"He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit..." (1 Timothy 3: 1-16).
Paul is very specific concerning the qualifications for leadership in the church. Many people find it hard to understand why the circumstances of our lives determine our qualifications for taking positions in the church. Because we don't understand the "sinfulness of sin," we can't see how it affects our ability to serve God.
In the same way, may people can't see what the condition of our physical bodies has to do with serving God. They do not understand that our physical bodies are designed for worship, and what we do physically has spiritual implications.
This lack of understanding underscores "the mystery of godliness" or "the mystery of our religion." There is no greater mystery than how God can become a flesh-and-blood person, be justified in the Spirit, and go back to Heaven. It is puzzling that God would and could do this. And yet, He did. That is why He is called "Emmanuel" which means "God with us."
He proved that when our sinful bodies had been cleaned up through repentance and forgiveness, and filled with the Holy Spirit, we could be justified before Him, living a Godly life, free to worship and praise Him. He wants people in leadership who can faithfully prove, through the way they live, that they have been justified.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, please use me in leadership when I am ready. Amen.
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