1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3:1 “1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.”

Noble Desire-

the desire to serve, finding joy in doing so

God given desire to prioritize God’s kingdom

Qualities of Leaders

Elders- episkopos

1 Timothy 3:2–7 “2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”

Deacons- diakonos

New Living Translation Chapter 3

NOTE: most of these qualities describe who a man is, rather than what he does. Character results in behavior.

Character

Character is formed in the ordinary, tested in the extraordinary

Character is demonstrated in relationship

Character is confirmed over time

Character qualifies a man for greater responsibility

Discipling Church Leadership

the internal purpose of the Church is to “make disciples”, to raise up members of the household of faith.

2 Timothy 2:2 “2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

Titus 1:9 “9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

The external purpose of the church is to declare the glory of God, displayed in Christ Jesus through proclamation and demonstration.

HTSWL

Men- begin within your own heart: reject passivity

Families- Love the Lord your God...

Mark 12:29–31 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.””