STUDIES IN I TIMOTHY- PART 11

                January 7, 2007

Intro: Ch.3:6-13- Paul is giving instruction on the order

Of the local church

 

I. A WORD OF CAUTION- 3:6-7-  Two warnings

1) Inexperience plus authority produces pride resulting in

divine discipline.  Vs.6

 

2) Inconsistency plus authority produces hypocrisy

resulting in Satanic attack. Vs.7

 

II. A WORD ON CREDENTIALS (DEACONS) 3:8-12

1) Qualities:

 

2) Wives- vs.11

 

3) General conclusion- vs.13- “well” =kalos  (17 times)

“obtain”     a.good standing = “step” or order – position

                  of trust

               b. great boldness- personal clear conscience-

                showing purposefulness, deliberateness

 

III. A WORD ON CHARACTER (IN LEADERSHIP)

1) As evidence by scripture, leadership in a viable NT church

must reflect godliness or character.

2) That godly leaders are essential to develop godly members

is self-evident.

3) Godliness in leadership is consistent with our Lord’s own

personal integrity & provides consistent public testimony.

4) By and large, fidelity to a high view of scripture and godly

leadership go hand in hand.

5) In evangelical America, programs & property have often

been used as poor substitutes for godly leaders.

6) Character in leadership can “borrow” brains; but smart

characterless leadership cannot “borrow” godliness.