Part 1 – 1 Timothy 1:1-3:13

Growth Group Study Booklet

Living for By making, maturing and mobilising disciples For His Glory

Part 1 – 1 Timothy 1:1-3:13

Introduction to 1 Timothy - Page 3 Suggested Reading - Page 4 Space for notes - Page 5

Study 1 – 1 Timothy 1:1 -11 - Page 6 Study 2 – 1 Timothy 1:12-17 - Page 8 Study 3 – 1 Timothy 1:18-20 - Page 10 Study 4 – :1-7 - Page 12 Study 5 – 1 Timothy 2:8-15 - Page 14 Study 6 – :1-7 - Page 16 Study 7 – 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Page 18 Space for notes - Page 20

Crucial questions about Biblical manhood & womanhood Page 22 An elder’s job description - Page 24 Map & infographic - Page 26 Diary Dates

1 Timothy Series commences Sunday July 17 Seniors lunch Tuesday July 19 “Jesus in a Multi-Faith Society” Wednesday July 27 GROW Conference Saturday September 3 School Holidays begin Saturday September 17 Y Conference Saturday October 8 1 Timothy Series recommences Sunday October 9 Free Community Parenting Seminar Monday October 24 Carols in the Carpark Sunday December 11

2 Introduction to 1 Timothy

The apostle Paul probably wrote this letter to Timothy in the mid-60s A.D., after his first release from imprisonment. Timothy was a pastor in .

The thrust of 1 Timothy is that godliness is central to the Christian’s continuing in the gospel and the church’s proclamation of the gospel. Words relating to “godliness” occur ten times in this short book (2:2, 10; 3:16; 4:7, 8; 5:4; 6:3, 5, 6, 11), and throughout the letter Paul grounds godly behaviour in Christ’s gospel. Sadly, those whose behaviour is contrary to the gospel of Christ deny the reality of their faith (1:6, 19–20; 4:1; 5:6, 8, 11–12; 6:9–10). Indeed, personal godliness (Christ-infused godliness) is not only indispensable to perseverance in faithfulness, but absolutely essential to the proclamation of the gospel to the lost world. In a nutshell, the theme of 1 Timothy is Christ-centred godliness for the sake of the gospel.

This gospel theme is explicit in 2:1–7, where Paul urges that prayers be made for all people so that believers may lead godly lives. He comments, “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2:3–4). Paul follows this declaration of God’s gospel heart with consecutive detailed directives for godliness to three groups: women (2:9–15), overseers (3:1–7), and deacons (3:8–13). These instructions are followed by what are the universally acknowledged key verses of the letter (3:14–16), calling the church to conduct that is radically Christ-centred and Christ-generated—which is to say, gospel-centred godliness.

Chapter 4 begins with a warning against pursuing godliness through man-centred asceticism, which Paul terms the “teaching of demons” (4:1–5). This is followed by the famous non-ascetic command to Timothy to “train yourself for godliness” and its accompanying array of applications and benefits (4:7–16). Chapter 5 flows into chapter 6 with directives regarding how the treatment of various groups in the church must be shaped by godliness: older men and women, younger men and women (5:1–2), widows (5:3–16), elders (5:17–25), and masters (6:1–2). In chapter 6 Paul warns against those who teach a different doctrine that “does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness” (6:3–5). Godliness and greed are juxtaposed (6:6–10). Paul closes by exhorting Timothy, “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” And, in this Christlike spirit, “Fight the good fight of the faith” (6:11–16).

So we see that 1 Timothy is not simply a moralistic manual for church conduct. It is rather a call to Christ-centred, gospel-centred godliness for the sake of the church—and a lost world.

From the Gospel Transformation , Study Notes for 1 Timothy by R. Kent Hughes.

