Characteristics to Foster – Put On

Ephesians 4:32-5:2 "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him."

Ephesians 5:8-9 "For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behaviour should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true."

Colossians 3:10 "In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you."

Colossians 3:12-15 "Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

Andre Maurios said, "If you create an act, you create a habit. If you create a habit, you create a character. If you create a character, you create a destiny."

D. L. Moody said, "If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself."

What begins in the heart must be carefully cultivated so that it comes forth in actions. Now that our hearts have been made right before God, now that the Holy Spirit is dwelling within us, working within and convicting us, we need to begin to cultivate the character and the fruits of the Spirit. Not only should we begin to develop this fruit within our hearts, but we need to begin to display this fruit. It needs to become evident in our everyday life, especially in our activity as a leader.

As a Christian, and as a leader, we need to ensure that our character is in line with the qualifications of the character of leaders that Paul spoke of:

1 Timothy 3:2 "For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach."

Titus 1:7-9 "An elder must live a blameless life because he is God's minister. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must love all that is good. He must live wisely and be fair. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong."

PUT ON A GOOD REPUTATION

Proverbs 22:1 "Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold."

BE ABOVE REPROACH

Paul told Timothy that he needed to ensure that his elders and deacons were to men and women who were "above reproach". This phrase serves as a general summary of all the character qualities a leader should have. The Greek word describes a garment without any "folds." When applied to personal character, it means that leader must be free from any secret or hidden pockets of sins. It means that a godly leader is one whose life is such that there is nothing a detractor can "grab hold of." The Living Bible uses the phrase "a good man whose life cannot be spoken against." Knox says "one with whom no fault can be found." It means that no charge could be brought against such a person that would withstand impartial examination.

Leaders are often attacked, their motives questioned, their actions criticized. While such things do happen, a leader who is truly above reproach will weather the storm because there is nothing about him which a person could say, "Aha! I gotcha." This means no questionable conduct, no secret sins, no deliberately unresolved conflicts. The man who is above reproach cannot be arrested and held as if he were a criminal; there is nothing for which to accuse him. Being above reproach does not mean that a leader has not committed sins in his life. What it does mean is that his life has not been marred by some obvious sinful defect in character which would preclude him setting the highest standard for godly conduct. He must be a model for the congregation to follow.

In 1 Timothy 3:2–7 Paul lists four areas in which a man aspiring to church leadership may be evaluated as to whether he is above reproach. These have to do with his moral character, home life, spiritual maturity, and public reputation.

BE BLAMELESS

When writing to Titus, Paul said that the leader was to live a "blameless life". This word comes from the legal realm and carries a slightly different connotation. It means "without indictment" or "un-accusable." The difference is this: "above reproach" means "one who could not be accused," while "blameless" means "one who is not accused." Taken together they establish a very high standard of personal conduct. The Greek word translated "must" (de) emphasizes an absolute necessity: blamelessness is absolutely necessary for an overseer. It is a basic, overall requirement. In fact, the other qualifications listed by Paul in verses 2-7 define and illustrate what he means by blameless.

WHY SHOULD A LEADER BE BLAMELESS?

A leader must be blameless because as a leader we are modelling the character of Christ to others. A church leader's life must not be marred by sin or vice be it an attitude, habit, or incident. That's not to say he must be perfect, but there must not be any obvious defect in his character. He must be a model of godliness so he can legitimately call his followers to follow his example (Philippians 3:17).

A leader must be blameless because as a leader we need to guard the reputation of Christ: There are always malicious people looking for ways to discredit the reputation of Christ and His church. A sinful leader plays right into their hands, giving them an unparalleled opportunity to justify their lack of belief. The standard for church leadership is blamelessness, not sinless perfection. There must be no ongoing sin in a leader's life because that would discredit his example and create an opportunity for malicious people to undermine Christianity.

PUT ON TEMPERANCE (SELF CONTROL)

Titus 2:11-12 "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God."

DEFINITION

In Galatians 5:23, "self-control" (temperance, KJV) is the translation of the Greek word enkrateia, which means "possessing power, strong, having mastery or possession of, continent, self-controlled" (Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament). Vincent's Word Studies of the New Testament adds that it means "holding in hand the passions and desires". The word thus refers to the mastery of one's desires and impulses.

"God does not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7)

HOW IS THE LACK OF SELF-CONTROL SPOKEN OF IN THE BIBLE?

Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

2 Timothy 3:1-5 "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."

WHY SHOULD WE DEVELOP SELF-CONTROL IN OUR LIVES?

