Go! And Live With Godly Character - 1 Timothy 3:1-5 Series

Go! And Live with Godly Character - 1 Timothy 3:1-5

Introduction:

Church, today we continue our “Go! And…” series by looking at what it truly means to live with godly character in a world that so often celebrates compromise. The Apostle Paul gives us a blueprint—not just for leaders—but for all believers to aspire to in 1 Timothy 3. These verses show us what it looks like when the Gospel takes root in a life and transforms it.

Let me ask you—what kind of life are you building? Is your character a mirror of Christ or a shadow of the world? The call today is simple: Go! And live with godly character.

1 Timothy 3:1–5 (NLT): “This is a trustworthy saying: ‘If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honourable position.’ So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.

He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.

He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?”

1. A Calling to Christlike Character (v1)

Paul begins by saying this is a “trustworthy saying.” In Greek, the word is p?st?? (pistos) meaning "faithful, dependable, and true." Paul uses this phrase five times in the Pastoral Epistles to highlight truths that are deeply rooted in the Gospel.

Though the immediate context is leadership in the church, these virtues are not just for elders or deacons—they reflect the standard of maturity that all believers should pursue.

Romans 12:2 (NLT): “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

We’re called to reflect Christ, not culture. The transformation begins when Jesus becomes Lord of our lives. That moment of surrender is the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of holiness.

John Piper: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

When your satisfaction is in Christ, your character will increasingly reflect Christ.

Imagine a stained-glass window. When the sun shines through it, the full beauty is revealed. But if it’s covered in grime, the light is dulled. Our lives are to be like clean glass—allowing the light of Jesus to shine through with clarity and beauty.

2. Above Reproach and Faithful (v2)

“Above reproach” in Greek is ??ep???µpt?? (anepílemptos), meaning “not open to criticism or accusation.” It speaks of integrity, consistency, and transparency in every area of life.

Paul says a leader “must be faithful to his wife.” The phrase implies moral integrity and loyalty—not just in marriage but in all relationships.

Proverbs 10:9 (NLT): “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.”

Charles Stanley: “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”

In other words, live above reproach—knowing that obedience will always be worth it, even when it’s costly.

Application:

Are we men and women whose character stands up under scrutiny? When people look at your life, do they see Jesus?

There’s a story of a builder who was told to build a house for his employer. Secretly, he cut corners—using cheap materials and poor workmanship. But when the job was done, the employer handed him the keys and said, “This house is yours.”

Friend, your life is the house you're building. Will you be proud to hand it over to the Lord?

3. Self-Controlled and Hospitable (v2)

“Self-control” in Greek is s?f????sµ?? (sophronismos), which means sound judgment, moderation, and disciplined thinking.

Hospitality isn’t just about dinner parties—it’s a lifestyle of open-heartedness. It means making room for others in your time, your home, and your love.

Titus 2:11–12 (NLT): “For the grace of God has been revealed… And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”

Grace doesn’t excuse ungodliness—it empowers holiness.

Max Lucado: “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.”

That’s the call of this passage—letting the Gospel so transform us that we begin to reflect Jesus.

Ask yourself: How is God calling me to open my life to others? Am I making room for the Holy Spirit to grow self-control and hospitality in me?

4. Gentle, Not Quarrelsome or Greedy (v3)

Paul lists three traits that reveal the heart:

Not violent but gentle

Not argumentative

Not a lover of money