Recognizing Qualified Leaders

Read the text

1 Timothy 3:1–13

Read the primary passage aloud twice. On the first reading, listen for the burden of the text. On the second, mark repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, causes, and conclusions.

• Titus 1:5–16
• 1 Peter 5:1–5
• Acts 6:1–7

Language desk

Words that clarify—not words that perform.

Confirm each gloss by its use in this context. A lexicon offers possibilities; the sentence, paragraph, author, and canon determine what a word is doing here.

Form the doctrine

The theological claim

Christ gives the church qualified elders and tested deacons whose lives make doctrine visible.

Defense drill

Say it under pressure.

Refuse the idea that gifting, success, wealth, or a claimed anointing can replace biblical character.

• State the opposing claim in a form its adherent could recognize.
• Open the controlling passage and establish the immediate context.
• Make one clear argument before adding supporting texts.
• Ask a diagnostic question, listen to the answer, and return to Christ and the gospel.

Wednesday assignment

Carry the truth into the week.

Build an evidence-based leadership assessment from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.