V. A SPIRITUAL LEADER SHOULD BE GENEROUS-HEARTED AND HAVE THE RIGHT KIND OF FRIENDS. (V:8)
What does the first part of this verse tell us? The spiritual man mus be:
- A lover of hospitality – In the early church hospitality had a special significance , for the Christians had to cling together. They lived in a hostile world and the grace of hospitality was very necessary.
- A lover of good men – A man is known by his friends. He should , of course , emulate his Savior in being a friend of sinners ( Mt.11:19 ) ;but if he becomes unequally yoked in close friendship with the ungodly then he is not qualified to be a leader in God’s work -look up 2 Cor.6:14-17 ; Psm.101:6.
VI. A SPIRITUAL LEADER SHOULD BE OF POSITIVE , HOLY CHARACTER. ( V:8 )
In the second part of verse 8 we read that a leader must be:
1. Sober – descreet , of sound judgment – compare Titus 2:3 and 5.
2. Just – fairminded and discerning.
3. Holy – compare 1Tim. 2:8. Holy means Christ-like.
4. Temperate – master of himself – look up Philp. 4:13.
VII. A SPIRITUAL LEADER SHOULD BE OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY , SETTLED CONVICTIONS ; SOUND DOCTRINE AND ABILITY.
These four things are found found in verse 9:
1. He must be Spirit taught. this indicates maturity.
2. He must hold fast the faithful Word. He must have settled convictions.
3. He must be of sound doctrine. He must know , believe , and be bold fast to tell the truth of the Bible.
4. He must be able to exhort and convince . This indicates ability.
These are the qualifications we should require and look for in anyone who is to be set in a position of responsibility in the local church or in Christian work.