The Scrolls is a weekly Bible study written by pastors and other leaders at Central Bible Church, based on that week’s sermon topic. Use The Scrolls as a personal Bible study tool, for family devotions, and for small group discussions. You can read part of it below. The downloadable PDF also includes discussion questions, more in-depth commentary, end notes, and a kids’ page designed for families to study the topic together. This lesson goes with the sermon "Called to Lead."
The Core Competencies were originally intended as a measure of Christian maturity. Believers with a growing comprehension of the Central Beliefs and a more consistent engagement in the Central Practices will find the Spirit using the two to develop the Central Virtues in them. Together the three form a profile of a developing follower of Jesus Christ to serve as measure of Christian maturity. Such a measure is helpful because the church needs leaders and leaders need to be growing disciples of Jesus Christ. Commenting on the requirements for leadership in the church found in 1 Timothy 3:1-15 and Titus 1:5-9, one author writes: “These qualities should be goals for every Christian man who is a Christ-follower. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul pulled together a number of characteristics he and other authors mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament for both men and women and outlined a marvelous profile for measuring Christ-like maturity in men particularly” (Gene A. Getz, The Measure of a Man, 22-23). Getz addresses his book to men, but as he says the characteristics discussed in it are “for both men and women.”
Given the nature of the Core Competencies, there is no Christian Maturity Competency because the Central Beliefs, Central Practices, and Central Virtues together are the mark of maturity. However, if any one competency comes close to encapsulating them all, it’s Faithfulness. In much the same way that holiness is both an attribute of God and at the same time the sum total of all the attributes, Faithfulness is both a Core Competency and at the same time the sum total of all the competencies. It speaks of establishing a “good name” described in terms of “longterm loyalty.” Maturing disciples of Jesus Christ have established a “good name,” described in terms of their “long-term loyalty” to God and his word.
Without a doubt the church needs leaders, and its leaders need to be qualified to lead. On this subject, another author writes: “The inclusion of the ‘trustworthy saying’ in 1 Timothy 3:1 also underscores the importance of having qualified leaders. It is directed to those who are cautiously debating whether to be publicly available for the works. Not only should the church be looking for people who are qualified, but those with potential should be developing within themselves the qualities that will one day qualify them for the work. It is not enough for a church to hunt at the last moment for people to elect as elders at an annual meeting. It is a long-term, ongoing process. Early on in a Christian’s life one should be growing spiritually and using the Spirit’s gifts for the good of the church, with the possibility, humbly considered, of special ministry such as elderhood. Although this passage does not say so, elders and other mature Christians should be encouraging younger believers to seek God’s leading in this direction” (Walter L. Liefeld, The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, 122).
While Liefeld speaks of those who serve the body of Christ as elders (1Ti 3:1-7), there are other leaders in the church as well—for example, those who serve as deacons (1Ti 3:8-13), that is, “humble servants” (A. Duane Liftin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, 737)—either deacons and their wives or deacons and women other than their wives who serve the congregation. Central Bible Church has elders by name, but it has no deacons by name. Instead it has a host of “humble servants” who minister to various groups in the church, e.g., Community Group Shepherds, Home Group Leaders, Children’s and Student Ministers.
Central Message of the Text
The church’s various servant leaders must demonstrate their suitability for ministry by meeting the requirements Paul gave Timothy, whether they be overseers, deacons, or women who serve.
Family Talk
Growing up, I saw a lot of people take on leadership roles in my own life. My grandmother showed many of the qualities Paul talks about in 1 Timothy. My grandmother was faithful to God’s Word, hospitable to everyone she met, taught well, and managed our family in many ways. She was truly a woman of God and everyone she met could see that. She showed me what it was like to be a woman of Christ and to walk faithfully in God’s Word. She showed me how to love others and to always be kind no matter the circumstance. She also taught me how to lead my friends, family and others well. I would not be the woman I am today without her leadership and guidance as I was growing up. Kids start learning and developing who they are at a young age, which is why they need to grow up around strong leaders. We want to build their foundation as kids so that by the time they are adults they have enough knowledge and tools in their tool belts to carry them through their walk with Christ on their own. Leadership for me is one of the most important aspects of life, and that is why Paul emphasizes the importance of leadership in the church. Are you as a parent acting in your own house to lead your family well? Are there things you are missing as a leader? Let’s take hold of Paul's instructions, so we can help lead our children and family well.