Page 46 - Pastoral Epistles I & 2 Timothy, Titus

Ephesians 6:4. Fathers, do not exasperate (frustrate, aggravate) your children; instead, bring
them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

[15] 1 Timothy 3:6. Not a recent convert.
Obviously, a new convert could not have had the time to develop these qualities. It takes time to obtain a
thorough grasp of the Scriptures. This is a common mistake in our day, especially if the new convert is well
known in the community or if he is a business leader. Paul says, “Don’t do it!”

Part of Christian growth involves God humbling us through trials. A recent convert hasn’t yet learned that lesson.
How could Timothy identify men who were not recent converts when the church in Ephesus was
so new?

Ephesians 4:13-15. Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son
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of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here
and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful
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scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the
mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

[16] 11 Timothy 3:7. A good reputation with outsiders.
He should be recognized in the community as a man of moral character and proper conduct. His business
dealings should be honest and right. This should be true of all Christians, but especially of leaders. People outside
the church should not be able to bring the charge of “hypocrite” against a church leader.

He should have a good reputation with people outside of the church.
Question: Does your church interview neighbors or co-workers of men designed to be elders to make sure they
have a good testimony with people outside the church?
1 Peter 2:12. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing
wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

 There has been terrible damage to the church of Jesus Christ because unqualified men have been put into
leadership.

Whenever these things happen, many people are wounded. Some, who were shaky in their faith, leave the
church and sometimes leave the faith. Unbelievers make fun of God and the church and find reasons to continue
in their sins. So, it is imperative that we, as a church, only put into leadership men who are spiritually mature, as
seen in their home life and in their personal character.

Suggested questions that should be asked of every person considering serving as a leader.
Based on 1 Timothy 3:4 and Titus 1:6 …

• Do you give generously to the Lord?
• Do you love your wife?
• Have you ever had an affair?
• How do you train your kids?
• What are your Bible-reading habits?
• What are your prayer habits?
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