1 Timothy 3:1-2a | Above Reproach By Faith In The Gospel
SERMON IN A SENTENCE: As the church faithfully gathers to build up our faith in the gospel, God sanctifies all the church—and some men for the work of pastoring. || Below is the digital handout content for the sermon. Click the button to get the full written sermon manuscript in PDF format. Keep track of what you watch and take notes with our app: www.rhbaptist.net/apps.
AN IMPOSSIBLE GOAL
Christians: Consummated union with Christ is our goal , and present Christlikeness by shared faith in the gospel is our journey toward it.
1 Timothy 3:1–2
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire [aspire/reach for] the office of a bishop [overseer/elder/pastor], he desireth [longs for] a good work. 2 A bishop [overseer/elder/pastor] then must be [presently] blameless [above reproach]…
GOD’S PLAN FOR ALL THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH NEEDS TO BE PARTICULARLY ABOVE REPROACH.
THE CHURCH WILL BE PERFECTLY ABOVE REPROACH.
Ephesians 1:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Jude 24-25
THE CHURCH IS TO BE PRESENTLY ABOVE REPROACH.
Philippians 2:10-16; 2 Peter 3:13-15
GOD’S PROVISION FOR ALL THE CHURCH
PREACHING THE GOSPEL RESULTS IN SOME COMING TO FAITH IN THE GOSPEL.
FAITH IN THE GOSPEL GROWS THE CHURCH IN SANCTIFICATION.
GATHERING TOGETHER IN THE GOSPEL GROWS THE CHURCH IN FAITH.
Hebrews 10:22-25; Colossians 3:16; Acts 2:41-42
Normal Means of God’s Grace for Christians:
•Church Fellowship In Sound Doctrine
•Baptism & Lord’s Supper
•Corporate & Individual Prayer
SERMON IN A SENTENCE: As the church faithfully gathers to build up our faith in the gospel, God sanctifies all the church—and some men for the work of pastoring.
1 Timothy 1:12-17; 1 Timothy 3:1-2
This should encourage us to:
1.Prioritize the gathered church.
2.Build up one another’s faith.
3.Pray for new and present pastors.