Called toSomething Greater

Our Philosophy/ Vision: Disciple our kids to a lasting commitment to Jesus.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 3:1–3 NLT

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.

1 Timothy 3:4–6 NLT

He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.

Purpose:

Outline:

Leading Like Jesus: The Call to Character

Bible Passage: 1 Timothy 3:1–3

Summary: In this passage, Paul articulates the requirements for overseers in the church, focusing on the holistic development of character traits that reflect God's standards. He highlights the importance of self-control, not being quarrelsome, and the ability to lead one's family well, positioning these as essential attributes of effective leadership.

Application: This sermon can guide children in understanding that leadership is closely tied to the way they treat others and manage their responsibilities. It underscores the importance of developing character and being a positive example in their friendships and school environments, showing them that they can make a difference even as kids by embodying these values.

Teaching: The teaching will revolve around the premise that true leadership is anchored in character and responsibility. It will show children that they each have the potential to lead through their actions and choices, emphasizing that even small acts of kindness and respect count as leadership.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the entirety of scripture, Jesus exemplifies what it means to lead with humility and service. His life serves as the ultimate benchmark for aspiring leaders, showcasing that true greatness comes from putting others first and living out the values of the Kingdom.

Big Idea: In every moment, we are called to reflect the character of Christ through our actions and decisions, demonstrating that leadership is not about being in charge, but about serving others with love and integrity.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider utilizing your Logos library to research the specific qualities Paul lists and how they compare to contemporary definitions of leadership. Look into commentaries that address the practical applications of these traits in today's society, especially in relation to youth leadership. Additionally, examine studies on the role of character in leadership effectiveness that could further enhance your message.

1. Aspiring to Serve

1 Timothy 3:1

Perhaps you could start by explaining that the desire to lead is a good thing, as long as it's aligned with the right intentions. Use this verse to emphasize that leadership is an opportunity to serve others, reflecting the heart of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. Children should understand that they can be leaders by helping, sharing, and caring for their friends, and to always seek ways to lead by example in their everyday lives.

2. Embodying Christ's Character

1 Timothy 3:2

You could discuss the specific qualities listed in this verse that make a good leader: being above reproach, self-controlled, respectable, and hospitable. Use examples relatable to children, such as being honest, patient, and willing to help others. Connect these traits to how Jesus interacted with others during His life. Encourage children to think about how they can practice these qualities at school or home, suggesting that leadership starts with small acts of kindness and respect.

3. Choosing Peace and Generosity

1 Timothy 3:3

Maybe conclude by addressing the negative traits to avoid, such as being quarrelsome or a lover of money. Highlight how these can lead to unhealthy relationships and poor leadership. Relate it to Jesus’ teaching on loving others and putting them first. Inspire the children to be peacemakers among their peers, always ready to forgive and prioritize friendship over selfish desires. Reinforce the idea that true leadership is characterized by selfless love, just as Jesus demonstrated.

Object Lesson:

Absolutely. Since 1 Timothy 3:1–3 focuses on the character of a godly leader, a strong object lesson is one that helps children understand that who we are on the inside shows through our choices on the outside. Paul describes an overseer as self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, gentle, peaceful, and not controlled by money or alcohol. [biblegateway.com], [bible.com]

Object Lesson: “What’s in Your Backpack?”

Scripture

1 Timothy 3:1–3

Big Idea

Godly leaders carry godly character wherever they go.

Main Point for Kids

God cares about who I am, not just what I can do.

Supplies

A backpack

Bible

Heart-shaped paper

Small welcome sign or toy house

Pencil

Soft sponge

Play money

Optional: cards labeled Self-Control, Respect, Hospitality, Teaching, Gentleness, Peace

Set Up

Place the objects inside the backpack before the lesson.

Tell the children:

“Imagine you were getting ready for an important trip. What would you put in your backpack?”

Let several children answer.

Then say:

“Today we're going to look inside a very special backpack. Instead of things we need for a trip, these objects are going to remind us about something God wants us to carry wherever we go: godly character.”

Object 1: The Bible 📖

Pull out the Bible.

Ask:

“What do you think this could remind us about?”

Explain:

Paul says a church leader should be able to teach. [biblegateway.com]

“Before we can teach God's truth, we have to learn God's truth. We read the Bible, listen to God, and allow His Word to change the way we live.”

Kids repeat:

“Know God's Word!”

Object 2: The Heart ❤️

Pull out the heart.

“Paul wasn't just talking about looking good on the outside. God wants our hearts and our actions to honor Him.”

Explain that being above reproach, faithful, self-controlled, and respectable describes a life of integrity and good character. [biblegateway.com]

Ask:

“Is doing the right thing important only when someone is watching us?”

Kids: “No!”

Say:

“Good character means choosing what is right even when nobody else is watching.”

Kids repeat:

“Choose what is right!”

Object 3: The House 🏠

Pull out the toy house or welcome sign.

Paul says a godly leader should be hospitable. [biblegateway.com]

Explain:

“Hospitality means welcoming and caring about other people. We can look for someone who feels left out, share with someone, invite someone to play, or help a new child feel welcome.”