3 Suggested Reading

Some recommendations for further reading related to the content and themes of 1 Timothy:

The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus Designed for Joy By John Stott Jonathan Parnell & Owen Strachan A highly recommended helpful and “How the Gospel Impacts Men and readable introductory commentary. Women, Identity and Practice”

50 Crucial Questions about Church Elders: How to Shepherd Manhood and Womanhood God’s People Like Jesus By John Piper & Wayne Grudem By Jeramie Rinne A free eBook covering controversial An introductory book describing what questions about Biblical manhood & effective church leadership looks like. womanhood (www.desiringgod.org)

Resources used in preparing this study booklet: - John Stott, The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus, The Bible Speaks Today Commentary Series (1996). - George W. Knight III, The Pastoral Epistles, New International Greek Testament Commentary Series (1992). - R. Kent Hughes and Bryan Chapell, 1-2 Timothy and Titus: To Guard the Deposit, Preaching the Word Commentary Series (2012) - John Stott, 1 Timothy & Titus: Fighting the Good Fight, John Stott Bible Studies, IVP (1998). - Phillip D. Jensen & Greg Clarke, To the Householder (1 Timothy), Interactive Bible Studies, Matthias Media (1996). - The ESV Gospel Transformation Bible, Crossway Publishers (2013). - The ESV Study Bible, Crossway Publishers, 2008. - Websites: www.visualunit.me ; www.desiringod.org ; www.9marks.org ; visualtheology.church 4 Notes

5 STUDY 1 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Kick Off: Why is it useful for a country to have laws? Do you think Australia has too many laws, not enough, or the right amount?

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 1:5

Big Idea: Christians must fight to live out the gospel with love and righteousness

Investigate:

Read 1 Timothy 1:1-2

1. Based on the following verses, what do we know about Timothy and his history with Paul? (You may wish to have different people look up different verses and report back.)

Acts 16:1-5

Acts 17:13-15; 18:5-6; 19:21-22

Romans 16:21; 1 Cor 4:17; 2 Cor 1:1, 19

Phil 2:19-24

2. From verses 1-3, what was Timothy’s current task? (See also 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 3:14-15)

3. Read 1 Timothy 1:3-7. How would you describe the two different approaches to the Christian life found in these verses?

4. Read 1 Timothy 1:8-11. “The law” is referring to the Bible’s moral teaching such as the 10 Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount.

a) In contrast to the false teachers, how does Paul say we should use the law properly?

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b) Compare Paul’s list of examples of law-breaking with the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). What similarities do you see?

c) Based on verses 8-11, what is the relationship between the law and the gospel? Do they contradict or complement each other?

Think & Apply:

5. Do you feel confident in detecting false teaching when you encounter it? What can you do to increase your discernment between false and true teaching?

6. This week, what is one particular way that you can live a life of love that conforms to the gospel? (This doesn’t need to be anything unusual or dramatic.)

Prayer: In your group prayer time:

1. Share prayer requests and pray for one another in your group.

2. Use a copy of the Lakeshore Church prayer points (either from Sunday’s bulletin or from the weekly email) to pray for people and events across the church.

Read Ahead: For next week’s sermon and growth group, read 1 Timothy 1:12-17

7 STUDY 2 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Kick Off: Do you have any favorite Bible verses or quotes which sum up the Christian message?

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 1:15

Big Idea: Jesus the Eternal King is incredibly merciful and patient with unworthy and sinful people like us

Investigate:

Read 1 Timothy 1:12-14

1. How does Paul describe himself and his actions? How does Paul describe Jesus and his actions? What do we learn from the contrast between the two?

2. What do you think that Paul means when he says, “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief” in verse 13?

Read 1 Timothy 1:15-17

3. Do you think that verse 15 could be used as a one-sentence summary of the Christian message? What does Paul mean when he describes himself as “the worst of sinners”?

4. Paul describes his testimony as an example of Jesus’ perfect or “immense” patience in verse 16. Why is the reality of Jesus’ patience such good news for people like us?

Think & Apply:

5. Share some examples of ways that you’ve experienced Jesus’ mercy and patience in your life.

8 6. How should Jesus’ crystal clear focus on his mission to save sinners (verse 15) shape our agenda and activities as a church?

7. How are you doing at being gracious and patient in your relationships with others? How might remembering Jesus’ mercy and patience towards you help you to grow in this?

Prayer: In your group prayer time:

1. Share prayer requests and pray for one another in your group.

2. Use a copy of the Lakeshore Church prayer points (either from Sunday’s bulletin or from the weekly email) to pray for people and events across the church.

Read Ahead: For next week’s sermon and growth group, read 1 Timothy 2:1-7

9 STUDY 3 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Kick Off: Have you known people who used to be committed Christians and have now walked away from their faith? What happened?

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 1:19

Big Idea: The Christian life is a fight to hold onto a good conscience and remain faithful to Jesus.

