Oct 06 2024 38 mins
The Measure of Spiritual Maturity
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Tim Nay
Part of The Deep End - A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
October 6, 2024
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. —James 1:2-414 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. —1 Timothy 3:14-15The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. —1 Timothy 3:1
1. Spiritual mature elders are the foundation of a healthy church.
2. Spiritual mature elders oversee and protect the church body.
3. Spiritually mature elders have distinct characteristics.
Must aspire to position
“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.” —1 Peter 5:2
Must be above reproach
9 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. —1 Timothy 5:19
Must be the husband of one wife.
Must be sober minded
Must exhibit self-control
Must be respectable
“Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” —1 Timothy 3:7
Must be able to teach
Must be hospitable — “loves strangers”
Must not be a drunkard
Must not be violent, but gentle
Must not be quarrelsome
Must not be a lover of money
Must manage his household well
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” —1 Thessalonians 2:11-12“for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” —1 Timothy 3:5
Must not be a recent convert
TAKEAWAY: The characteristics of a qualified elder is a good measure of spiritual maturity.