Lesson 5 – Elements of Biblical Call: Fitness pt 1- Character

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B. A proven fitness for the work of the pastoral office

Introductory clarifications

1. The manifested graces indicative of genuine, matured, balanced, and proven Christian character

a. An explanation of the key words

1) The focus of all the adjectives is the phrase, “Christian character.”

2) The meaning of “manifested graces”

3) The four words which can be grouped together

genuine
matured
balanced or symmetrical
proven

b. An overview of the requirements of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 as they relate to Christian character

1) Reasons for the differences in the two statements of requirements

2) The major concerns of the two statements of requirements for the pastoral
office

a) In both passages the nonnegotiable, uncompromising standard must be maintained.

The use of the particle of necessity in 1 Timothy 3:2 and in Titus 1:7

b) In both passages it is required that there be no just grounds to charge an overseer with any pattern of inconsistency with respect to godly character.

1 Tim. 3:2 and Titus 1:7

R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians, to the Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus and to Philemon (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1961), pp. 579-580.

c) In both passages there is a requirement of unquestioned sexual integrity.

1 Tim. 3:2 and Titus 1:6

For a discussion on the meaning of the expression, “husband of one wife,” see Patrick Fairbairn, A Commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2002), pp. 416-432.

d) In both passages there is a requirement of exemplary domestic piety.

See 1 Tim. 3:4-5 and Titus 1:6b

e) In both passages there is a requirement of graces indicative of sound judgment.

1 Tim. 3:2 and Titus 1:8

f) In both passages there is a requirement of graces essential to good relationships with people.

1 Tim. 3:3 and Titus 1:7b

g) In both passages there is a requirement of graces essential to patterns of self-control.

1 Tim. 3:2 and Titus 1:8b

h) In both passages there is a requirement of non-mercenary motives.

1 Tim. 3:3b and Titus 1:7

i) In both passages there is a requirement of graces indicative of an aggressive love of people.

1 Tim. 3:2 and Titus 1:8

j) In Timothy, there is a requirement for the graces essential for effective leadership of others.

1 Tim. 3:5

k) In Timothy there is a requirement of the graces essential for maintaining a good testimony before the unconverted.

1 Tim. 3:7

l) In Timothy the graces of tried experience which in some measure will neutralize vulnerability to pride are requisite.

1 Tim. 3:6

c. Summary and suggested helps for further intensive study of these things

1. I remind you that this has only been a cursory overview of the graces which are indicative of genuine, matured, balanced, proven, and exemplary Christian character.

Patrick Fairbairn, A Commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2002), pp. 145-146.

2. For your own further and careful study of these requirements and future preaching on them I commend to you the following helps:

Epistles of Timothy and Titus by William Hendricksen (He provides a most helpful tabulation of these requirements)

The Pastoral Epistles by Geoffrey Wilson

Interpretation of Colossians through Philemon by Lenski

A Commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by Patrick Fairbairn

Linguistic Key by Rienecker/Rogers

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