1 Timothy 3:1-16

Monday 27^th May to Sunday 3^rd June, 2011

Introduction

“The church has a bad reputation in the world today mainly because of bad leadership.” Discuss whether you agree or disagree with this statement.

Studying the passage - Read 1 Timothy 3:1-13

1) Give a brief explanation as to why each of these qualifications might be necessary for an overseer?

Above reproach:

Husband of but one wife:

Temperate:

Self-controlled:

Respectable:

Hospitable:

Able to teach:

Not drunkard:

Not violent:

Not a lover of money:

Manage family:

Not a recent convert:

Good reputation:

2) Give a one-sentence summary of the type of person who would make a good overseer.

3) From the context of 1 Timothy, try to explain why Paul calls it a “noble task” (v. 1). When might the desire to be an overseer be ignoble? (Hint: Matthew 20:24-28).

4) There are two “musts” to being a deacon (vv. 9 and 10). Why do you think they are “musts”?

5) Are there any qualifications you would be tempted to add to, or remove from, Paul’s lists? Discuss.

6) Read 1 Timothy 3:14-16. Consider all the “instructions” (v. 14) that you have read so far in 1 Timothy. Now think about the meaning of the images used to describe the church in verse 15. How do the instructions relate to the images?

Image	Meaning of image	Related Instructions
God’s household
Church of the living God
Pillar and foundation of truth

Response

If you were asked to be an overseer of a congregation (or a youth group, or other ministry) or a deacon, could you accept the role? Would you? Explain your answers.

Spend some time praying for our elders (overseers), our committee of management (deacons) and for one another.