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Pastors & 1 Tim 3

Discussion in '2000-02 Archive' started by bb_baptist, Dec 12, 2002.

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  1. bb_baptist

    bb_baptist New Member

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    Am I removed from reality if I expect that pastors be of blameless Christian character according to the qualifications of I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9?
     
    #1 bb_baptist, Dec 12, 2002
  2. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Most of us would read blameless and hang up our coats, believing we fall far short on the description alone.

    The word shows up in about 60 places in the Old Testament and New Testament, and there are about 4 variations in meanings.

    In this particular passage and in Titus, it may very well be read as "innocent". This is exactly what the word in English means to-day. One may very well point a finger and say we fall short, and so we may, but are we "innocent"? As a child in innocence falls short of the parents' expectation, so the pastor may fall short of the parishioners' expectations, but remains innocent.

    How the pastor deals with the situation determines how "blameless" he may be and thus fulfil the qualifications of a pastor.

    I think your expectations of a pastor are realistic. Certainly we all ought to strive toward that mark, if we expect to represent a holy and just God.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
    #2 Jim1999, Dec 12, 2002
  3. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I look at the etymology of "blameless" and see it as not accused, indicted or convicted of any wrongdoing.

    While I know I continue to sin and could not be positionally "blameless" in God's eyes, the practical list that defines "blameless" (next 17 character traits listed in I Tim 3) should have me no being accused, indicted or convicted of sinful life.
     
    #3 Dr. Bob, Dec 13, 2002
  4. Sherlock57

    Sherlock57 New Member

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    I have always explained blameless as not having a handle that someone can grab on and accuse you of something.
     
    #4 Sherlock57, Dec 13, 2002
  5. Bartimaeus

    Bartimaeus New Member

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    I am somewhat inclined to believe that many today interpret this to mean: without indictment by the local or state prosecutor, anything up to that is fine. What a day we live in!

    Thanks ------Bart
     
    #5 Bartimaeus, Dec 13, 2002
  6. Don

    Don Well-Known Member
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    What Dr. Bob said.

    A pastor is not blameless if someone can stand up and say, "That pastor is guilty of ____" and is able to back it up with proof.
     
    #6 Don, Dec 13, 2002
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