some shows just have the couple as live-ins and not married.)
I'm happy to say my husband and I will celebrate our 39th anniversary soon and we've both been faithful to each other. Any feed back?
Guess I'll step down from my soap box and open the Word.

As I read through chapter 3, Paul first discusses with Timothy the qualifications of a pastor (bishop) and then the qualifications of a deacon in the church. As he describes what character qualities deacons should have, he inserts (verse 11 for us to read) about their wives. Since the men are the leaders of a church, I don't consider Paul is speaking about another leader, which is a woman. These are only two offices to which he addresses Timothy. Personally, I don't think Paul is addressing an office of a "deaconess."  (Some would disagree with me, which is their priviledge.)

The New Living Translation says this: In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

The New International Version 1984 states: In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

With that established, Paul is describing the wife of a deacon, let's see what he says their character should be:

The King James Version uses the phrase "faithful in all things" to describe a deacon's wife.

"This covers a multitude of areas in practical matters of the church," states Liberty Bible Commentary.

To me, the wife of a pastor or deacon can "make or break" their husband's ministry. If she is a wife who supports her husband, encourages, and helps him, he will be successful. If she doesn't, his ministry will be hindered.  Which am I?

Faithful in all things, faithful in everything-faithful to her marriage and husband, faithful to her Savior, and faithful to her church. Is this a quality Paul is saying the deacon's wife should have?

Faithful means loyal and true, according to Webster's Dictionary.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians 3:23

Am I faithful to the Lord? How faithful am I to daily prayer and Bible study?


LET IT GROW

There are three other qualities that the wife of a deacon should possess that Paul mentions:
*grave-honorable, worthy of respect (in speech, gesture, and dress)
*sober-temperate, abstaining from wine
*not a slanderer-prone to slander, accusing falsely.

"A man's leadership in the home can be evaluated, in part, by his wife's conduct," said David Guzik.

"All who are related to ministers must double their care to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ, lest, if they in any thing walk disorderly, the ministry be blamed. The families of deacons should be examples to other families," stated Mathew Henry's Commentary.

In his letter to the Ephesian church, Paul says for the wives to submit unto their own husbands (5:21). In that same letter, he gives several ways a Christian should conduct themselves. Proverbs 31 gives us qualities of a virtuous woman.  It's always good to review.

I think I can say that these are good qualities for any wife to exhibit. Am I? Are you?


LET IT GO

Be faithful to the Lord Jesus, my husband, and the church.

Build them up, not tear them down.

Be a wife who is grave, not a slanderer, sober, and faithful in all things.