Ask:

“What's one way we can help someone feel welcome at church?”

Allow answers.

Kids repeat:

“Welcome others!”

Object 4: The Sponge 🧽

Hold up the sponge.

Squeeze it gently.

Say:

“A sponge is soft. Paul says a godly leader should not be violent or quarrelsome, but gentle.” [biblegateway.com]

Give an example:

“Suppose someone grabs the toy you were playing with. You might want to yell, ‘Give that back!’ But what could gentleness look like?”

Let the children respond.

Then say:

“Gentleness doesn't mean weakness. It means choosing to respond God's way instead of letting anger control us.”

Kids repeat:

“Choose gentleness!”

Object 5: Play Money 💵

Pull out the play money.

Ask:

“Is money bad?”

Explain:

“No. But Paul says a godly leader should not be a lover of money.” [biblegateway.com]

Hold the money in one hand and the Bible in the other.

“God should be more important to us than the things we own. A godly person doesn't say, ‘How much can I get?’ Instead, they learn to ask, ‘How can I honor God with what He's given me?’”

Kids repeat:

“God comes first!”

Put It All Together 🎒

Place everything back into the backpack.

Say:

“If I carry this backpack around, other people can't see everything inside it. But once I start taking things out, they discover what's been in there all along.”

Point toward your heart.

“Our character is a little like that. People can't see inside our hearts, but our choices eventually reveal what's there.”

Paul's instructions emphasize qualities such as self-control, respectability, hospitality, teaching ability, gentleness, peacefulness, and freedom from the love of money. [biblegateway.com], [bible.com]

Then ask:

“What are YOU carrying?”

Have the children repeat:

❤️ A heart that chooses what's right. 🧠 Self-control. 🏠 A welcoming spirit. 📖 God's truth. 🧽 Gentleness. 🕊️ Peace. 🙌 Putting God first.

Take-Home Challenge

Give each child a paper backpack or index card.

Write:

MY CHARACTER BACKPACK

Have them choose one character quality to practice this week:

Self-control

Respect

Hospitality

Gentleness

Peacefulness

Faithfulness

Generosity

Closing Prayer

“God, thank You for teaching us that character matters. Help us make good choices, practice self-control, welcome others, speak Your truth, be gentle, make peace, and put You first. Help our lives show others that we belong to You. Amen.”

⭐ Grace Kids Bottom Line

“Godly character means living God's way wherever we go.”

This lesson turns Paul's leadership qualifications into concrete objects children can remember, while keeping the emphasis on character rather than simply giving them a list of rules.

Biblical Background:

Absolutely. Here are helpful biblical cross-references for 1 Timothy 3:1–3, organized around the character qualities Paul gives for godly leadership.

Biblical Cross-References for 1 Timothy 3:1–3

1. Desiring to Serve God Is a Good Work

1 Timothy 3:1 teaches that seeking the responsibility of an overseer is desiring a noble work.

Cross-references:

– Church leaders are called to watch over and care for God’s flock. Acts 20:28

– Leaders should willingly shepherd God’s people and lead by example.1 Peter 5:2–3

– Jesus teaches that true greatness is demonstrated through serving others. Mark 10:43–45

Kid-friendly truth: 👉 A godly leader wants to serve, not just be in charge.

2. Above Reproach

1 Timothy 3:2

Cross-references:

– An overseer should be above reproach. Titus 1:6–7

– God calls His people to live blameless and pure lives.Philippians 2:14–15

– Our good behavior should point others toward God.1 Peter 2:12

Kid-friendly truth: 👉 Live in a way that honors God.

3. Faithful

1 Timothy 3:2

Cross-references:

– Marriage should be honored. Hebrews 13:4

– Husbands are instructed to love their wives sacrificially. Ephesians 5:25

– Faithfulness is an important character quality. Proverbs 20:6

Kid-friendly truth: 👉 Be someone others can trust.

4. Self-Controlled and Respectable

1 Timothy 3:2

Cross-references:

– Self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit.Galatians 5:22–23

– God's grace teaches believers to live self-controlled and godly lives.Titus 2:11–12

– A person without self-control is compared to a city without protective walls.Proverbs 25:28

Kid-friendly truth: 👉 With God’s help, we can control our choices, words, and actions.

5. Hospitable

1 Timothy 3:2

Cross-references:

– God's people are encouraged to practice hospitality.Romans 12:13

– Believers are told not to forget to show hospitality.Hebrews 13:2

– Christians should offer hospitality without complaining.1 Peter 4:9

Kid-friendly truth: 👉 Welcome others and show them God's love.

6. Able to Teach

1 Timothy 3:2

Cross-references:

– The Lord's servant should be kind and able to teach.2 Timothy 2:24

– Leaders should hold firmly to trustworthy teaching.Titus 1:9

– Believers should correctly handle God's truth.2 Timothy 2:15

Kid-friendly truth: 👉 Learn God's Word so you can help others understand it.

