A Life of Integrity

Introduction:

integrity matters

1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 tim

Big Idea:

Credible People Make Irresistible Churches.

1 Timothy 3 NIV

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

1 Tim 3

1. Aspire to Lead

Who can lead?

Overseer? Pastor? Elder? Leader Board?

As far as I can read the congregation and the by-laws, women and men can serve in any capacity, but probably not in the role of senior pastor.

My own view is that women may also serve as senior pastors, but that decision is yours rather than mine to determine.

Last week I said that if you held a different view I’m OK with that. Let me state that a little more clearly. If you are a woman and believe that your role is not to serve on the Leadership Board, you are welcome here. No one will judge you because of your view.

For some of you, submission to the church is the bigger issue. I’m proud of the way you get along with this.

Sometimes we submit to one another for the sake of unity.

Baptism is an example. We believe that the Bible teaches that a person is to be baptized after they believe in Christ. I’ve met many people who were baptized as an infant, yet choose to be re-baptized as a symbol of their faith and in submission to others. I’ve met others who have not been baptized and have not decided to be re-baptized. I’m ok with that too. We love them all as family. But we also recognize that it is part of our church covenant that only baptized people can be members. Only members can be on the leadership board.

2. Live Above Reproach

Why?

So, we defend our belief that women and men who are otherwise qualified may serve on the leadership board. If you disagree, you are free to stay and participate in our mission and fellowship. You don’t have to serve as a leadership board member. The issue may come if you fail to respect that women and men may serve in such a capacity.

A couple of take-aways.

women, you should serve as ushers and communion servers.

men, you should serve in children’s ministry.

Our church and cities need to see men and women involved in various aspects of ministry.

2. Live Above Reproach

The quality of your life matters more than your leadership traits or your business experience.

These are qualitative measures rather than quantitative measures.

respectable

faithful to spouse*

temperate*

respectable*

hospitable

able to teach*

not given to drunkenness*

not violent but gentle

not quarrelsome*

not a lover of money*

manage own family well*

respectful and obedient children*

not a recent convert*

good reputation with outsiders

3. Guard the Reputation of the Church

Watch your life closely

1 Timothy 3:14–15 NIV

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Watch your doctrine closely

1 Timothy 3:16 NIV

Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

Conclusion:

Step into service

step into character transformation

step into truth