1 Timothy 3:1-13

Passage Summary: Paul lays out the qualifications for those who may be appointed to the office of Elder or Deacon. The standard is high to ensure the church is well guarded from error, kept in unity, led to maturity, and respected by a watching world.

Sermon Summary: Deacons and Elders must be carefully examined and proved to be of a high level of spiritual maturity before being appointed to office. However, this picture of maturity is something that all believers are commanded to grow into through the power of the Holy Spirit and it is important for us to test ourselves as much as those who would lead us.