Godly leadership in the church is rooted not in status or outward competency, but in the deep, consistent character of the individual. Leaders are called to be above reproach, steady, self-controlled, and respected both inside and outside the church. Their lives should be marked by integrity, hospitality, and faithfulness, serving as trustworthy examples for others to follow. This standard is not just for leaders, but for all believers who desire to reflect Christ in every area of life. [48:11]
1 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV)
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Reflection: In what area of your character do you sense God calling you to grow so that your life matches your faith both in private and in public?
Just as a little algae can quickly overtake a pool if left unchecked, small compromises in doctrine or practice can lead to significant problems in the church. Paul warns that false teaching and spiritual neglect can creep in subtly, and if not addressed, can damage the health and witness of the church. Vigilance, self-examination, and a commitment to biblical truth are essential to maintaining the purity and mission of the church community. [38:38]
Acts 20:28-31 (ESV)
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
Reflection: What “algae” or small compromises might be growing in your spiritual life or community that need to be addressed before they become bigger issues?
Serving in the church is not just about filling a role, but about living out a faithful commitment to Christ and His people. Deacons and all who serve are called to be dignified, sincere, and trustworthy, holding firmly to the faith with a clear conscience. True service is an overflow of a heart transformed by the gospel, and every believer is encouraged to discover and use their unique gifts to build up the body of Christ. [56:43]
1 Timothy 3:8-13 (ESV)
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What is one way you can use your unique gifts to serve others in your church family this week?
The reputation of the church in the community is shaped by the character and conduct of its leaders and members. Upholding godly standards is essential not only for internal health but also for the church’s witness to outsiders. When the church maintains integrity, it brings honor to Christ and opens doors for the gospel, while lapses in character can bring disrepute and hinder the mission. [58:17]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Reflection: How can you intentionally represent Christ and your church with integrity in your interactions with those outside the church today?
Church leaders are called to care for, pray for, and shepherd the congregation, but they also need the ongoing prayers and encouragement of the people they serve. Praying for your leaders helps guard against spiritual drift, supports them in their responsibilities, and strengthens the unity and health of the church. Every member is invited to know, encourage, and pray for those who lead, recognizing that leadership is a shared journey of faith and service. [01:02:30]
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Reflection: Take a moment today to pray specifically for one of your church leaders by name—what is one way you can encourage or support them this week?
Today’s focus is on the nature of leadership within the church, drawing from Paul’s instructions to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3 and the context provided in Acts 20. The journey begins with the recognition that every believer, regardless of spiritual maturity, is in a continual process of being made new by God. No one has “arrived,” and all are in need of ongoing transformation. This humility is essential as we approach the topic of leadership, for the health of the church depends on leaders who are themselves being shaped by God’s Word and Spirit.
Paul’s relationship with the church at Ephesus is deeply personal. He spent years investing in its people, and his concern for their spiritual health is evident. He likens the process of diagnosing and remedying issues in the church to a doctor’s visit or a “spiritual” check-up, urging us to regularly assess our own spiritual health. Problems, like algae in a pool, can start small but quickly overtake if left unchecked. Theological drift and moral compromise are subtle but dangerous, and Paul’s warnings to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 are both prophetic and urgent. Leaders must be vigilant, alert to the creeping dangers that threaten the purity and reputation of the church.
The heart of Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 3 is that leadership in the church is not about status, but about service. The qualifications for overseers (elders/pastors) and deacons are rooted in character, not merely in competency. Leaders are to be above reproach, faithful in their relationships, self-controlled, hospitable, and able to teach sound doctrine. Their lives should be consistent both inside and outside the church, protecting the reputation of Christ’s body in the wider community. These standards are not just for leaders, but are marks of maturity for all believers.
Deacons, too, are called to serve with dignity, integrity, and faithfulness. The emphasis is always on the inner life—the heart and character—rather than outward achievement. Godly standards are the safeguard for the church’s health and witness. While failures in leadership can bring scandal, there are also many faithful leaders and churches in our community who serve with humility and integrity. We are called to pray for them, support them, and emulate their example.
Finally, the invitation is extended to know and connect with the elders who serve, to seek their care in times of need, and to participate together in the life of the church, including the Lord’s Supper. The call is to a community marked by godly leadership, mutual care, and a shared commitment to the ongoing work of Christ among us.
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1 Timothy 3:1–13 (ESV) — > 1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
> 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
> 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
> 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
> 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?
> 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
> 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
> 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
> 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
> 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
> 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
> 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
> 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Acts 20:28–31 (ESV) — > 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
> 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
> 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
> 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
Be on guard, he says. Be alert. Pay attention to the algae that might be growing along in the corner because if you don't pay attention to that algae as it grows, it's going to overtake your church. It's going to be a problem. You have to be vigilant. You have to be careful. You have to keep a watch over the church. And so I'm warning you about what can happen. [00:43:35] (24 seconds) #VigilanceAgainstCorruption
``Godly leadership starts with godly character. This is the beginning. And so the list that follows is describing the godly character of the godly leader. [00:47:02] (16 seconds) #GodlyLeadershipFoundation
They're a person with standards they're a person worthy of emulation paul uses other language to describe this in other places first corinthians chapter 11 verse 1 paul says be imitators of me as i imitate christ if you want to know what it looks like to to follow jesus just to follow me as long as i'm following jesus you can follow me. [00:53:56] (28 seconds) #FollowChristThroughLeaders
If you're a part of Redwood Chapel, the encouragement is that not just that you would attend, but you would find a way to identify what is the unique gifting that God has given me and how do I serve the body of Christ here? How do I use the unique gifting that God has given me in order to serve other people? [00:56:43] (19 seconds) #UseYourGiftsToServe
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