Sermon Notes & Slides – 9.27.2015

Sermon Notes

Called by God
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Pastor John Sloan

Introduction: There’s no doubting the importance of solid leadership. It’s why we frequent some restaurants and establishments and carefully avoid others. Good leaders set the tone. It’s the same way in the church: those who shepherd God’s people in a strong yet humble way bring stability, while those who abuse their position inflict great harm. But how are leaders to be properly identified? With so much at stake, what are the indications of God’s anointing?
01.

02.

03.

Questions for Discussion & Discovery

1. What is significant about the desire spoken of in verse 1?

2. What does it mean to be “above reproach”?

3. Consider the three aspects of a divine call to lead the church. Which are subjective vs. objective assessments, and why?

4. In what ways is a Christian leader different from a secular leader or manager? What attributes should the church cherish, even if the world disdains?

5. “Jesus Christ is the Senior Pastor of Northpoint.” How does that comforting reality play out in the life of the church?

6. Why is an ability to teach (verse 2b) so critical? How would you answer if someone asked you: What is the gospel?

Sermon Slides

1. Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7

2. 01. Desire

3. “People who desire to be rich fall into temptation. …” – 1 Timothy 6:9

4. “Flee youthful desires. …” – 2 Timothy. 2:22

5. “The time is coming when people will not endure sound doctrine … they will listen only to what … suits their own desires.” – 2 Timothy 4:3

6. “It is no light matter to represent God’s Son, in such a great task as erecting and extending God’s Kingdom, in caring for the souls whom the Lord Himself designed to purchase with His own blood, and in ruling the Church, which is God’s inheritance.” – John Calvin

7. “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28

8. Northpoint Elders: Tim East, Steve Flood, Mark Kiker, & Vinoj Zachariah

9. 02. Character

10. Read 1 Timothy 3:4-5

11. Read 1 Timothy 3:6-7

12. 03. Giftedness

13. “When Law and Gospel are properly distinguished, the Law is stern and rigorous, the Gospel free and sweet. When the two are confused, an element of sternness is introduced into the Gospel, making it demanding, or an element of laxity is introduced into the Law, making it more attainable.” – Carl F.W. Walther