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Pastor Scott L. Harris
Grace Bible Church, NY
June 21, 2015
Men Worth Emulating
1 Timothy 3:8-13 & Selected Scriptures
Introduction
I had been thinking about what I should preach on for Father’s Day when I heard a Bill Anderson song I remember from when I was just 13 years old entitled, Where Have All Our Heroes Gone? The song laments the changes that were already taking place in American society by 1971 in which news magazines were starting to give favorable coverage to counter-cultural figures and making them seem like people worth emulating. The military leaders, explorers, movie stars and sportsmen that were his heroes growing up were being replaced by revolutionary political figures, sports stars surrounded by scandal, and self-absorbed entertainers. I remember those years with nostalgia because there were still plenty of men worthy to be called heroes who were positive role models for boys and young men.
There were explorers such as the many Apollo astronauts. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first to walk on the moon. James Lovell commanded the stricken Apollo 13, a nation prayed, and the crew returned safely. James Irwin flew on Apollo 15, then left NASA to preach the gospel. The seventies was a decade of political scandal and ineptness following Watergate and the resignation of President Nixon, but Ronald Regan, the governor of my home state, California, made a good showing in the 1976 campaign so perhaps there was hope for the future. There were 257 Medal of Honor recipients during the war in Vietnam, but since the major new media had turned against the war, you didn’t hear much about them. The only veterans that received a lot of positive attention on their return were the POW’s released in 1973 following the Paris Peace Accord pushed through by President Nixon. The entertainment industry was moving away from family friendly films, but most Disney releases were still safe and John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart were still on the big screen. I didn’t follow sports much, but I remember LA Ram Rosie Greer & Rob Scribner speaking at our church. I also remember Rick Monday saving an American flag from protesters who were trying to burn it on the field at Dodger Stadium.
Perhaps sports is the best way to show the radical change in what our society, at least according to the media, holds up as the qualities of a hero. In 1976 he proved himself to be the best athlete in the world by winning the Olympic Men’s Decathlon and he became a role model of dedication and tenacity. He was known as a nice guy and his endorsement sold a lot of products. His inner demons were kept from the public. This year, he became famous again as a supposed model of courage and freedom. The tragic reality is that he has tenaciously run away from the truth and enslaved himself to a lie against every cell in his body. Bruce Jenner has undergone many operations and mutilated his body in the quest to fulfill the ultimate dream of a drag queen. How sick our society must be to tout him as a role model in any way, shape or form. He has become the anti-hero of every boy that wants to grow up to be a man.
There are still plenty of men that are good role models, but do not expect even the most outstanding among them to receive much positive publicity from today’s major media outlets, for they glorify sin while showing disdain for those with godly morals. Most of today’s true heroes will remain known to only a relative few, so where then will you find examples of men that will inspire you and role models to hold up for boys to follow? Go back to the Bible and read the tales of true men whose lives are displayed warts and all and yet used of God to accomplish mighty things. Each has something to teach us and something worth emulating.
I thought of many men who would be good examples for today’s sermon: Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, Solomon, David, Hezekiah, Josiah, the prophets, Daniel, Nehemiah, John the Baptist, the Apostles, Paul and Timothy. For those of you not yet familiar with the Bible, go to Hebrews 11 and read about the men of faith listed there of whom the world was not worthy. Be inspired to be a role model of faith yourself. You do not have to make it into the news to be a hero to someone else.
Marks of Maturity – 1 Timothy 3:8-12
Since there are too many Biblical examples of men worth emulating to cover in one sermon, I thought I would narrow that down to just a few who were good illustrations of the marks of maturity found in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. Paul had sent Timothy to Ephesus in order to correct some men who were teaching strange doctrines and to instruct the church properly on several issues including the qualifications for leaders in the church. Paul covers the character qualities and skills necessary for overseers – those who would serve as Pastors and Elders – in 1 Timothy 3:1-8. Paul then gives the qualities necessary for those who would serve as Deacons in verses 9-13 with a short ellipsis in verse 11 on the qualities needed in women that would serve in that capacity. The reality is that the character traits of a Deacon are nothing special. They are simply marks of maturity to which every Christian man can and should develop in his own life.
