Character Of Godly Leaders Series

Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Title: Character of Godly Leaders, Date/Place: WHBC, 4.15.18, AM

A. Opening illustration: Jerome was biblical scholar and bible translator whose translation of the bible into Latin was a watershed moment in Christian history. In 394 AD he sent a letter to Nepotian rebuking churches of those days for their hypocrisy in showing more concern for their buildings than for the careful selection of their church leaders. He stated: “Many build churches nowadays; their walls and pillars of glowing marble, their ceilings of glittering gold, their altars with jewels. Yet to the choice of Christ’s ministers no heed is paid.” Fred: “who is worthy” for these things.

B. Background to passage: The requirements here were not uniquely Christian but included in various lists of character requirements. These are requirements that are exemplified by these men who lead. However, we should not feel compelled to add to their burden. Thus, the umbrella, list-leading qualifications of above reproach—explain. And include with this thought “good reputation” and “well-thought of by outsiders.” One thing that we should note up front. The character traits mentioned here are not uniquely Christian. The Greeks and some Americans believe these requirements are good for all. They are taught in other places in scripture, therefore as we think about them as prerequisites for elders, they should be applied across the board as instruction.

C. Main thought: In the text we will see the “must have’s” for a biblical elder, as well as standards meted out to

II. BODY

A. He must have an exemplary home life (v. 2, 4-5)

1. First, Paul deals with marital fidelity (assuming, but not requiring that most elders would be married). Explain the Gr. behind “husband of one wife” and its meaning. If he is married, his marriage should not only be pure, but an example marriage to pattern others upon. He should be a good husband, and dwell with his wife according to knowledge. He is to be a loving leader who is willing to lay down his life for their needs. He is to maintain the goal and practices to disciple his wife and children. Paul also is clear that the children of an elder (again assuming, but not requiring) would be reverent submission to the authority of their father. This does not deal the adult grown children, who are beyond the household authority of their father. Explain the need for hospitable pastors in the first century.

2. 1 Pet 3:7, Titus 1:6,

3. Illustration: The Puritans viewed the home as a “little church” and a place to examine whether or not a man had the ability to lead God’s church. In his book called Solving Marriage Problems, Jay Adams, the father of Biblical counseling says, “It seems there is no end of self-appointed marriage counselors in the church. It is time for the church to discourage the blind from misguiding the blind. Too many marriages have ended in the ditch because their advice was followed.” A pastor by the name of Arden Taylor was prepared to resign his church because his daughter was found to be pregnant out of wedlock. I know of a prominent pastor who went through a divorce, and never even took time off to mend his marriage. Pastors have the third highest divorce rate by occupation, behind doctors and policemen.

4. We must ask the question of sexual purity and all around marital faithfulness in our day of rampant sexual sin, and the increasing ability to be elusive and secretive in sexual sin online. We must seek for faithfulness on more levels than just sexual. A man is disqualified if he is not pure in mind and body toward his wife. How about husbands and wives in general? Deal with the present nature of the pattern of life, as opposed to all past sins. If a man is divorced, we must inquire into the circumstances of this divorce. Was it biblical? When did it occur in relation to conversion? Was it primarily due to the lack of leadership of the man? Does the family of an elder demonstrate followership of Christ? If not, this is in part due to his failure to lead. Do the children of an elder strike fear in the heart of the church? Are they reverent and respectful to others? What would their teachers say about them? Do they run the house? A man is disqualified from eldership if he cannot manage (oversee, supervise) his own home to the glory of God. This also includes financial management within the home (not that he must be the accountant, but that he must oversee that his home is stewarding the resources God has provided it.) This also includes being hospitable as mentioned in v. 2. Does he welcome others into his life for fellowship. How about all believers? Food and recreation would be involved in our day, as well as other inroads of relationship development.