Posts tagged Guard this Treasure

How to Treat Your Leaders | 1 Timothy 5:17-25

Series: Guard this Treasure

Title: How to treat your leaders

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17-25 NIV; 1:3-7

Bottom line: We care for our leaders best through rewards, discipline and wise selection.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

INTRODUCTION

Even today, the day after Iran fired over a hundred missiles and drones at Israel, their prime minister is under fire from many calling for his ouster. Among legitimate critiques are character assassination attempts designed to slander or just take down that leader. This, unfortunately, is common for leaders today whether we’re talking the federal government or the local school board.

But what about leaders in the church?

Paul left Timothy in Ephesus on his behalf to confront false teachers and to call out those who are behaving sinfully. He is also to make sure that leaders are rewarded and chosen wisely as well. This is what we will deal with today.

As far as our church is concerned, we are an autonomous, non-denominational church led by a team of 5 elders (aka pastors, both lay and paid). They are the position we’re talking about today. How do we treat them? Let’s see how Paul answers that question.

SERMON OUTLINE (based on the Outline Bible):

SECTION OUTLINE FIVE (1 TIMOTHY 5)

Paul gives advice concerning older and younger men, older and younger women, widows, and church elders.

I. THE PEOPLE (5:1-16): Paul gives advice concerning church members.

II. THE PREACHERS (5:17-25): Paul's advice concerning church elders.

A. Elders in general (5:17-22, 24-25)

1. They are worthy of double honor (5:17-18).

So in summary, "double honor" indicates these faithful elders should receive both material support as well as the utmost respect and appreciation from the church body. This ensures they are properly cared for and esteemed for their service.

2. They must never be unjustly accused (5:19-20, 24-25).

3. They must be impartial (5:21).

4. They must be proven before being ordained (5:22a).

5. They must keep themselves pure (5:22b).

B. Timothy in particular (5:23): "Drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often."

CONCLUSION

I can tell you there have been plenty of times in the past 18 years when I’ve had contentious conversations with other elders about how we should lead this church. There have been times when I’ve been slandered, misunderstood, and called out. Sometimes legitimately too.

Bottom line: We care for our leaders best through rewards, discipline and wise selection.

I can tell you from personal experience, Paul’s advice here is sound and works. Ultimately, he’s simple giving us God’s words on the subject. We would be foolish to ignore them.

Pray

NOTES

Let’s ask some summary questions:

Q. What do I want them to know?

A. How to reward, discipline and choose your elders.

Q. Why do I want them to know it?

A. Because churches rise and fall on leadership.

Q. What do I want them to do about it?

A. Treat their elders well by

Rewarding them when they do well,
Disciplining them when appropriate,
Choosing them carefully.

Q. Why do I want them to do it?

A. Because they lead the church towards or away from Christ.

Q. How can they begin to do this?

A. They lead the church towards Christ by

Overseeing the flock
Shepherding the flock (lead, feed and protect)
Preaching and teaching the flock
Loving the flock

OUTLINES

Outline Bible (Willmington)

SECTION OUTLINE FIVE (1 TIMOTHY 5)

Paul gives advice concerning older and younger men, older and younger women, widows, and church elders.

I. THE PEOPLE (5:1-16): Paul gives advice concerning church members.

A. In regard to older men (5:1a): Treat them as respected fathers.

B. In regard to younger men (5:1b): Treat them as brothers.

C. In regard to older women (5:2a): Treat them as mothers.

D. In regard to younger women (5:2b): Treat them as sisters.

E. In regard to widows (5:3-16)

1. Older widows (5:3-10, 16)

a. Widows who are over sixty, godly, and have no living chil-dren (5:3, 5, 9-10, 16): These are to be honored and provided for.

b. Widows who have living children and grandchildren (5:4, 8, 16): They are to be cared for by their families.

c. Widows who are carnal and live only for pleasure (5:6-7): They are to receive no help.

