May 17: 1st Timothy 3:1-7 Big Idea: Qualifications for Elders. In Paul’s second “trustworthy” statement he lays out the biblical qualifications for Elders and Pastors in the local church. Today this is one of the most misunderstood roles, and yet it is vital to body of Christ. But the concept of an overseer(s) to care for God’s people isn’t a New Testament idea. We find its beginnings in the book of Exodus chapter 18:25, where Moses is told by his father in-law Jethro to chose able men out of Israel, and to make them heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. This thread continues all the way through the Old Testament with Priests and Levites, culminating in the New Testament, where Jesus the Good Shepherd (Jn. 10) charges his apostles with being faithful under shepherds (Jn. 21), who serve him and his flock. The qualifications and demands to shepherd God’s people are high, but the Pastor/Elder must remember for his faithfulness, he will receive the crown of unfading glory (1st Pt. 5:4). There is a broader application for those who are not called to be Elders; strive for the qualifications set forth in this passage.

1. 1st Timothy: The Blueprint for Building God’s Church
First Point
Thanksgiving
1st Timothy 1:12
The Blueprint
for Building
God’s Church
A Study in
1 Timothy

2. 1st Timothy: The Blueprint for Building God’s Church
Sermon Title
Qualifications for
Overseers
1st Timothy 3:1-7

3. 1st Timothy: The Blueprint for Building God’s Church
First Point
Calling
1st Timothy 3:1

4. 1st Timothy: The Blueprint for Building God’s Church
Second Point
Credentials
1st Timothy 3:2-3

5. 1st Timothy: The Blueprint for Building God’s Church
Third Point
Children
1st Timothy 3:4-5

6. 1st Timothy: The Blueprint for Building God’s Church
Fourth Point
Conversion
1st Timothy 3:6-7

7. 1st Timothy: The Blueprint for Building God’s Church
First Point
Thanksgiving
1st Timothy 1:12
The Blueprint
for Building
God’s Church
A Study in
1 Timothy