1 Timothy 3:1-7

1. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his

2. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 children submissive, 5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

3. DEVELOPING GODLY LEADERS Sermon Series on 1 Timothy Noble Task of Eldership

5. Introduction TERM: Elder, Pastor, Overseer “Ordinary, flawed men fulfilling an extraordinary calling by God’s grace” (Church Elders – How to Shepherd God’s People like Jesus, by JeramieRinne – 9Marks Building Healthy Churches)

6. Main Idea God has called elders to lead His church and provide shepherds for His people.

7. Outline • Elders are to be Godly Leaders displaying Godly Character • Elders need to Smell like Sheep • Eldersneed to Lead without Lording

8. I. Elders are to be Godly Leaders displaying Godly Character Elder Qualifications gathered from the NT - From Church Elders by JeramieRinne & Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch • The elder desires this noble task - 1 Tim 3:1 - The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. • The elder exemplifies godly character 1 Tim 3:2-3 - Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

9. I. Elders are to be Godly Leaders displaying Godly Character Elder Qualifications gathered from the NT - From Church Elders by JeramieRinne & Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch 3) The elder teaches God Word and feeds God’s sheep – Titus 1:9 - He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction insounddoctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 4) The elder leads his family well - 1 Tim 3:4-5 - He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?

10. II. Elders need to Smell like Sheep

11. II. Elders need to Smell like Sheep Elders are to engage in relationships with church members. Jesus modelled this for us as the Good Shepherd who was constantly among the people.

12. II. Elders need to Smell like Sheep Titus 1:8 & 1 Timothy 3:2 – An overseer must be hospitable

13. III. Elders need to Lead without Lording I Peter 3:1-3 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 

14. III. Elders need to Lead without Lording Well Done my Good and Faithful • Pastor • Evangelist • Apostle • Preacher • Missionary • Teacher • Singer • Worship Leader • SERVANT