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
The Greek word for “gentle” is ?p?e???? (epieikes), which describes someone who is fair, kind, and gracious—reflecting the heart of Christ.
Philippians 4:5 (NLT): “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.”
Tim Keller: “The Gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed… than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted… than we ever dared hope.”
A quarrelsome heart has not been softened by grace. A greedy spirit has not yet grasped the sufficiency of Jesus.
How do you respond when challenged? Is your posture defensive or gracious? Does your generosity reflect a trust in God’s provision?
5. Faithfulness at Home Reveals Fitness for Ministry (v4–5)
Paul concludes this section by saying a leader must manage his household well. The word for “manage” is p???st?µ? (proistemi), which means to lead, to care for, and to stand before others with responsibility.
The principle is simple: The home is the proving ground for the heart.
If the Gospel doesn’t work in our families, we shouldn’t pretend it works in public.
Joshua 24:15 (NLT):
“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Perhaps the single greatest influence on a child’s faith is the spiritual vibrancy of the parent.
Fathers, mothers—do your children see Christ in you? Do your homes echo with grace, truth, and forgiveness?
Gospel Presentation: Christ, Our Ultimate Example
Church, let me be clear—none of us can live this way on our own. We need the transforming power of the Gospel.
Jesus lived the perfect life of godly character. He was above reproach, full of grace and truth, faithful, gentle, self-controlled. And yet, He took our sin upon Himself.
On the cross, Jesus bore our failure. He died the death we deserved. He was buried—but on the third day, He rose again with victory over sin and death!
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
This is the Gospel:
Jesus died for sinners like you and me so we might be forgiven and transformed. He offers not just pardon—but power to live in newness of life.
Call to Action: Go! And Live It Out
Church, the challenge today is not simply to admire Christlike character—but to walk in it.
This is not a call to perfection, but to progress. To trust in Jesus and allow His Spirit to form His character in us.
If you're a believer: Go! And live with godly character. Let Christ be visible in your life, your home, and your relationships.
If you’re not yet a believer:
Today, Jesus invites you to come. Repent of your sin. Trust Him as your Saviour and Lord.
Let Him change your heart, renew your mind, and redeem your life.
Invitation to Salvation
Friend, Jesus is not calling you to religion—He’s calling you to a relationship.
Will you respond? Will you trust in His death and resurrection today? Will you turn from your sin and follow Him?
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Today is the day of salvation. Come to Jesus and live.
Benediction / Exhortation:
Beloved, go into this week with hearts full of grace and lives marked by godly character.
Let your home be a haven of peace. Let your words be seasoned with love. Let your actions reveal the Saviour you serve.
May the Lord make you steadfast, self-controlled, hospitable, and holy.
And may the Gospel of Jesus Christ shape every part of your life—for His glory and your good.