Follow with me as I read 1 Timothy 3:9-13. 8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
This morning we are going to look at each of these nine character traits and some examples of men that demonstrated them well. These are qualities every Christian man should desire to have and develop in his own life so that they might be men worth emulating.
Men of Dignity – 1 Timothy 3:8
Godly men are dignified. This is the word semnovV / semnos which is variously translated as dignified, reverent, grave and worthy of respect. It was used in early Greek as an attribute of the gods and divine things (lofty, sacred) and then for objects related to visible majesty and greatness such as a royal throne. From that it became used for the inner quality of things and of men. Its usage here refers to men who in being and conduct call forth respect from others. This then is an inner character quality that exhibits itself outwardly in manner, conduct and speech so that it gains the respect of others.
I thought of quite a few men that were characterized by such dignity including Abraham, Job and Daniel, but the example of this I want to present to you today is Nehemiah. What he was able to accomplish was in many ways dependent on his dignity. He was a captured Jew who served in the court of king Artaxerxes as his cup bearer. Certainly this was a trusted position since he was responsible to make sure the king had something to drink that was not poisoned, but he was not an advisor and had no influence upon the king except that which could be gained by his manner and conduct.
Nehemiah had received news about the poor condition of Jerusalem which had made him sad. He had been fasting and praying about it which resulted in him having a sad face as he was serving wine to Artaxerxes which the king noticed since it was the first time it had ever happened. This could have been dangerous for being in the king’s presence should bring joy and showing sadness could be taken as an affront to the king and result in losing your life which is why Nehemiah became very much afraid (2:2). Instead, the longstanding dignified conduct of Nehemiah caused the king to have a soft heart and show genuine concern. This in turn allowed Nehemiah the opportunity to explain the situation in Jerusalem and petition the king concerning its welfare to rebuild it. Later on, it is Nehemiah’s dignity that enabled him to respond properly to the ridicule he received from Sanballat and Tobiah about the work of rebuilding the wall, and then to also avoid a trap to murder him.
Is your manner and conduct of such quality that you gain the respect of others? Does your quest to remain worthy of respect keep you from falling into the immaturity of those that ridicule you? Does your dignity keep you focused on the proper priorities and avoid the trap of secondary issues? In what ways do you need to improve? Wife- how can you encourage your husband?
Not Double-tongued – 1 Timothy 3:8
Godly men are not double-tongued. The phrase here is m;h dilovgouV / m dilogous and is also translated as not insincere, not two faced and sincere. It literally means “twice worded” and refers to someone that says one thing at one time and something else at a different time. They hide the truth, are insincere and hypocritical. A godly man is consistent and righteous in what he says. He carries the qualities of Psalm 15 which includes “swearing to his own hurt and does not change.” A man worth emulating keeps his word. He is true to his promises even when it is difficult.
This is a quality seen in many men in the Scriptures. Joshua 9 records that he and the leaders of Israel were deceived by the Gibeonites and yet they still kept the promises made to them. 2 Samuel 21 records that David kept his promise by showing kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth and restoring to him all his grandfather’s lands and having him eat regularly at his table.
Another man that demonstrates this quality well is Job for the quality here is not just faithfulness to your word, but being someone that is always truthful. You are who you are wherever you are and with whomever you are with. Job suffered great tragedy, yet he remained true to his character and continued to worship God. His lament was deep as was his confusion about why such tragedy had come upon him. His friends only made matters worse by attacking him trying to find some flaw in his character that would explain his suffering. Job remained firmly fixed on God – “though He slay me, yet I will hope in Him” (13:15) – and he fully expected to see God from his flesh even after his skin was destroyed (19:26). When finally rebuked by God, Job humbly recanted for speaking of things he did not understand and too wonderful for him to know (42:3). Job was of true character throughout his life.
Can others trust that you are sincere and truthful when you speak? Do you keep your promises even when it is a sacrifice to do so? Does your integrity hold even when attacked and falsely accused? Does your hope in God transcend the things in this life so that you remain faithful to Him and do not yield to the pressure to tell people what they want to hear instead of what you believe to be true? In ways do you need to improve? Wife – how can you encourage your husband?
