Timothy and Titus
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began by welcoming visitors and outlining the series’ progress through 1 Timothy, with the aim of reaching Titus. The teacher announced that the evening’s focus would be on the qualifications for elders and deacons, drawing directly from 1 Timothy 3:1‑7 and Titus 1:5‑9. After reading the passages aloud, he provided a high‑level overview, noting the biblical mandate that men serve as overseers and the specific character traits required, such as being above reproach, sober‑minded, hospitable, and faithful in managing one’s own household. A significant portion of the discussion examined the meaning of the Greek terms “aspire” and “desire,” describing them as a keen, zealous striving for the role. The teacher addressed congregational questions about whether it is appropriate to encourage someone to consider elder or deacon service even if they are unsure of their qualifications. He concluded that gentle encouragement can prompt reflection and, if God leads, a sincere yearning to serve. The lesson wrapped with a reminder that the church is preparing to appoint new deacons, and the qualifications studied will help identify suitable candidates. Overall, the class reinforced the biblical principle that leadership in the local congregation must reflect godly character, urging members to pray for and support men who exhibit these biblical qualities, while trusting God’s sovereign choice.
Key Scriptures
If anyone aspires to the office of an 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.
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you. If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of dissipation or insubordination, for a bishop must be blameless as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent nor greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.