2. Younger widows (5:11-15)

a. The rule (5:11-12, 14): Let them remarry and raise children.

b. The reason (5:13, 15): This will keep them from immorality and idle talk.

II. THE PREACHERS (5:17-25): Paul's advice concerning church elders.

A. Elders in general (5:17-22, 24-25)

1. They are worthy of double honor (5:17-18).

2. They must never be unjustly accused (5:19-20, 24-25).

3. They must be impartial (5:21).

4. They must be proven before being ordained (5:22a).

5. They must keep themselves pure (5:22b).

B. Timothy in particular (5:23): "Drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often."

BKC Outline

I. The Salutation (1:1–2)

II. Instructions concerning False Teachers (1:3–20)

III. Instructions concerning Conduct in the Church (2:1–3:13)

IV. Instructions concerning Guarding the Truth in the Church (3:14–4:16)

A. …

C. Responsibilities of a good minister of Christ (4:6–16)

V. Instructions concerning Various Groups in the Church (5:1–6:10)

A. Concerning various age-groups (5:1–2)

B. Concerning widows (5:3–16)

C. Concerning elders (5:17–25)

D. Concerning slaves and masters (6:1–2)

E. Concerning the heretical and greedy (6:3–10)

VI. Final Charge to Timothy (6:11–21)

A. Exhortation to godliness (6:11–16)

B. Instructions for the rich (6:17–19)

C. Exhortations to remain faithful (6:20–21)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process:

Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story

What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

Who am I going to tell about this?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)

Final Questions (index cards optional)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott

Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

AnswerThePublic.com

Wikipedia.com

Darien GabrielApril 14, 2024Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, 1 Timothy, Guard this Treasure, Grace Christian Fellowship, non-denominational church, bible believing church, Ladson, SC

Where's a Palm Frond When You Need It? | Matthew 21:1-9

“Where’s a Palm Frond When You Need it?”

Setting:

- Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead, so folks were pretty excited…including Jesus’

enemies

- Matthew 20:17-19

17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to

them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the

chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand

him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be

raised to life!”

- Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons asked Jesus if her boys could sit at his right and left

hands

- They didn’t get it…in fact, Matthew has her at Jesus’ crucifixion…

Matthew 21:1-6

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two

disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey

tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to

you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: (the prophet Zechariah)

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,

‘See, your king comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” [a]

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the

colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.

This is referencing the Old Testament prophesy of the coming King…the Messiah

Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

This prophesy of the coming King was 500 years before Jesus…

In Jacob’s blessing on his son Judah, he is also pronouncing that Israel’s true and everlasting

king will come from the tribe of Judah…even referring to the donkey

Genesis 49:10-11

The scepter will not depart from Judah,

nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, [a]

until he to whom it belongs [b] shall come

and the obedience of the nations shall be his.

11 He will tether his donkey to a vine,

his colt to the choicest branch;

he will wash his garments in wine,

his robes in the blood of grapes.

Why a donkey?

In ancient times, when a conquering king rode into a city, it was usually with a show of great

power and wealth, on a white horse in times of war, and a donkey in times of peace. Our King,

Jesus was going to ride into the city triumphantly, yet peacefully and meekly on a donkey.

Meek, meaning power under control.

1 Kings 1:32-34

32 King David said, “Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.”

When they came before the king, 33 he said to them: “Take your lord’s servants with you and

have Solomon my son mount my own mule and take him down to Gihon. 34 There have Zadok

the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout,

‘Long live King Solomon!’

This represents the day that Solomon was recognized as the new king

So - The symbolism and significance of this event would be understood by everyone there…

- So, After a few years of showing people who He was, and telling those He healed not to tell

anyone, Jesus was letting the people of Jerusalem, those visiting for the Passover, the

leaders of the synagogue, the rulers of Jerusalem and every single one of us know that He

was and is indeed the Messiah…the King

Matthew 21:1-6

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the

colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their

cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The

crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna [b] to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” [c]

“Hosanna [d] in the highest heaven!”