Not Addicted to Much Wine – 1 Timothy 3:8
The phrase here is mh; oi[nw/ tollw/: prosevxontaV / m oin toll prosexontas and refers to a man that is not devoted or given to too much wine. The godly man does not abuse alcohol or any drug. He is noted for his sobriety. This is not the extreme of the Nazirite vow described in Numbers 6 in which there is abstinence from all wine and from anything related to grapes. This is more in keeping with the warnings in Proverbs 20:1 and 23:29-35. Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. To linger long over wine will cause your eyes to see strange things, your mind to utter perverse things and you will stagger about. Wine can bite like a serpent and sting like a viper. The godly man follows the advice given to Lemuel in Proverbs 31:4-6 to refrain from wine and strong drink because it causes even kings to forget what is decreed and pervert the rights of the afflicted. Wine was for those who have no hope so that they could forget their bitter lives.
John the Baptist is a good example of God working through a man who never had wine or strong drink for that was the command given to his father, Zacharias, before he was born (Luke 1:15). Yet as Jesus pointed out in Luke 7:33-34, the religious leaders accused Jesus of being a drunkard because He did drink wine and they accused John the Baptist of having a demon because he did not. Character, not wine is the issue, and the character of a godly man will pursue righteousness in all circumstance even when falsely accused.
Perhaps Isaiah is a good example of this quality. Though his prophecies contain many warnings and condemnations of those who would get drunk, his prophecies also contain many statements about wine being a blessing and lack of it a curse (5:2, 10; 16:10; 25:6; 27:2; 55:1). Isaiah was a prophet during the reigns of four kings. His focus was on proclaiming the truth of God whether agreeable to those who heard him or not. He never let something influence him, including wine, that would skew truth, justice and righteousness
According to Ephesians 5:18 godly men are to be filled with the spirit and not drunk with wine for that would be dissipation. Are you careful to make sure that not only do you refrain from getting drunk, but you also do not allow drink influence your thinking? Are you also careful with any medications the same way? The Christian has hope, so we have no need to find something to remove the memories of troubles and trials of life. We see those things as means by which God matures us and conforms us to the image of Christ (Rom. 5; James 1). Do you need to improve in this area? Wife – how can you encourage your husband?
Not Fond of Sordid Gain – 1 Timothy 3:8
The phrase here is mh; aijscrokerdei:V / m aischrokerdeis and also variously translated as not greedy for / fond of / pursuing dishonest gain, not greedy for money / filthy lucre, and not seeking gain by base means. The gain is not the emphasis here for the problem does not lie in the material possessions themselves. The problem is in the desire and means of gaining such material possessions. Paul expresses this well in 1 Timothy 6:9-10. It is not in being rich or having money, it is in the desire and love of it. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
There are several men that demonstrate this quality very well. The first one I thought of was Solomon. 2 Chronicles 1:10 records Solomon’s prayer, explains what he wanted and what God did for him. “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?” Because Solomon sought wisdom instead of riches, wealth, honor, the life of his enemies or even long life for himself, God granted to him wisdom and all those things too. His heart was set on wisdom, not wealth.
Elisha is another example. 1 Kings 5 records the story of Elisha healing Naaman of leprosy and then refusing the wealth offered in gratitude for the cleansing. Elisha’s heart was sent on the glory of God, not on gaining wealth. This was seen in all the apostles except Judas who was greedy, but it is especially demonstrated in Matthew who had a very lucrative job as a tax gatherer. Prior to Jesus calling him, Matthew was fond of sordid gain, but Matthew 9:9 records that when Jesus said, “Follow Me!” Matthew got up and left it all. He was a changed man.
What is the desire of your heart? What is your attitude toward wealth? How are you doing at battling the temptation toward materialism that is so prevalent in our society? The man worth emulating seeks first God’s kingdom and righteousness and trusts God to provide and being content even if it is just food and covering (Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 6:8). Do you need to improve in this area? Wife – how can you encourage your husband?
Holding to the Mystery of the Faith with a Clear Conscience – 1 Timothy 3:9
This is translated in a very similar manner in all English versions. The mystery of the faith is the deep truths that had been previously hidden but had been revealed through the teachings of Jesus and His apostles. A godly man has solid convictions which are firmly held based on understanding Biblical doctrine. His conscience is clear or pure because he lives according to those convictions.
