A Character To Be Desired

Text: 1 Timothy 3:1–12

Theme: God calls leaders to be examples of holiness, humility, and integrity.

Scripture Reading:

“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous…” — 1 Timothy 3:1–3 (KJV)

Introduction:

In this passage, Paul writes to his young protégé Timothy about leadership in the church. The early church was growing, and structure was needed. But more important than organization was character. Paul makes it clear that God’s church cannot be led by gifted people who lack godly character — it must be led by godly men and women who live what they preach.

Today, we’ll look at three truths from this passage that remind us that who you are matters just as much as what what you say and do.

Point 1: Leadership Is a Good Work (v. 1)

“If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”

Paul begins by affirming that the desire to serve as a leader in the church is a good thing. Leadership is not a position of pride but a posture of service. The word “bishop” means “overseer.” It’s not about being over people but responsible for people.

Leadership in God’s house is not about privilege — it’s about responsibility.
It’s not about being seen — it’s about being faithful. (2Tim 2:2)
It’s not about status — it’s about stewardship.

Application:
If God has placed leadership in your heart, remember: it’s not for recognition but for service. The church needs leaders who care more about souls than seats, more about people than platforms.

Point 2: Character Is the True Measure of Leadership (vv. 2–7)

Paul lists a series of qualities — not skills, but character traits. Let’s highlight a few:

Blameless – not error free, but living above reproach.
Husband of one wife – faithful, committed, pure.
Vigilant, sober, good behavior – disciplined, self-controlled, and respectable.
Given to hospitality – willing to open your heart and home.
Apt to teach – able to handle and explain God’s Word with truth and love.
Not given to wine, not greedy, patient, not a brawler – balanced, content, gentle.

Paul is reminding us that God’s leaders must lead from the inside out. You can preach powerfully on Sunday, but if you live carelessly on Monday, your ministry will lose its witness.

Application:
Your private life must match your public calling. Before God promotes you, He purifies you. Before He gives you a platform, He works on your foundation.

Point 3: Family and Faithfulness Are the First Ministry (vv. 4–12)

“One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity…” (v. 4)

Paul teaches that leadership starts at home. If a man cannot lead his own household, he cannot lead the household of God. The home is the first church; the family is the first congregation.

He also speaks of deacons (v. 8–12) — those who serve faithfully behind the scenes:

“Grave” – serious and sincere about the things of God.
“Not double-tongued” – honest and consistent.
“Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” – living what they believe.

Application:
Ministry that doesn’t work at home won’t work in the church. God is not impressed by our titles — He’s moved by our testimony.

Conclusion:

Paul’s message to Timothy is timeless: the church doesn’t just need more leaders — it needs more holy leaders. The world is filled with charisma, but God is looking for character. You may not have a pulpit, but your life is preaching every day.

Final Thought:

Before God gives you a ministry to lead, He gives you a life to live.
Before He calls you to the platform, He calls you to purity.
Before He uses your mouth, He must first have your heart.

Let us strive, like Paul said, to be vessels of honor — useful to the Master and prepared for every good work.