Investigate:

Read 1 Timothy 1:18-20

1. a) What is the significance of the prophecies mentioned in verse 18? (See also 1 Tim. 4:14 and 2 Tim. 1:6; For glimpse of Timothy’s history see 2 Tim 1:5 and Phil 2:19-24)

b) What is the good fight Paul urges Timothy to fight? (See also 1 Tim 6:12 and 2 Tim 2:3-5)

c) What part do faith and a good conscience play in fighting this battle?

2. How could rejecting a good conscience lead to people shipwrecking their faith?

3. Paul handed the false teachers Hymenaeus (see 2 Tim 2:17) and over to Satan, which means they were kicked out of the church and its spiritual protection. a) Why would he take such extreme action?

b) What is the outcome Paul is hoping for?

Think & Apply:

4. What past experiences or encouragements (or even prophecies) are you able to recall 10 that help you persevere in faith?

5. How can you guard yourself from the danger of rejecting a good conscience and shipwrecking your faith?

6. Do you know of anyone who has “shipwrecked their faith” and/or is no longer part of a church? Is there anything you can do to reach out to them?

Prayer:

In your group prayer time:

1. Share prayer requests and pray for one another in your group.

2. Use a copy of the Lakeshore Church prayer points (either from Sunday’s bulletin or from the weekly email) to pray for people and events across the church.

Read Ahead: For next week’s sermon and growth group, read 1 Timothy 2:1-7.

11 STUDY 4 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Kick Off: How would you describe the classic “Aussie” attitude towards politicians and leaders? If you’re game to be more personal, how is your own attitude similar or different from this?

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 2:5

Big Idea: God’s love and Jesus’ death for sinners compel us to pray and share the good news about Jesus with all people.

Investigate:

1. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-2. In verse 1 Paul insists that Christians ought to be praying and giving thanks for “all people”. Why is this important? Why does he particularly urge us to pray for government leaders and others in important positions of authority?

Read 1 Timothy 2:3-7

2. What are we told about God in verses 3 and 4 and why is this significant?

3. What does it mean for Jesus to be our mediator and our ransom in verses 5 and 6? In what ways are these truths vital for the Christian message and life?

4. How does Paul view his own ministry in verse 7? To what extent does this verse apply to the church as a whole?

12 Think & Apply:

5. How are you doing at praying for “all people”? Are there some people or things that you think are important but you never pray for them? What is the first step you need to take to change this?

6. How can remembering Jesus’ role as our mediator be particularly helpful to us when we’re feeling guilty or distant from God? Give a concrete example of a way that you rely on Jesus as your mediator as you live your day-to-day life?

Prayer: In your group prayer time:

1. Share prayer requests and pray for one another in your group.

2. Use a copy of the Lakeshore Church prayer points (either from Sunday’s bulletin or from the weekly email) to pray for people and events across the church.

Read Ahead: For next week’s sermon and growth group, read 1 Timothy 2:8-15

13 STUDY 5 1 Timothy 2:8-15

Kick Off: As the Christian influence in our culture becomes less and less, what are some of the most significant ways Christians look & act differently to those around us?

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 2:4-5

Big Idea: God commands men and women to behave in ways that adorn the gospel and communicate worship of God.

Investigate:

1. Read 1 Timothy 2:8. a) Looking at the “therefore”, what is the motivation of the commands Paul is about to give?

b) How does an angry spirit undermine effective prayer? On the other hand, how does humble & fervent prayer undermine sinful anger?

2. Read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. a) What are the two alternative ways described here by which women can express themselves? What does each communicate?

3. Read 1 Timothy 2:11-15. In context, these commands (including verses 1-7) are particularly referring to behaviour during church gatherings. a) What are women commanded to do in these verses? What are they commanded not to do?

b) What reasons does Paul give for this command in verses 13-14?

14 c) This command is very different to the way our society would approach this issue. Should this influence our understanding and obedience to these commands?

Think & Apply:

4. Particularly for men, but anyone can answer: When faced with a problem, is your first instinct to get angry and defensive, or to pray? What can you do to bring your life into line with what is taught in 1 Timothy 2:8?

5. Particularly for women, but anyone can answer: Are you sometimes tempted to express yourself with showy or immodest attire instead of modesty and good works? What can you do to bring your life into line with what is taught in 1 Timothy 2:9-10?

6. What are the implications of 1 Timothy 2:11-15 for our own church? What roles can women take on? What roles can they not take on?

