1 Timothy 3

June Memory Verse: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Read: 1 Timothy 3

John Maxwell is often quoted as saying, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” It is true. Leadership is important. This is why Paul is writing to Timothy and the Elders of this church on leadership. He is describing who a godly leader is and what you should look for in people.

He talks about Elders/Overseers of the church and Deacons/Servants of the church. It is easy to read through this list and be overwhelmed. This list, when we really read it, is difficult. This is not for the half-hearted follower of Jesus. This takes dependency on Jesus and humility.

My fear is that for many of us, if we are not “overseers” or “deacons”, we just read over this and don’t pay attention OR if we do pay attention it is to make sure someone else is living up to the standard.

Here is the problem… This IS a list of qualifications  for leadership but that is all it is also a list of godly character.

ALL OF US ARE LEADERS. ALL OF US ARE CALLED TO GODLY CHARACTER.

All of us are called to godly character. We are all called to be:
  • Faithful in Marriage
  • Sober-Minded
  • Self-Controlled
  • Respectable
  • Hospitable
  • Gospel Proclaimers
  • Gentle
  • Not Fighters
  • Not Lovers Of Money
  • Humble
  • Blameless
  • Above Reproach
  • Dignified
  • Not Greedy

And much more! Yes, we should hold our leaders to this standard. They are pointing us toward the person and work of Jesus BUT we all should also strive to live out this list of godly character.

Paul goes on to remind us in verses 14-16 how this is even possible… by depending on and walking with Jesus.

Look at how Paul describes the mystery of godliness…

“He [Jesus] was manifested in the flesh,
Vindicated by the Spirit
Seen by angels
Proclaimed among the nations
Believed on in the world
Taken up in glory.


This is what we are called to. This is the mystery of godliness. What sticks out to you in the lists most (both for leadership and for you)?

By: Nick Parsons

5 Comments


Mike Pepper - June 16th, 2021 at 6:16am

v9) They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. (NIV)



Good word today Nick. This verse stood out to me today. So how do we hold on to the “deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience”? These are the only ways I know how.



* read God’s word (Psalm 119:105)

* pray for wisdom & discernment (James 1:5)

* stay connected to The Vine (John 15)

* worship & serve the local church (Proverbs 27:17)

* confess sin (1 John 1:9)

* evangelism & discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20)



I am grateful for a church that reinforces these principles as we live life together and serve Christ in our individual & collective mission fields.

Lindsay Crawford - June 16th, 2021 at 10:23am

Amen!!! and amen!



Good word Nick!

Tim Parsons - June 16th, 2021 at 7:03am

Encouraging Nick. Great job!

Tyler Short - June 16th, 2021 at 8:58am

Such a personally challenging chapter. Thanks for laying it out Nick.

Naomi Austin - June 16th, 2021 at 9:52am

Thanks for clear that this passage is for everyone and not just the leaders. Like it says, “So that we may know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God.” The quality that sticks out the most to me is being self-controlled (not panicking when trying to get everything done).

Get The App

Stay connected and get the latest content.

Download The App