FLAKY FLEECES AND LAME LITMUS TESTS
TEXT:
1 Tim. 3:1-7
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
INTRODUCTION:
(This sermon was part of a series on 1Timothy)
A. DIFFERENT NAMES FOR PASTOR IN THE NT
1. Elder - This speaks of his wisdom and maturity.
2. Bishop - This speaks of his authority as an overseer.
3. Pastor - This speaks of his responsibility to care for the flock
4. Preacher - This speaks of his duty to proclaim the counsel of God.
5. Teacher - This speaks of his duty to instruct the body of Christ.
6. Servant - This speaks of his call to minister to the needs of others.
7. Steward - This speaks of his duty to tend to God's business first.
B. THE BIBLICAL CRITERIA
1. Biblical criteria helps us objectively choose leaders
2. It may surprise some of ...