Prayer:

In your group prayer time:

1. Share prayer requests and pray for one another in your group.

2. Use a copy of the Lakeshore Church prayer points (either from Sunday’s bulletin or from the weekly email) to pray for people and events across the church.

Read Ahead: For next week’s sermon and growth group, read 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

15 STUDY 6 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Kick Off: In your opinion, what makes a good leader?

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 3:1

Big Idea: The leaders of a local church carry out a noble task and must meet high standards of character

Investigate:

Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The terms overseer, elder, pastor or shepherd are used interchangeably in the to refer to the same office.

1. Why do you think Paul describes this role as a “noble task”?

2. Work through the list of qualifications using this table. For each qualification, does it address character or ability? Why do you think this qualification is important for a church leader?

Qualification Character or Ability? Why important?

3. a) What reason is given for making sure than an overseer manages his own family well?

16 b) What similarities exist between leadership in the family and leadership in the church?

4. a) Why should a new convert not be an overseer?

b) Is age an important qualification for an overseer/elder? Why/why not?

Think & Apply:

5. Based on this (& other) passages, what should your attitude be towards elders in the church?

6. What would you say to someone who tells you they would like to be an elder in the church now or in the future?

Prayer:

In your group prayer time:

1. Share prayer requests and pray for one another in your group.

2. Use a copy of the Lakeshore Church prayer points (either from Sunday’s bulletin or from the weekly email) to pray for people and events across the church.

Read Ahead: For next week’s sermon and growth group, read 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

17 STUDY 7 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Kick Off: What qualifications did you need for your most recent job? Why were they required?

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 3:13

Big Idea: Those who take on roles serving others in a local church have a rewarding task and must meet high standards of character

Investigate:

Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13

1. Work through the list of qualifications for deacons (which simply means servants) and women (which may refer either to deacon’s wives or female deacons) using this table. For each qualification, does it address character or ability? Why do you think this qualification is important for a church leader?

Qualification Character or Ability? Why important?

2. What does this list have in common with the list regarding overseers/elders in the previous passage? What is different?

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3. Considering all the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, is anything listed here that is different to what is elsewhere commanded of all believers?

4. Why it is important for deacons/servants (and this likely applies to overseers/elders also) to be tested before they are able to serve?

5. Why would a deacon/servant gain the rewards of verse 13 if they serve well?

Think & Apply:

6. Which of these character qualifications do you want to cultivate or deepen in your life, and what specific steps will you take to do so?

7. Do you desire to serve in one of the roles that are described in 1 Timothy 3:1-13? Why / why not?

Prayer:

In your group prayer time:

1. Share prayer requests and pray for one another in your group.

2. Use a copy of the Lakeshore Church prayer points (either from Sunday’s bulletin or from the weekly email) to pray for people and events across the church.

Read Ahead: For next week’s sermon and growth group, read 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5.

19 Notes

20 Notes

21 Crucial Questions About Biblical Manhood & Womanhood By John Piper & Wayne Grudem

1. Why do you regard the issue of male and female roles as so important?

We are concerned not merely with the behavioral roles of men and women but also with the underlying nature of manhood and womanhood themselves. Biblical truth and clarity in this matter are important because error and confusion over sexual identity leads to: (1) marriage patterns that do not portray the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31- 32); (2) parenting practices that do not train boys to be masculine or girls to be feminine; (3) homosexual tendencies and increasing attempts to justify homosexual alliances (see question 41); (4) patterns of unbiblical female leadership in the church that reflect and promote the confusion over the true meaning of manhood and womanhood.

God’s gift of complementary manhood and womanhood was exhilarating from the beginning (Genesis 2:23). It is precious beyond estimation. But today it is esteemed lightly and is vanishing like the rain forests we need but don’t love. We believe that what is at stake in human sexuality is the very fabric of life as God wills it to be for the holiness of His people and for their saving mission to the world. (See the “Rationale” of the Danvers Statement in Appendix Two.)

2. What do you mean (in question 1) by “unbiblical female leadership in the church”?

We are persuaded that the Bible teaches that only men should be pastors and elders. That is, men should bear primary responsibility for Christlike leadership and teaching in the church. So it is unbiblical, we believe, and therefore detrimental, for women to assume this role.