Many men mentioned in the Scriptures exhibit this quality, but perhaps none so clearly as Paul who used this as a defense for himself against charges he was speaking against the Law and Temple and defiling it by bringing Greeks into it. Paul said to the Sanhedrin, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day” (Acts 23:1). After Paul had been taken to Caesarea, Paul defended himself to Felix the governor saying in Acts 24:14-16, “that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 “In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.” Paul’s defense against the false accusations was having a clear conscience because he was diligent to hold fast to all that was in the word of God.
The wonderful thing about the Scriptures is that they will renew the mind and cleanse the conscience because they will reveal any error so that your life can be transformed. The more you study the Bible and the longer you live according to it, the greater the clarity of both understanding and conscience.
Do you understand the fundamental teachings of the Bible? If not, are you making the effort to learn them? Are you diligent in striving to live according to what you do already know? If you are, then you should be developing a clean conscience and becoming a man worth emulating. Do you need to improve in this area? Wife – how can you encourage your husband?
Let These Also First Be Tested; Then Let Them Serve – 1 Timothy 3:10
To test is to prove the quality. In this case, it is demonstrating that the character claimed is the character confirmed. In many ways this is a demonstration of humility and patience. Men tend to be proud and so they often can think they are better and farther along than they are in reality. However, it takes time to grow and mature because it takes time to learn Biblical doctrine and apply them into daily life. It is not enough to know about what the word of God teaches, those truths must be incorporated into how you think and change the way you behave. The wise man will attach himself to others that are farther along and learn from them. As Proverbs 1:5 states it, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” Proverbs 9:9 adds, “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.”
Two men come to my mind when I think about this. The first is Elisha who attached himself to Elijah. He was plowing his field when Elijah came by and called him to follow according the prophecy God had revealed to him. Elisha did and became Elijah’s servant. It was in that capacity that he learned the ways of a prophet though already anointed to be the next prophet after Elijah.
I also think of Timothy. He is a young man when Paul meets him on his second missionary journey when he arrives in Derbe. Paul wanted him to travel with him and so Timothy’s training began. He went with Paul throughout the rest of that missionary journey and then also on the third. Paul gave him increasing responsibility as Timothy was able to handle it. After many years, though timid by nature, Timothy became Paul’s envoy to various churches.
If you want to be a man who is a worthy example, then learn all you can from someone that already is such an example. Be humble and patient to let God exalt you into positions of greater influence in His perfect time (1 Peter 5:6) instead of striving to gain it for yourself prematurely. Do you need to improve in this area? Wife – how can you encourage your husband?
If They Are Beyond Reproach – 1 Timothy 3:10
This is ajnevgklhtoi o[nteV / anegkl toi ontes which is translated variously as being blameless, unblameable, there is nothing against them, being without charge, above reproach. The man who is a good role model will live in such a way that he will not be accused of wrong-doing, and if accused, there will be no evidence to support the accusation.
Enoch was such a man because he walked with God in such a way that he was not, for God took him at 365 years of age. He is one of only two men in history that have escaped death, the other being Elijah. You might feel his example is a bit out of range for you, but that of Daniel is not. Though Daniel was only a youth when he was taken to Babylon as a captive and put into training to become a servant to the king, he showed great commitment to following God regardless of circumstances. No story demonstrates this better than when facing the den of lions.
Daniel 6 records that the other 119 satraps and 2 commissioners (government officials) because jealous of Daniel and sought ways to get him removed from office over them. Verse 4-5 record, 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.”
Daniel was beyond reproach. He was blameless in everything. They had to create a conflict by tickling the king and creating a law that would conflict with Daniel’s commitment to God. Though Daniel was fully aware of the penalty, he continued his practice of praying three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He remained blameless before God. You know the rest of the story, God shut the mouths of the lions and rescued Daniel, then the evil men that had accused him were thrown in and the lions quickly killed them.
If you want to be a worthy role model, then follow Daniel’s example in being blameless by abiding in God’s will. But don’t be surprised when evil men accuse and reproach you because of your righteousness. Jesus told us to expect it – Matt. 5:10-12, John 16:33. Do you need to improve in this area? Wife – how can you encourage your husband?