7. Gentle, Not Violent or Quarrelsome

1 Timothy 3:3

Cross-references:

– God's servant should not be quarrelsome but kind and gentle.2 Timothy 2:24–25

– Jesus calls peacemakers blessed.Matthew 5:9

– A gentle answer can turn away anger.Proverbs 15:1

– Gentleness is part of the fruit of the Spirit.Galatians 5:22–23

Kid-friendly truth: 👉 Godly leaders choose gentleness and peace instead of fighting.

8. Not a Lover of Money

1 Timothy 3:3

Cross-references:

– The love of money can lead people into many kinds of trouble.1 Timothy 6:10

– Believers should live free from the love of money and be content.Hebrews 13:5

– Jesus teaches that we cannot serve both God and money.Matthew 6:24

– Life is about more than the things we possess.Luke 12:15

Kid-friendly truth: 👉 Love God more than money and possessions.

🌟 Main Lesson

These passages reinforce one central message:

Godly leadership begins with godly character.

Paul's list isn't primarily about being talented, popular, or powerful. It emphasizes faithfulness, self-control, hospitality, gentleness, peacefulness, and integrity.

Grace Kids Memory Phrase

“God helps me lead by living like Jesus!”

Cross References:

Absolutely. For 1 Timothy 3:1–3, the strongest cross-references are passages that reinforce Paul's teaching about godly leadership, character, self-control, gentleness, and faithful service. Titus 1:7 and Acts 20:28 are especially closely connected to Paul's description of an overseer. [openbible.info], [biblehub.com]

Cross-References for 1 Timothy 3:1–3

1. Acts 20:28: Spiritual Leaders Care for God's People

Paul tells the overseers to pay careful attention to themselves and to God's flock, emphasizing their responsibility to care for the church. [openbible.info]

Connection: 1 Timothy 3 describes the character of a leader; Acts 20:28 describes the responsibility of a leader.

Kid-friendly truth: 🌟 Good leaders take care of the people God gives them.

2. Titus 1:6–9: Godly Leaders Have Godly Character

This is one of the closest parallels to 1 Timothy 3. Titus 1:7 likewise says an overseer must be above reproach and must not be quick-tempered, violent, drunken, or greedy. [openbible.info], [biblehub.com]

Connection: God is concerned not only with what leaders do, but also with who they are.

Kid-friendly truth: 🌟 Character matters to God.

3. 1 Peter 5:2–3: Lead by Example

Peter instructs church leaders to shepherd God's people willingly rather than being motivated by dishonest gain. [openbible.info]

Connection: Leadership isn't about being the boss. Biblical leadership involves serving others and setting a godly example.

Kid-friendly truth: 🌟 A good leader shows others how to follow God.

4. 2 Timothy 2:24–25: Be Gentle, Not Quarrelsome

This passage closely supports Paul's requirement in 1 Timothy 3:3 that God's servant be gentle rather than quarrelsome.

Kid-friendly truth: 🌟 Godly leaders choose gentle words instead of fighting.

5. Galatians 5:22–23: Practice Self-Control

Paul includes self-control among the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit.

Connection: 1 Timothy 3:2 says an overseer should be self-controlled. Self-control isn't only important for church leaders. It is something the Holy Spirit develops in believers.

Kid-friendly truth: 🌟 The Holy Spirit helps us control our words, attitudes, and actions.

6. Romans 12:13: Practice Hospitality

Paul encourages believers to care for God's people and practice hospitality.

Connection: 1 Timothy 3:2 specifically identifies hospitality as a characteristic of a godly leader.

Kid-friendly truth: 🌟 God wants us to welcome and care for others.

7. Hebrews 13:5: Don't Love Money

Hebrews instructs believers to keep their lives free from the love of money and to practice contentment.

Connection: 1 Timothy 3:3 says a godly leader should not be a lover of money.

Kid-friendly truth: 🌟 Be thankful for what God gives you instead of always wanting more.

⭐ Key Cross-Reference

If you want one primary cross-reference for your Grace Kids lesson, I would use:

Titus 1:7–9

It closely parallels Paul's leadership qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and reinforces the importance of integrity and godly character. Cross-reference resources specifically connect Titus 1:7 with 1 Timothy 3:1–3. [openbible.info], [biblehub.com]

Grace Kids Main Idea

“Godly leaders lead with godly character.”

1 Timothy 3:1–3 + Titus 1:7–9

Together, these passages can help children see that being a leader isn't about being important or powerful. God wants leaders who are faithful, self-controlled, gentle, welcoming, and committed to what is good.

Special Notes:

Kid-Friendly Summary

You could simplify these qualities for Grace Kids like this:

A godly leader should…

Make good choices

Be faithful

Practice self-control

Treat others with respect

Welcome and care for people

Be able to teach God's Word

Avoid things that control them

Be gentle, not mean or violent

Be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker

Love God and people more than money

Main teaching idea: 👉 God cares about a leader’s character, not just their abilities.

In what ways can children lead by example in their daily lives?

How did Jesus show what it means to be a true leader?