Page 44 - Pastoral Epistles student textbook

literally means “ a one-woman man.” Some take it to mean that an elder must be married, not single;
but this would disqualify Paul and Timothy.

The best interpretation that I am aware of is that a “one-woman-man” is a man who is intimately
related only to his wife. He is a faithful husband. He is not a flirt nor is he hooked on pornography or
lust.  Whether single or married, he has an extended track record of mental and physical sexual
purity.
Hebrews 13:4. Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for
God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
Matthew 5:27-28. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
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28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed
adultery with her in his heart.

[3] 1 Timothy 3:2. Temperate. Titus 1:7. Not quick tempered.
The word means to be clear-headed, mentally alert, able to make sound judgments. It identifies a
man who has sound spiritual discernment in this evil world. In the everyday situations of life, he
reacts according to biblical principles so that he remains under God’s control.

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Matthew 7:3-5. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and
pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let
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me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly
to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

James 1:19-20. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be
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quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does
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not produce the righteousness that God desires.

[4] 1 Timothy 3:2. Self-controlled. Titus 1:8. Self-controlled.

It means “to be of sound mind,” especially in the sense of not being impulsive. He doesn’t live by his
feelings, but by obedience to God’s wisdom as revealed in His Word.

Paul uses this word to refer to an athlete who exercises self-control in all things so that he may win the
prize. He doesn’t do anything that would hinder him from his goal. An elder must have control over
harmful desires or habits that would interfere with knowing Christ more deeply or with being an
effective shepherd of God’s flock. He will be disciplined about spending time alone with God in the
Word and prayer. He is not impulsive.

Proverbs 25:28. Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-
control.

[5] 1 Timothy 3:2. Respectable. Titus 1:8. Loves what is good.
The word means “orderly, decent, modest.” It points to a person who lives a well-ordered, decent life
in every area so that he is modeling the life of Jesus in his own life.

1 Corinthians 14:40. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
[6] 1 Timothy 3:3. Hospitable. Titus 1:8. Hospitable.
Literally, the Greek word means, “a lover of strangers.” He is quick to open his heart and home to
others. He is not afraid to meet new people. He’s able to make them feel relaxed and welcome.

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