Hosanna: means “save now”…where did that come from??

Psalm 118:25-26

LORD, save us! (That is the word Hosanna)

LORD, grant us success!

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.

From the house of the LORD we bless you. [a]

- They did not truly understand HOW Jesus was going to save them.

- Their expectations were not in line with the King’s will, but their own.

- They understood the prophesy enough to know that He was the messiah, but not enough to

get past their own notions of why He was there and what the Messiah was going to deliver

them from… He did not come to deliver them from Rome. He came to deliver them and all

of us from sin, death and hell.

So why did they lay down palm fronds?

Palm branches were often used in the celebration of victory and in King David’s time, they were

used to honor royalty.

Even Wikipedia says: The palm branch, or palm frond, is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace,

and eternal life. We see them in the old testament and even in the Book of Revelation:

Revelation 7:9

9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from

every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They

were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

So if palm branches are so important, why didn’t we distribute them today?

Because you already have one…because I believe we already ARE one…

If we are in Christ, are we not (as Wikipedia called it) symbols of victory, triumph, peace, and

eternal life?

Everything you can lay down before the King, you already have. We know what it meant for

people to lay down their coats and palms before Jesus, but He is calling us to lay down our lives

for our King…our hearts, our minds, our strength …everything we are.

Every thought / Every action / Every relationship / Every job / Every habit / Every worry / Our

past, present and future. That is what we should be laying down before our King

In Luke 14, Jesus talks about the cost of being a disciple…

Luke 14:25-27

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me

and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their

own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and

follow me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:33

33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

Galatians 2:20

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live

in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

He wants us to lay down everything we are for Him…so much more than a palm frond and a

cloak.

He laid down His life for us and asks the same of us for Him.

What are your expectations of the King? Are they in line with His will or with yours?

Do you know that our King isn’t here to make you rich? Or to make you happy? Or to help you

take control of society with power. Our king said “in this life you will have trouble” and “Whoever

wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

As a follower of Jesus, If we are not living a life for Him, are we yelling “Hosannah” with our

mouths and “Crucify Him” by our actions?

This was easier when it was just a palm branch…in fact…where’s a palm frond when you need

it?

That same king who came riding a donkey into Jerusalem as a peaceful conquering king,

conquered sin and death, delivered us from an eternity without God, and is coming back to

vanquish the enemy…and the next time, He will be riding a war horse…

Revelation 19:11-16

11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called

Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on

his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he

himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The

armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and

clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will

rule them with an iron scepter.” [a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God

Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Luke 19:39-40

39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

All of nature knows the significance of this moment…and this King…do we?

Pray

The Lord’s Supper

23 Corinthians 11:23-26

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he

was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my

body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took

the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in

remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the

Lord’s death until he comes.

Passages from The Message:

Matthew 20:17-19

Matthew 21:1-6

Zechariah 9:9

Genesis 49:10-11

1 Kings 1:32-34

Matthew 21:1-6

Psalm 118:25-26

Revelation 7:9

Luke 14:25-27

Luke 14:33

Galatians 2:20

Revelation 19:11-16

Luke 19:39-40

Guest UserMarch 24, 2024Grace Christian Fellowship1 Timothy 4, 1 Timothy, Guard this Treasure, Darien Gabriel, non denominational church, bible believing church, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, Chris Karpus

Who Guards the Truth and How? | 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Series: Guard the Treasure

Title: Who Guards the Truth & How?

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

Bottom Line: We guard the treasure by showing up living the truth, sharing the truth and exalting the Truth the rest of our lives.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

INTRODUCTION

Sometimes my wife Anita sends me to the store to pick up something she needs to prepare dinner. If she just needs one or two things, I don’t usually write it down. If it gets longer than three things, or if branding and size become an issue, I will write it down. My chance of getting back home with the correct thing is exponentially more likely if I write it down than if I don’t. But being a man, I tend to want to not write it down.

