·         “Follow Jesus and make disciples”

1 Timothy 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

·         Desire to be a leader worth following. God gives us His qualifications

1 Timothy 3:2-7 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his 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, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full 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.

·         How do others see me? Character is more important than giftedness

1 Timothy 3:8-10 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

Acts 6:3-4 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

·         Grow from character testing. Hardships reveal strengths and weaknesses.

1 Timothy 3:11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

·         Guard our mouth and ears

1 Timothy 3:12-13 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:2-4 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

·         H.I.S. Leadership

·         H – Humility

·         I – Integrity

·         S – Spirit-filled

1 Timothy 3:14-15 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

·         Jesus designed the church to be the foundation and distributor of Biblical truth

·         Shepherds provide: Vision, Feeding, Protection, and Healing

1 Timothy 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

·         Summary:

·         Let’s “follow Jesus and make disciples”.

·         Jesus is the perfect leadership example.

·         Live a life worth following. Have our character honor God.

·         Desire to be used by Jesus. He builds His church through us.

·         Call 321.574.6970 if you have chosen to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.