3. Where in the Bible do you get the idea that only men should be pastors & elders of the church?

The most explicit texts relating directly to the leadership of men in the church are 1 Timothy 2:11-15; 1 Corinthians 14:34-36; 11:2-16. The chapters in this book on these texts will give the detailed exegetical support for why we believe these texts give abiding sanction to an eldership of spiritual men. Moreover, the Biblical connection between family and church strongly suggests that the headship of the husband at home leads naturally to the primary leadership of spiritual men in the church.

4. What about marriage? What did you mean (in question 1) by “marriage patterns that do not portray the relationship between Christ and the church”?

We believe the Bible teaches that God means the relationship between husband and wife to portray the relationship between Christ and His church. The husband is to model the loving, sacrificial leadership of Christ, and the wife is to model the glad submission offered freely by the church.

5. What do you mean by submission (in question 4)?

22 Submission refers to a wife’s divine calling to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts. It is not an absolute surrender of her will. Rather, we speak of her disposition to yield to her husband’s guidance and her inclination to follow his leadership. Christ is her absolute authority, not the husband. She submits “out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). The supreme authority of Christ qualifies the authority of her husband. She should never follow her husband into sin. Nevertheless, even when she may have to stand with Christ against the sinful will of her husband (e.g., 1 Peter 3:1, where she does not yield to her husband’s unbelief), she can still have a spirit of submission-a disposition to yield. She can show by her attitude and behavior that she does not like resisting his will and that she longs for him to forsake sin and lead in righteousness so that her disposition to honor him as head can again produce harmony.

6. What do you mean when you call the husband “head” (in question 5)?

In the home, Biblical headship is the husband’s divine calling to take primary responsibility for Christlike leadership, protection, and provision.

7. Where in the Bible do you get the idea that husbands should be the leaders in their homes?

The most explicit texts relating directly to headship and submission in marriage are Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Titus 2:5; 1 Timothy 3:4, 12; Genesis 1-3. Moreover, in view of these teaching passages, the pattern of male leadership that pervades the Biblical portrait of family life is probably not a mere cultural phenomenon over thousands of years but reflects God’s original design, even though corrupted by sin.

8. When you say a wife should not follow her husband into sin (question 5), what’s left of headship? Who is to say what act of his leadership is sinful enough to justify her refusal to follow?

We are not claiming to live without ambiguities. Neither are we saying that headship consists in a series of directives to the wife. Leadership is not synonymous with unilateral decision making. In fact, in a good marriage, leadership consists mainly in taking responsibility to establish a pattern of interaction that honors both husband and wife (and children) as a store of varied wisdom for family life. Headship bears the primary responsibility for the moral design and planning in the home, but the development of that design and plan will include the wife (who may be wiser and more intelligent). None of this is nullified by some ambiguities in the borderline cases of conflict.

The leadership structures of state, church, and home do not become meaningless even though Christ alone is the absolute authority over each one. The New Testament command for us to submit to church leaders (Hebrews 13:17) is not meaningless even though we are told that elders will arise speaking perverse things (:30) and should be rebuked (:20) rather than followed when they do so. The command to submit to civil authorities (Romans 13:1) is not meaningless, even though there is such a thing as conscientious objection (Acts 5:29). Nor is the reality of a man’s gentle, strong leadership at home nullified just because his authority is not above Christ’s in the heart of his wife. In the cases where his leadership fails to win her glad response, we will entrust ourselves to the grace of God and seek the path of Biblical wisdom through prayer and counsel. None of us escapes the (sometimes agonizing) ambiguities of real life.

To read the remaining 42 Questions in this free eBook, see http://www.desiringgod.org/books/50-crucial-questions-about-manhood-and-womanhood

23 An Elder’s Job Description By Jeramie Rinne

SHEPHERD GOD’S FLOCK

The apostle Peter says, “I exhort the elders among you: shepherd God’s flock” (1 Pet. 5:2; see also Jn. 21:15-16 and Acts 20:28). Elders serve the Good Shepherd by providing his local flocks with spiritual oversight. Elders feed, lead, protect, and nurture church members like shepherds do with sheep. Let’s get even more specific. While shepherding is a powerful metaphor for framing an elder’s job description, our new elder needs concrete instructions. He needs an answer to his question, “Now what do I do?” Fortunately, God’s Word lists very specific duties that help elders put the shepherding imagery to work.

FOUR PRIMARY DUTIES

Here are four duties that are central to the elder’s job description. While this list is not exhaustive, I believe if lay elders devoted themselves to these four things, they would excel as shepherds.