It’s ironic, I think, that Paul wrote down instructions for Timothy to follow and actually believed that Timothy would follow his instructions. Especially considering that we men don’t love to follow instructions. And, yet, we have the letter 1 Timothy, because a man wrote down the instructions for another man to follow. Isn’t God good?

CONTEXT

And that’s the context for this letter. There are issues in the church at Ephesus and Paul can’t be there to straighten things out. So he sent Timothy in his place to straighten things out until he can get there. This letter represents his instructions to Timothy to help him do just that.

“If I were preaching a sermon specifically on 1 Timothy 3:14-16, the main topic would likely revolve around the significance of the church as the guardian of truth and the mystery of godliness centered on Jesus Christ. I would focus on how these verses highlight the importance of understanding and upholding the core beliefs of Christianity while recognizing the profound nature of Christ's life, message, and exaltation.” -ChatGPT 3.5

We guard the treasure of the gospel (truth and godliness) by:

SERMON OUTLINE

I. We are the church who guards the treasure

The household of God
The church of the living God
The pillar and
Foundation of truth (the treasure)

II. We guard the treasure/truth by

Showing up and living the truth
Proclaiming the truth
Exalting the truth

CONCLUSION

Bottom Line: We guard the treasure by showing up living the truth, sharing the truth and exalting the Truth the rest of our lives.

In conclusion, let’s ask some summary questions:

Q. What do I want them to know?

A. Who guards the truth in these last days?

Q. Why do I want them to know it?

A. Because it’s us—we are guardians of the truth.

Q. What do I want them to do about it?

A. 1. Guard the truth by

Showing up and living the truth
Proclaiming the truth
Exalting the truth

Q. Why do I want them to do it?

A. Because that’s our job as guardians of the truth.

Q. How can they begin to do this?

A. 1. Show up #incarnation

Share #proclamation
Worship/live 24/7 #glorification/exaltation

Pray

NOTES

None

OUTLINES

BKC Outline

I. The Salutation (1:1–2)

II. Instructions concerning False Teachers (1:3–20)

III. Instructions concerning Conduct in the Church (2:1–3:13)

IV. Instructions concerning Guarding the Truth in the Church (3:14–4:16)

A. The church and its truth (3:14–16)

B. Predictions of apostasy (4:1–5)

C. Responsibilities of a good minister of Christ (4:6–16)

V. Instructions concerning Various Groups in the Church (5:1–6:10)

A. Concerning various age-groups (5:1–2)

B. Concerning widows (5:3–16)

C. Concerning elders (5:17–25)

D. Concerning slaves and masters (6:1–2)

E. Concerning the heretical and greedy (6:3–10)

VI. Final Charge to Timothy (6:11–21)

A. Exhortation to godliness (6:11–16)

B. Instructions for the rich (6:17–19)

C. Exhortations to remain faithful (6:20–21)

W Wiersbe sermon outline

Key theme: How to manage the ministry of the local church

Key verse: 1 Timothy 3:15

I. The Church and Its Message (1)

II. The Church and Its Members (2–3)

A. Praying men (2:1–8)

1. For rulers (2:1–3)

2. For sinners (2:4–8)

B. Modest women (2:9–15)

1. In dress (2:9–10)

2. In behavior (2:11–15)

C. Dedicated officers (3:1–13)

1. Pastors (3:1–7)

2. Deacons (3:8–13)

D. Behaving believers (3:14–16)

III. The Church and Its Minister (4)

A. A good minister (4:1–6)

B. A godly minister (4:7–12)

C. A growing minister (4:13–16)

IV. The Church and Its Ministry (5–6)

A. To older saints (5:1–2)

B. To widows (5:3–16)

C. To church leaders (5:17–25)

D. To servants (slaves) (6:1–2)

E. To trouble-makers (6:3–5)

F. To the rich (6:6–19)

G. To the “educated” (6:20–21)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process:

Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story

What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

Who am I going to tell about this?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)

Final Questions (index cards optional)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott

Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

AnswerThePublic.com

Wikipedia.com

Darien GabrielMarch 3, 2024Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, non denominational church, bible believing church, 1 Timothy, Guard this Treasure

Who Leads the Church and How? | 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Series: Guard the Treasure

Title: Who leads the Church & how?