Husbands of One Wife – 1 Timothy 3:12
This is mia:V gunaiko;V a[ndreV / mais gunaikos andres and though the context suggests wife since children are mentioned next, the fullness of the meaning is brought out better by translating this as “one woman man” or “man of one woman.” This a character quality and not a statement about marital status. He is completely devoted to only one woman. If he is married, that is his wife. If he is single, he is not flirtatious, but explores only one relationship at a time.
Hosea is a good example of this, but since it was very unusual for God to tell a man to marry a prostitute, this is not as applicable to most. However, it is an example to those who have a spouse that is unfaithful. Hosea continued in faithfulness to Gomer though she was unfaithful to him, and in that way became a picture of God and Israel.
A more positive example is Joseph. As a single man his greatest commitment was to God and so he refused the advances of his master’s wife (Genesis 39:7-12) though that resulted in him being falsely accused and being thrown in jail. After he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and was made second in the kingdom, he was also given Asenath as a wife. He remained faithful to her and their children throughout his life. She is the only daughter-in-law mentioned by name in the accounting of Jacob’s descendants in Genesis 46.
If you are single, are you setting an example like Joseph did in having a high commitment to God which sees it as sin to even consider the temptations thrown at you by the lose women in our culture both live and via media? If not, then follow his example and flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22). If dating, don’t play the field, but be a model for others by properly courting only one woman at a time. If married, is your devotion only to your wife? Be a man worth emulating by faithfully fulfilling your role as a godly husband and be the practical model of Christ and the church. Do you need to improve in this area? Wife – how can you encourage your husband?
Good Managers of Their Children and Their Own Households – 1 Timothy 3:12. This is the final mark of maturity in this passage. This is variously translated as managing, leading, ruling and conducting your children and houses or household. The idea here is that a godly man will so influence those in his home that it will cause them to follow his recommended course of action. This will include not only his children, but also anyone else in the home including servants. A mature man will make provision for those over whom he has responsibility and lead them righteously. He keeps the family in order though application of Biblical principles.
As I was reading through Jeremiah this week I was struck by how well Jonadab the son of Recheb fits this description. He is first mentioned in 2 Kings 10:15 & 23 in which he joins with Jehu in the destruction of Ahab’s descendants according to the prophecy of Elijah. In 1 Chronicles 2:55 we find that he is actually from a family of scribes. It is now about 300 years later and his influence is still being felt. Jeremiah 35 records that he invited the whole house of the Rechabites to a chamber in the house of the Lord where he set pitchers and cups before them and told them to drink wine. They responded that they would not because it would go against what Jonadab the son of Rechab had commanded the family so long ago. They also recounted many other things they did or did not do because of his influence. Jeremiah then used this as a condemnation of Judah because God had sent multiple prophets to them and they had not listened, yet the house of Rechab was still keeping family traditions hundreds of years later.
A man who is a good role model will influence not only his own family, but his descendants for generations to come. How about you? Do you need to improve in this area? Wife – how can you encourage your husband?
Conclusions
1 Timothy 3:13 ends this passage about deacons with a blessing, “for those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” The same is true for any man that develops these same qualities in his life whether he ever gains the position of a deacon in a church or not. He is blessed personally as he walks with the Lord, and he is a blessing to others as a man worth emulating. May that become true of every man here.
