LEADERS WANTED – 1TIMOTHY 3:1-16
1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in every-thing.
12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15if 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. 16Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, 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. (1Timothy 3:1-16)
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1Peter 5:1-4)
1) Taking responsibility is good for us
” Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task..” (1Tim.3:1)
” Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” (1Tim.3:13)
OVERSEER (1Tim.3:1)
ELDER (1Tim.5:17)
DEACON (1Tim.3:8)
What is God calling you to do? What YES is Jesus waiting for from you?
2) Jesus gives us a personal development opportunity.
“It ain’t the parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it’s the parts that I do understand.” (Mark Twain)
QUARRELSOME
HOSPITABLE
FAITHFUL
MANAGES FAMILY WELL
HOLDS ON TO THE DEEP TRUTHS OF THE FAITH
TEACHING ABILITY
WELL THOUGHT OF BY OUTSIDERS
ABOVE REPROACH
What is God challenging you to work on today?
3) Jesus “carries” us
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst..” (1Tim.1:15)
Will you let Jesus carry your sin and failure all the way through death and judgement day, or would you rather carry it yourself and be found out?
Challenge: What do I need to do?
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I want to know more:
- What is Christianity? 321 The Story of God, the World and You: https://youtu.be/tKyZjvK-d2M
- Who is Jesus? Roger Carswell – available for free in the foyer.
- More on 1Timothy. The best readable commentary is “The Message of 1Timothy and Titus” by John Stott (Bible Speaks Today)
- What does an elder look like? Steven J.Cole, and subsequent pages
- Book: Growing Leaders: Reflections on Leadership, Life and Jesus, by James Lawrence.
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