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 NIV

1 Peter 5:1-3

Acts 20:17-31

Titus 1:5-9

Acts 6:1-7

Eph 4:11-12

Luke 22:27

Bottom Line: When we grow in Christ-like character and competency, we move towards being qualified to lead in the church.

SERMON OUTLINE
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

SERMON OUTLINE

Introduction

“1 Timothy 3 (The Bible Exposition Commentary): As we noted before, even though the church is an organism, it must be organized or it will die. Leadership is a part of spiritual organization” -WW

Several others I read said that everything rises and falls on leadership. We know this intuitively. We see it in the workplace. We see it in sports. We see it in politics. Great leaders lift everyone else up. And the great leaders aren’t just great in competencies. They are great in character. So it should not surprise us that most of God’s qualifications for his leaders are based on character.

Context

OUTLINE (Based on Wiersbe & Platt)

Key theme: How to manage the ministry of the local church

Key verse: 1 Timothy 3:15

I. The Church and Its Message (1)

II. The Church and Its Members (2–3)

A. Praying men (2:1–8)

B. Modest women (2:9–15)

C. Dedicated officers (3:1–13) THIS WEEK STARTS HERE

The Bible identifies 2 primary leadership roles in the church:

Pastors/elders, who are servant-leaders. (Aka overseers, bishops, shepherds)

Presbyter or elder, referring to the person (mature)
Pastor or shepherd, referring to their role. (Lead, feed, protect, model)
Bishop or overseer, referring to their role. (Watch over, see Pastor) We do not see bishops over elders/pastors in the early church.
1-3 are all interchangeable because their all referring to the same person/role.
Minister or deacon, referring to those who support the pastor/elder.

Deacons, who are leading servants.

The Bible identifies 4 responsibilities of pastors/elders: (3:1-7; Acts 20:17-31)

Lead under the authority of Christ. #LEAD

Our pastors/elders are accountable to the church members i.e. Matt 18:15-20
Our pastors/elders are accountable to God

Care for the body of Christ. #PROTECT (Acts 20:28-30; 1 Peter 5:2) “be on guard” for “savage wolves” in sheep’s clothing
Teach the Word of Christ. #FEED
Model the character of Christ. Bottom line: What will happen if the church imitates this leader? #MODEL

3 Responsibilities of Deacons (3:8-13)

Meet needs according to the Word.
Support the ministry of the Word.
Unify the body around the Word.
Model the character of Christ is appropriate here to.

1. Pastors (3:1–7)

Generally/summarily: “Above reproach” or “blameless” literally “nothing to take hold upon”; irreproachable observable conduct.
“Faithful to his wife” literally “one woman man”

Can mean one wife for life thus excluding divorced and/or remarried men (in every case though? No)

What about the innocent party when the other was unfaithful?
Paul allowed a new believer to let their unbelieving spouse leave the marriage

Would not exclude widowers who remarry; Paul may not have ever married—wished for followers to be single like he; Paul encouraged young widows to remarry
Does not require marriage but seems to lean in that direction; this tends to take care of itself in that the typical pool of candidates is usually mostly married men
Polygamy obviously not ok
Most likely meaning: Faithful to your current (some would say one and only) wife in every area of life. From porn to adultery, you are faithful. To not be is to be disqualified.

