HERE'S A TRUSTWORTHY SAYING ...
TRAINING IN GODLINESS AND HOPE IN THE LIVING GOD

further studies in I Timothy

Blameless Leaders

• Trustworthy Saying 2 - Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task (3:1)
• Family and Character
• Deacons: Worthy of Respect
• Deaconess or Wives (I Timothy 3:11)?
• Romans 16:1

Deaconess or Wife?

• We know that Phoebe was a deacon (Romans 16:1)
• The word in I Timothy 3:11 is “wife” or “woman”
• Ordination is not the issue – faithfulness is the issue
• Verse 12 continues profile of deacons

Why Leaders Like This?

• “... you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household” – 3:14-15
• “... in the last times some will turn away from the true faith ...” – 4:1

Hypocrites

• Hypocrisy is alluring because it carries the title of God and gets applause from others
• It does not produce godliness
  - Why bother?
  - Can’t be perfect
  - Focus on outward discipline

  

Godliness

• Trustworthy Saying 3 – 4:8 or 4:10
• 4:8 – Godliness
• 4:10 – Hope and Salvation
• Our trust (faith) is in the living God who saves us all

Charges

1. Reject silly myths – don’t encourage senseless prattle
2. Train for godliness – current and eternal benefits
3. Teach and be an example
4. Do not neglect spiritual gifts

Chris Benjamin

West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
Evening Sermon, 28 February 2010

 Link to next sermon

 Link to other sermons of Chris Benjamin