Character before Ministry

Sermon 3: "Character Before Ministry"

Primary Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Theme: The Priority of Personal Integrity

Opening Reference: "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task." (1 Timothy 3:1)

Key Points with Scripture References:

1. Qualifications for Leadership

Primary passage: 1 Timothy 3:2-7 (Elder qualifications)

Supporting references:

Titus 1:6-9 (Parallel qualifications list)

Acts 6:3 (Selection of first deacons - "men of good repute")

James 3:1 ("Not many of you should become teachers")

2. Developing Godly Character

Primary passage: 1 Timothy 4:12 ("Set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity")

Supporting references:

2 Peter 1:5-7 (Progressive development of character)

Galatians 5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirit)

Philippians 2:12-13 (Working out salvation)

3. Relationship Between Private Life and Public Ministry

Primary passage: 1 Timothy 3:4-5 ("Managing his own household well")

Supporting references:

Matthew 7:3-5 (Remove the log from your own eye first)

Acts 20:28 ("Pay careful attention to yourselves")

1 Corinthians 9:27 ("I discipline my body and keep it under control")

4. Setting an Example for Others

Primary passage: 1 Timothy 4:15-16 ("Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching")

Supporting references:

1 Peter 5:2-3 (Being examples to the flock)

Philippians 3:17 ("Join in imitating me")

Hebrews 13:7 (Consider the outcome of leaders' way of life)

Key Illustrations from Scripture:

David's integrity: Psalm 78:72 - "With upright heart he shepherded them"

Daniel's excellence: Daniel 6:4 - No corruption found in him

Joshua's family commitment: Joshua 24:15 - "As for me and my house"

Samuel's public reputation: 1 Samuel 12:3-5 - Public accountability

Application Points:

Personal Assessment (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Character Development Plan (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Family Leadership (1 Timothy 3:4-5)

Ministry Effectiveness (1 Timothy 4:15-16)

Concluding Thought:

"Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Timothy 4:16)

Additional Cross-References for Further Study:

Psalm 101 (A leader's commitment to integrity)

Proverbs 10:9 (Walking in integrity)

Matthew 23:1-12 (Warning against hypocrisy in leadership)

Acts 20:17-38 (Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders)