The Measure of Spiritual Maturity
I Timothy 3:1-7
Tim Nay
Part of The Deep End—A Study in 1 & 2 Timothy
October 6, 2024

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. —James 1:2-4

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. —1 Timothy 3:14-15

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. —1 Timothy 3:1


1. Spiritual mature elders are the of a healthy church.


2. Spiritual mature elders and the church body.


3. Spiritually mature elders have characteristics.

Must aspire to

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” —I Peter 5:2

Must be above

9 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. —1 Timothy 5:19


Must be the husband of wife.


Must be minded


Must self-control


Must be

“Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” —1 Timothy 3:7


Must be to teach


Must be hospitable — “loves


Must not be a


Must not be violent, but


Must not be


Must not be a of money


Must manage his well

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” —1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

“for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” —1 Timothy 3:5


Must not be a convert


TAKEAWAY: The characteristics of a qualified elder is a good of spiritual .