Self-mastery

Temperate—sober; clear-headed
Self-controlled—sensible; disciplined
Respectable—the outward expression of an inward self-control

Hospitality—showing love to strangers (whether a traveling preacher or a needy church attender)
Able to teach—specifically, the word of God. This is our authority and we must know it, believe it, and obey it. This is gifting and a skill.
Drinking habits—While drinking is not forbidden by scripture, it is treated as the depressant that it is. A depressant that impairs about ability to make good judgments. This is why in the Old Testament

Priests weren’t to drink while on duty
Kings were discouraged from becoming drunk
Magistrates were warned that they would more likely pervert justice under the influence
Prophets would struggle to teach under the influence
So it makes sense that Paul would discourage it to those who lead and teach in the church

Temper and temperament

Gentle—humbly gracious and yielded or even submissive
Not violent—not a bully physically or verbally
Not quarrelsome—patient with difficult people; not argumentative

Attitude to money—not a lover of money; greedy
Domestic discipline

Analogy between the family and the church family (Oikos = household)
If you don’t discipline at home well, you won’t discipline the church well, if at all

Spiritual maturity—not a new believer or pride may take him down; first called “elders” because they were senior in age and mature in faith
Outside reputation—the non-Christian public

2. Deacons (3:8–13)—these qualifications have a lot of overlap with elders including able to teach, at some level

Self-mastery

Worthy of respect
Sincere—genuine, authentic, honest
Not indulging in much wine
Not pursuing dishonest gain

Orthodox convictions

They must keep hold of the deep truths (mysteries or sum total of the revealed truths of the faith) of THE faith (not just any faith) with a clear conscience (as opposed to letting go of these truths like false teachers).
Trusting & Obeying

Tested and approved—period of probation where the congregation can assess your character, beliefs and gifts of the candidates.
Irreproachable home life
If a woman deacon or wife of a deacon

Worthy of respect
Not malicious talkers (gossipers)
Temperate
Trustworthy in everything

Domestic discipline

Faithful to his wife
Manages his household well

If served well so far they receive

An excellent standing
Great assurance in their faith in Jesus Christ

D. Behaving believers (3:14–16) NEXT WEEK STARTS HERE

The servants of the Church (14-15) -Willmington
The Savior of the Church (16) -Willmington

III. The Church and Its Minister (4)

A. A good minister (4:1–6)

B. A godly minister (4:7–12)

C. A growing minister (4:13–16)

IV. The Church and Its Ministry (5–6)

A. To older saints (5:1–2)

B. To widows (5:3–16)

C. To church leaders (5:17–25)

D. To servants (slaves) (6:1–2)

E. To trouble-makers (6:3–5)

F. To the rich (6:6–19)

G. To the “educated” (6:20–21)

Conclusion

Bottom Line: When we grow in Christ-like character and competency, we move towards being qualified to lead in the church.

Questions to ask elder candidates:

In his personal life

Is he self-controlled?
Is he wise?
Is he peaceable?
Is he gentle?
Is he a sacrificial giver?
Is he humble?
Is he patient?
Is he honest?
Is he disciplined?

In his family life

Is he the elder/shepherd in his home?
If he’s single, is he self-controlled?
If he’s married, is he completely committed to his wife?
If he has children, do they honor him?

In his social/business life

Is he kind?
Is he hospitable?
Is he a friend of strangers?
Does he show favoritism?
Does he have a blameless reputation (not perfect but above reproach)?

In his spiritual life

Is he making disciplines of all nations?
Does he love the Word?
Is he a man of prayer?
Is he holy?
Is he gracious?

Questions to ask deacon candidates:

Is this person honorable?
Is this person genuine?
Is this person self-controlled?
Is this person a sacrificial giver?
Is this person devoted to the Word?
Is this person faithful? (Not perfect, but morally pure)
Is this person honoring Christ in the home?
If a woman,

Is she worthy of respect?
Is she a malicious talker?
Is she temperate and trustworthy in everything?
Is she faithful to her husband?

