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A servant of God is to be above reproach in life, contrite in failure, and worthy of imitation as they faithfully live and teach the gospel, having great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

1. Character that reflects (on the person and on God)
2. Conscience that is clean
3. Confidence in the faith

Community Group Discussion Guide
Week of February 5 - February 11, 2023
Equipped to Serve
Character Matters
1 Timothy 3:1-13

ANNOUNCEMENTS.
1) You may give using the new app.
2) Young Adults fundraiser - Perkins February 18-26. Flyers available in the foyer.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU
What well known (famous) person do you believe has outstanding character values? Why?

QUICK REVIEW
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time, caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

MAIN POINTS
A servant of God is to be above reproach in life, contrite in failure, and worthy of imitation as they faithfully live and teach the gospel, having great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

DIGGING DEEPER
1. Read 1 Timothy 3:1 Why does Paul call the office of “overseer” a “noble task”.
a. Read James 3:1 and explain why it is important to carefully consider a position in church leadership before deciding to take one.
b. Do you believe that church leaders should be “judged with greater strictness” than those who do not lead? Why or why not?
2. Read 1 Timothy 3:2-5. Here Paul describes the requirements to be a teacher, pastor, or elder of the church. First and foremost, they must be “above reproach”. What does it mean to be “above reproach”? Do you believe this applies to character or giftings? Explain your answer.
a. In verse 2, Paul gives six additional requirements for leadership. Which one do you find to be most important and why?
b. Do you believe these should only apply to leaders or should they apply to the entire church body? Explain your answer.
c. In verse 3, Paul continues to describe requirements for leadership. Discuss the value of each requirement.
d. In verses 4 and 5, Paul discusses how a leader must manage his household. Why is this important? What is the value of “keeping his children submissive”?
3. Read 1 Timothy 3:6-7. These verses speak to how a leader should be viewed by “outsiders”. How does our character and how we are perceived by others reflect on the character of God?
4. Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Paul now describes the office of deacon. Although White Fields does not have a formal position of deacon, who fills the role in our church? How does a deacon's role differ from an elder?
a. Identify the requirements that are similar to those of an elder.
b. Identify the differences between the requirements for an elder and a deacon.
c. Again, are the qualities described for deacons only applicable to those who serve in a deacon’s role, or should they apply to all believers?
d. If we, as Christians, follow the guidelines laid out by Paul, can we maintain a clean conscience?
5. Read Ephesians 4:11-14. According to these verses, what is the primary goal of leaders within the church?
a. How would you define the role of a pastor?
b. How would you define the role of an elder?
c. Based on this verse, if we have good leadership and they fulfill their roles, what will be the outcome? What pitfalls will we avoid?
d. Read Hebrews 13:7. According to this verse, what are we called to do when our leaders are deemed worthy?

TAKING IT HOME
Looking back at this week’s study, what is important for you to remember and why?

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS
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