Sermon Notes: Men Worth Emulating
1 Timothy 3:8-13 & Selected Scriptures
Introduction
By 1971 the major media were already giving _____________coverage was given to counter-culture leaders
There were still plenty of heroes in the 1970’s – ________________________________________________
The 1976 Olympic Decathlon winner is now considered a hero for trying to be something _______________
Good role models will not receive the attention of the media which glorifies ____and disdains righteousness
Go to the ______________for godly heroes and inspiration to be a godly role model yourself
Marks of Maturity – 1 Timothy 3:8-12
Paul sent Timothy to Ephesus to correct wrong doctrine and ___________the church properly
The character traits Paul lists for Deacons are simply marks of ______________- 1 Timothy 3:9-13
Men of Dignity – 1 Timothy 3:8
semnovV / semnos which is variously translated as dignified, reverent, grave and worthy of _____________
It refers to men who in being and conduct call forth ____________from others
Nehemiah, a captured Jew and cup bear to Artaxerxes, gained ____________because his dignity
Nehemiah’s dignity also enabled him to ____________properly and keep proper focus avoiding a trap
Not Double-tongued – 1 Timothy 3:8
m;h dilovgouV / m dilogous – “not twice worded” – also translated as __________, not two faced & sincere
He ___________his promises – Joshua and the Israelite leaders in Joshua 9; David in 2 Samuel 21
Job was ________________in character and speech
Not Addicted to Much Wine – 1 Timothy 3:8
A man that is not devoted or given to too much _____________
In keeping with Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:4-6 – recognizes and heeds the _____________of wine
John the Baptist never had wine or strong drink, and so was ____________of having a demon
Isaiah understood the dangers and blessings of wine and never let it _______________him to pervert truth
Godly men are filled with the __________, not wine – The Christian has _______and can face life’s troubles
Not Fond of Sordid Gain – 1 Timothy 3:8
Also translated as _______________for / fond of / pursuing dishonest gain / filthy lucre
______________and the means of gaining is the problem, not wealth itself – 1 Timothy 6:9-10
2 Chronicles 1:10 – Solomon’s prayer for ______________, not personal gain
1 Kings 5 – Elisha turns down the _________for healing Naaman of leprosy – God’s glory is more important
Matthew _________his lucrative tax collecting position to immediately follow Jesus – Matthew 9:9
Holding to the Mystery of the Faith with a Clear Conscience – 1 Timothy 3:9
Having solid _______________to follow the doctrines previously hidden revealed by Jesus and the Apostles
Paul defended himself from false accusations by proclaiming his ________conscience – Acts 23:3; 24:14-16
The Scriptures renew the mind, clean the conscience and _____________the life
Let These Also First Be Tested; Then Let Them Serve – 1 Timothy 3:10
Character claimed must be demonstrated as character ___________before granting a position of influence
Wise men __________from other wise men and are always open to learning more – Proverbs 1:5; 9:9
Elisha was trained by Elijah _________he had been anointed to be the next prophet
Timothy began his training with Paul as a young man, gaining greater responsibility to become his _______
If They Are Beyond Reproach – 1 Timothy 3:10
Also translated as being ___________, unblameable, without charge, nothing against them, above reproach
Living in such as way so as to not be accused of ___________, and if accused lacking evidence to support it
Daniel was taken to Babylon as a youth and quickly demonstrated his ___________________to follow God
His enemies could find __________of accusation, so they created a law conflicting with his worship of God
Daniel remained blameless before ______and continued proper worship – and God protected him (Daniel 6)
Let Deacons Be Husbands of One Wife – 1 Timothy 3:12
Its full meaning is expressed better if translated as “________________________” or “man of one woman”
A man _______to one woman: If married, his wife. If single, he is not flirtatious, but dates only one woman
Hosea remained _______________even though his wife did not – a picture of God’s relationship to Israel
When single, Joseph’s commitment to God was ____________than the temptations of his master’s wife
When married, though second in the kingdom, he was devoted to his _______________
Good Managers of Their Children and Their Own Households – 1 Timothy 3:12.
He so influences those in his home that it causes them to ___________his recommended course of action
Jonadab the son of Recheb – gave instructions to his family which were still being followed _____years later
Conclusions
The man who develops these characteristics will be __________and be a blessing as a man worth emulating
KIDS KORNER
Parents, you are responsible to apply God’s Word to your children’s lives. Here is some help. Young Children – draw a picture about something you hear during the sermon. Explain your picture(s) to your parents at lunch. Older Children – Do one or more of the following: 1) Count how many times the disciples are mentioned. 2) Discuss with your parents the qualities that mark a mature man.
THINK ABOUT IT!
Questions to consider in discussing the sermon with others. In ways have you seen American culture decline during your life time? Who were your heroes growing up? Why did Paul send Timothy to Ephesus? Why did he list out character qualities that were needed in church leaders? How do those for a deacon reflect marks of spiritual maturity? Examine each of the nine characteristics listed above and rate how well you are doing. What areas need to be improved? Make a plan of action to improve those areas. If a wife, consider how you can encourage (not nag) your husband to develop these qualities in his life. Consider 1 Timothy 3:11 for yourself.
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