In conclusion, let’s ask some summary questions:

Q. What do I want them to know?

A. The qualifications for pastors/elders and deacons.

Q. Why do I want them to know it?

A. Because they are to select their leaders based on these qualifications.

Q. What do I want them to do about it?

A. 1. Choose qualified leaders to lead your church.

Become a qualified leader whether you are ever selected or not.

Q. Why do I want them to do it?

A. Because this is what a true disciple of Jesus Christ looks like and what we’re to become over time.

Q. How can they begin to do this?

A. 1. Take the test yourself. Go through the qualifications and grading yourself.

Repent where appropriate and believe that God can transform you into a qualified leader.

Pray

NOTES

Elders in the New Testament are tasked with several key duties, including:

1. **Spiritual Oversight:** Providing spiritual guidance and leadership to the church community.

2. **Teaching and Doctrine:** Instructing and ensuring adherence to sound biblical doctrine.

3. **Shepherding the Flock:** Caring for the well-being of the congregation, like a shepherd caring for a flock.

4. **Modeling Character:** Demonstrating a godly and mature character for others to follow.

5. **Prayer:** Engaging in prayer for the church and its members.

6. **Protecting from False Teaching:** Guarding the congregation against false doctrines or teachings.

These duties are outlined in passages like 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-5 in the New Testament.

OUTLINES

BKC Outline

I. The Salutation (1:1–2)

II. Instructions concerning False Teachers (1:3–20)

A. Warnings against false teachers (1:3–11)

B. Paul’s experience of grace (1:12–17)

C. Paul’s charge to Timothy (1:18–20)

III. Instructions concerning Conduct in the Church (2:1–3:13)

A. Instructions concerning prayer (2:1–7)

B. Instructions concerning men and women (2:8–15)

C. Instructions concerning elders and deacons (3:1–13)

IV. Instructions concerning Guarding the Truth in the Church (3:14–4:16)

A. The church and its truth (3:14–16)

B. Predictions of apostasy (4:1–5)

C. Responsibilities of a good minister of Christ (4:6–16)

V. Instructions concerning Various Groups in the Church (5:1–6:10)

A. Concerning various age-groups (5:1–2)

B. Concerning widows (5:3–16)

C. Concerning elders (5:17–25)

D. Concerning slaves and masters (6:1–2)

E. Concerning the heretical and greedy (6:3–10)

VI. Final Charge to Timothy (6:11–21)

A. Exhortation to godliness (6:11–16)

B. Instructions for the rich (6:17–19)

C. Exhortations to remain faithful (6:20–21)

W Wiersbe sermon outline

Key theme: How to manage the ministry of the local church

Key verse: 1 Timothy 3:15

I. The Church and Its Message (1)

A. Teaching sound doctrine (1:1–11)

B. Preaching a glorious Gospel (1:12–17)

C. Defending the faith (1:18–20)

II. The Church and Its Members (2–3)

A. Praying men (2:1–8)

1. For rulers (2:1–3)

2. For sinners (2:4–8)

B. Modest women (2:9–15)

1. In dress (2:9–10)

2. In behavior (2:11–15)

C. Dedicated officers (3:1–13)

1. Pastors (3:1–7)

2. Deacons (3:8–13)

D. Behaving believers (3:14–16)

III. The Church and Its Minister (4)

A. A good minister (4:1–6)

B. A godly minister (4:7–12)

C. A growing minister (4:13–16)

IV. The Church and Its Ministry (5–6)

A. To older saints (5:1–2)

B. To widows (5:3–16)

C. To church leaders (5:17–25)

D. To servants (slaves) (6:1–2)

E. To trouble-makers (6:3–5)

F. To the rich (6:6–19)

G. To the “educated” (6:20–21)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process:

Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story

What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

Who am I going to tell about this?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)

Final Questions (index cards optional)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott

Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

AnswerThePublic.com

Wikipedia.com

Darien GabrielFebruary 25, 2024Grace Christian Fellowshipnon denomindational church, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible believing church, Darien Gabriel, Guard this Treasure, 1 Timothy 3

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