DOCTRINE: Overseers must have the necessary I) desire, II) character, III) diligence, IV) experience, V) reputation, and VI) giftedness to fulfill the noble task of shepherding the flock of God.

I. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY DESIRE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:1)

I) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors must set an example to Christ’s flock (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:2-3).

II) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors will be judged more strictly (James 3:1).

III) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors will give an account for how they have cared for Jesus’ flock (Hebrews 13:17).

IV) Being an overseer is a noble task because pastors must ultimately aim to please the Lord Jesus not man (Galatians 1:10; Galatians 4:16; 1 Peter 5:4).

II. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY CHARACTER TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:2-3)

III. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY DILIGENCE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:4-5)

I) A pastor must first be a faithful pastor of his wife (Ephesians 5:25-26).

II) A pastor must also first be a faithful pastor of his children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4).

IV. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:6)

V. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY REPUTATION TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:7)

VI. OVERSEERS MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY GIFTEDNESS TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD (1 Timothy 3:2b)

I) A pastor’s primary duty is to pray and preach, and so feed Christ’s flock (selected Scriptures).

II) As a pastor fulfills His primary duty, he must have good doctrine and be willing and able to rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:9).

(I) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it is the only way sinners can know how to be forgiven of their sins (Ephesians 1:7).

(II) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it is the primary way saints are strengthened to keep killing their still indwelling sin and therefore grow in holiness (Colossians 3:3-5).

(III) The preaching of the gospel is primary because believers need to be constantly reminded of their position in Christ (Romans 8:1).

(IV) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it is the only way saints can adequately put to death their sinful worries and anxieties (1 Peter 5:7; Romans 8:32).

(V) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it reminds suffering saints of the eternal weight of glory that they will experience one day with Christ (Romans 8:18).

(VI) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it assures those in Christ of God’s love for them (1 John 4:10; Romans 8:35-39).

(VII) The preaching of the gospel is primary because it the chief way that God stirs up praise in His people (Hebrews 13:14-15).

CONCLUSION: We need men like this! Therefore pray.

Luke 10:2 “[Christ] said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”