Standards for Believers

Paul explians, in verses 9-11, that we hold Christians in the church to a moral standard which doesn’t apply to people outside the church.

Bad Sign

As we read in verses 1-3, when the focus of Christians becomes their leaders and not Christ, there’s a serious problem.

College Study

I last studied 1 Peter with Mr. and Mrs. Babcock and a group of college students at Pearce Memorial Church when I was a freshman at Roberts back in 1996.

What I remember most clearly is our focus on the many names Peter uses for Christians in this letter: living stones, spiritual house, holy priesthood, chosen people, holy nation, God’s special possession, the people of God.

God Will Accept Anyone

Soon after Jesus’ resurrection, it wasn’t entirely clear if non-Jews could become Christians.

Acts 10 clearly illustrates that anyone could be included.

This is fortunate for me!  Not too many Irish-Italian-Norwegian Jews out there.

All-Inclusive

We read, in verses 26-29, that anyone can become a follower of Christ.

There are no prerequisites of race or status or gender.

Hymenaeus and Alexander

Christians must be evervigilant.

Hymenaeus and Alexander were sincere believers whose faith ws “shipwrecked.”

Paul “handed them over to Satan” to teach them a lesson.

It is vital that believers not engage in sinful actions which require this level of intervention.

But many of us do, in fact, require a strong level of correction.

Youth

Image by Milica Sekulic via Flickr

Christians are measured by their “fruit,” the results of their actions, not the number of their years.

Outline of 1 Timothy 4

1. Teach only what the Spirit teaches you
   
2. Spiritual health is even more important than physical health
   
3. Timothy, remember and apply your special spiritual gift
   
4. Reminder: teach the truth of the Spirit
   

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Why Write?

Paul would rather visit Timothy in person, but he may be delayed.

Writing is another way to share truth about the Christian life.

Qualifications of an Overseer (Elder)

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Worthy goal

1. Above reproach
   
2. Monogamous
   
3. Temperate
   
4. Prudent
   
5. Respectable
   
6. Hospitable
   
7. Able to teach
   
8. Not a lush
   
9. Gentle
   
10. Peaceable
    
11. Not in love with money
    
12. Manages household well
    
13. Children are well-behaved
    
    1. Leadership starts in the home, not the church
       
14. Experienced Christian
    
    1. Not conceited
       
    2. Avoid devil’s condemnation
       
15. Good secular reputation
    
    1. Not fall into reproach
       
    2. Avoid the snare of the devil
       

Based upon the NASV