1. Teach

An elder must be “an able teacher” (1 Tim. 3:2; see 5:17). He must hold “to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and refute those who contradict it” (Tit. 1:9). Jesus’ under-shepherds feed Jesus’ sheep with Jesus’ word. If you’re an elder, find venues for teaching the Bible regularly. Teach a Sunday school class, lead a home group, give a lesson to the youth group, or study Scripture with a member over coffee. And if you’re offered a chance to preach, take it.

Further, tune in to the church’s overall teaching ministry. Keep a finger on the pulse of what’s being taught through congregational singing or in the Sunday school curriculum. Listen closely when members talk about what they’re reading and be alert for rotten food in their spiritual diet.

Finally, remember that teaching includes training others to perpetuate the church’s teaching ministry. As Paul said to Timothy, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). So bring along an apprentice teacher whenever you can.

2. Lead

Just as shepherds lead their flocks, so elders lead local congregations. The biblical writers also call elders “overseers,” a title that highlights their role as leaders (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1; Tit. 1:5, 7). Hebrews instructs Christians to “obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account” (Heb. 13:17).

Elders, be brave and lead your church. Don’t hide among the baggage like King Saul. When you see challenges in your church, face them proactively and plot a course forward. Courageous leadership might involve reaching out to a frustrated member who’s stopped attending, or confronting an unrepentant member through church discipline. Or it could mean wrestling through staffing strategies, budget challenges, or important policies that affect the spiritual identity of the congregation. 24

As you lead, don’t lose sight of the destination. The goal isn’t to lead a church to become an efficient organization, as important as that may be. Rather, elders should lead church members toward maturity in Christ. Jesus gave teaching shepherds to the church “to build up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness” (Eph. 4:12-13). Elders bring the flock to green pastures and still waters when they help members know Jesus more and increasingly reflect his glory together.

3. Model

Most importantly, elders lead by example. Shepherd the church “not [by] lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:3). Not surprisingly, the New Testament lists of elder qualifications focus predominantly on character (1 Tim. 3:1-7, Tit. 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). An elder’s most basic job is to say “Imitate me as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).

The mandate to model maturity carries two critical implications. First, modeling means you must guard your godliness: “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching” (1 Tim. 4:16). Continue to live close to the Lord, nurture your wife and children well, resist sin, and love people. Open your life to the loving accountability of the other elders. Modeling maturity is a team project.

That leads to a second implication: modeling requires elders to be among the people. It only works if people see you up close. So open your life to church members. Invite them into your home, your hobbies, and your ministry. People need a firsthand experience of how you handle stress, relate to your wife, respond to difficult people, and humbly admit when you blow it.

4. Pray

Finally, elders should take up the apostolic shepherding mantle and say, “we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry” (Acts 6:4). Ultimately elders are powerless in themselves to mature anyone in Christ; only the Holy Spirit can do that through God’s Word. The sooner an elder realizes this, the sooner he will hit his knees and plead for a continual work of grace among church members, as well as in his own life.

So if you’re a lay elder (or a paid elder!), strive to be a man of prayer. Build regular prayer into your daily rhythms. Pray over your church’s membership rolls during the commute or while you’re walking the dog. Carve out time as an elder board for concerted prayer. And when you’re talking to a church member, be sure to stop and pray for her right then and there.

SHEPHERD LIKE JESUS

Maybe we could sum up an elder’s job description this way: shepherd the church members like Jesus shepherds his disciples. Like Jesus, make teaching central to your ministry, and make Jesus and the gospel the primary content of your teaching. In every decision, lead your people toward knowing and trusting Jesus. Let them see the character of Jesus exemplified in your life. And just as Jesus often turned aside to pray, so you as an elder should join Jesus in interceding for his people. The under-shepherds of Jesus are at their best when they reflect Jesus, the Chief Shepherd.

From https://9marks.org/article/journaljob-description-lay-elders/

For more resources on Biblical eldership, see www.9marks.org

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Coming Up

1 Timothy Series commences Sunday July 17 Seniors lunch Tuesday July 19 “Jesus in a Multi-Faith Society” Wednesday July 27 GROW Conference Saturday September 3 School Holidays begin Saturday September 17 Y Conference Saturday October 8 1 Timothy Series recommences Sunday October 9 Free Parenting Seminar Monday October 24 Carols in the Carpark Sunday December 11

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