Ordination for Hulon Davis 

1 Timothy 3:1-7 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Titus 1:5-9 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

6If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Intro. This is not something that we need to overlook the importance of our doing. Paul gave some guidelines for us to use and apply today.

I want to examine some of these tonight.

Blameless - irreproachable: Now we know that no one is perfect. But to handle God's Word, we need to be on the best behavior.

Not self-willed - pliable or willing to be led (by God): To do the work of the Lord, we must be willing to allow our feelings, our desires to be set aside and follow the leadership of the Lord.

Not soon angry - in control: We must show a face of control when we deal with the brethren and the unbelievers. Do you think the Lord was quick tempered?

Not given to wine - more control: Not only must we not allow ourselves to be controlled by something like wine (or strong drink), we must be careful to not show a bad image to those around us.

No striker - quarrelsome: God has enough problems within the church world without our being quarrelsome.

Not given to filthy lucre - greedy: When greed takes over, God is shifted to the rearward. Men will do many shameful things for money if their attitude is wrong.

Lover of hospitality - hospitable: Preachers need to like people and be fond of guests or liking to use hospitality.

Lover of good men - a promoter. Preachers need to recognize and promote virtue in others.

Sober - self controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion): We need to see ones that are discreet, sober, temperate.

Just - special: We need to see someone that is special - holy, righteous, equitable.

Holy - God's man: Someone who is set apart for God. One who is willing to allow Him to work in His life. One who depends upon God.

Temperate - self-controlled: One who is strong in his moderation.

Holding fast the faithful Word - Willing and able to use the Word of God for His purpose.

So what is a preacher's duty?

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

We must never forget we are in sight of:

God

God's creation (angelic beings)

Our loved ones (family)

God's people (the brethren)

God's loved ones (lost)

Can we do any less than our best for Him and them?

Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 090802pm