1 Timothy 3: Examine My Walk

 

Examine My Walk

Leadership in the church is not only about position or title. Paul shows us in 1 Timothy 3 that leadership is about walking with God daily. The qualifications are not just for pastors, elders or deacons—they are a mirror for every believer. God is not only calling leaders to examine their walk, but He is calling the whole church to live with godly character.

The bible says, Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, (1 Timothy 3:1–2)

 Paul’s list is not just a checklist—it is a portrait of Christ Himself.

* Blameless – Jesus lived without sin.

• Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

·       1 Timothy 3:2 - An overseer must be above reproach.
Jesus perfectly fulfilled this standard, living a blameless life.

 * Faithful – Christ is the faithful Bridegroom to His church.

·       Hebrews 3:2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.

·       1 Timothy 3:11 - Leaders are to be trustworthy in everything.
Jesus is completely faithful and trustworthy.

 * Self‑controlled – He resisted temptation and lived in obedience.

• Luke 4:1-13 Jesus overcame every temptation of Satan.

·       1 Timothy 3:2 - An overseer must be self-controlled.
Jesus demonstrated perfect self-control throughout His life.

 * Hospitable – He welcomed sinners and ate with them.

• Matthew 9:10   While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.

·       1 Timothy 3:2 - An overseer must be hospitable.
Jesus welcomed those whom others rejected.

  

* Gentle – He was meek and lowly in heart.

• Matthew 11:29: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

·       1 Timothy 3:3 - An overseer must be gentle, not violent.
Jesus treated people with compassion and patience.

 * Not greedy – He gave up riches to save us.

• 2 Corinthians 8:9 ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

·       1 Timothy 3:3 - An overseer must not be a lover of money.
Jesus valued God's will above earthly wealth.

 

* Good family leadership – He shepherds His people as His household.

• Hebrews 3:6 "Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house."

·       1 Timothy 3:4-5 - A leader must manage his household well to care for God's church.
Jesus perfectly leads and cares for the family of God.

 * Able to Teach - Jesus taught God's truth with authority.

• Matthew 7:28-29 - The crowds were amazed because Jesus taught with authority.
• 1 Timothy 3:2 - An overseer must be able to teach.

Jesus clearly explained God's truth and helped people understand His kingdom.

 * Not Given to Drunkenness - Jesus was controlled by the Spirit.

• John 4:34 - "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."
• 1 Timothy 3:3 - An overseer must be not given to drunkenness.

 Jesus was never controlled by earthly desires. He was fully devoted to His Father's will.

 

So, the call is not only “be qualified” but “be Christlike.” Leadership is simply living out the life of Jesus in front of others.

* God is not asking for perfection, but for a walk that reflects Christ.

* Even if you feel weak, the Spirit can shape your character to be more like Jesus.

* Every believer can grow in these qualities—faithfulness, gentleness, hospitality, and self‑control.

 

God's Word lovingly corrects us when our lives do not match what we say we believe.

• Do we want a leadership position more than becoming like Jesus?
• Do we want people to notice us in church but ignore our walk with God at home?
• Have we been careless with our words, actions, attitudes, or relationships?
• Are pride, greed, anger, selfishness, or arguing controlling our lives?
• When people look at us, do they see Jesus, or do they see a difference between what we say and how we live?

God does not only look at what we do in public. He also looks at our hearts and how we live when no one is watching.

A title does not make us godly. God is looking for people who are humble, obedient, and willing to follow Him every day.

A person may hold a title in the church and still fail to reflect Christ. God is not impressed by appearances, accomplishments, or positions. He desires hearts that are surrendered and lives that are obedient.

 

* If we desire leadership but neglect holiness, we are deceiving ourselves.

* A careless walk—marked by greed, pride, or quarrels—disqualifies us from true service.

* To ignore these qualities is to misrepresent Christ, the true Shepherd.

 

To examine my walk is to ask: Am I living in such a way that others see Jesus in me?

Encouragement comes when we grow in His Spirit, and rebuke comes when we fall short. But both are gifts—because God is shaping us to reflect His Son.

 

Let’s pray.

Lord, thank You for showing me that leadership is a good work, but it begins with my walk. Encourage me when I feel weak and rebuke me when I live carelessly. Shape me to be blameless, faithful, gentle, and humble. Let my life reflect Jesus, the true Shepherd, so that others may see Your glory in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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PASTORA MAY - JCRC CAMBODIA