• To control anger: Proverbs 16:32 "Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city." Proverbs 29:11 "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."
• To control sexual sins: 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 "The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honourable."
• To prepare and be ready for Christ's return: 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet."
• To enable us to pray properly: 1 Peter 4:7 "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray."
• To help resist Satan: 1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
• To control your tongue, both what you do and do not say: Psalm 39:1-2 "I said, 'I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.' But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased."

HOW CAN WE RECEIVE SELF-CONTROL?

Self control comes through the indwelling and the outworking of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:5, 16, 22-23). It comes as we learn to daily walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Though the fruit of self control is listed last as part of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, it is really the capstone, since it takes self-control to exercise the other eight virtues. Godly self-control is not human willpower, but power from God that enables us to govern our lives.

• We need to ask God to give us self control

Matthew 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

• We need to learn to flee temptations

The Bible tells us to "flee": "Flee" from a "stranger", "flee sexual immorality" (Genesis 39:12), "flee from idolatry," flee "all kinds of evil," "flee also youthful lusts" (John 10:5; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:22).

• We need to change our thought patterns

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

• We need to gladly submit to His rule and discipline over our lives

Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).

• We need to get to know God more

2 Peter 1:6 "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness."

A leader must be in control of his desires in all respects at all times. Successful people have one obvious trait in common: personal discipline. They are willing to do things that average people are unwilling to do. We are able to express our self-discipline in six ways:

• Successful people master their moods: They live by their commitments, not their emotions. They do the right thing, even when they don't feel like it. "A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls" (Proverbs 25:28 NLT).
• Successful people watch their words: They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths: "Those who control their tongue will have a long life . . ." (Proverbs 13:3).
• Successful people restrain their reactions: "People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs" (Proverbs 19:11).
• Successful people stick to their schedule: If you don't determine how you will spend your time, you can be sure that others will decide for you! "So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days" (Ephesians 5:15-16).
• Successful people manage their money: They learn to live on less than what they make, and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went: "The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get" (Proverbs 21:20).
• Successful people maintain their health: By being in control of their health they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements: "Control your body and live in holiness . . ." (1 Thessalonians 4:4). This means that we need to ensure that we are living a holy, healthy life – that we are eating right and exercising to maintain our health. Healthy people have more energy to work and therefore are able to accomplish more than an unhealthy person.

We need to walk in the Spirit: "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (Galatians 5:16). When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and direct us through the Word of God we will learn to say no to sin and yes to His will for our lives.

PUT ON PRUDENCE (SOBER)

1 Timothy 3:2 "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach."

DEFINITION

Prudence means "cautious, practical wisdom; good judgment; discretion; exercising caution in preparing for the future in a judicious manner."

A PRUDENT PERSON IS WISE

Proverbs 4:7 "Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment."

Proverbs 8:11 "For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can be compared with it."

Proverbs 8:1-9 "Listen as wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! She stands on the hilltop and at the crossroads. At the entrance to the city, at the city gates, she cries aloud, 'I call to you, to all of you! I am raising my voice to all people. How naive you are! Let me give you common sense. O foolish ones, let me give you understanding. Listen to me! For I have excellent things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and hate every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing crooked or twisted in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn.'"

In the Biblical sense, wisdom is the "ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding from the Word of God". Wisdom is the ability to handle life and its problems from the Bible's point of view. It means making decisions based on sound judgement, good sense and prudence.

WHAT IS WISDOM?

In the book of Proverbs 30:24-28, Solomon gives us four examples of things that God created that are exceedingly wise:

• The ant is wise because they prepare and plan ahead of time so that they have provision when the seasons change. The leader who is wise is the leader who has planned ahead through intercessory prayer. A leader who is wise will not be caught unawares by things that will happen to them in life but would have already prayed about their future plans and purposes and thus entrusted them into His hands.
• The rock badgers are wise because they make their homes in the rocks where they are sheltered from their enemies. The leader who is wise will not be found in places where they will be caught by the enemies – where they will be entrapped by the snares of this world. They will avoid all appearance of evil and will flee when temptation comes.
• The locusts are wise because they go forth by bands, in the strength of numbers. The wise leader always ensures that they have wise counsel before they make decisions. They ensure that when they are about to make decisions that will affect their family, life and ministry that they have asked those who are in leadership (those who are wise) for counsel.
• The spider is wise because it makes its home in the King's palace. The wise leader has its habitation in the presence of the King. Psalm 91:1-2 "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him." Psalm 15:1-5 "Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbours or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honour the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever."

HOW CAN WE GET WISDOM?

• Have a personal relationship with Christ who has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)
• Fear God by respecting God: Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding."
• Read the Word of God because it has the ability to make us wise (2 Timothy 3:15)
• Ask for it and it will be given to you (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6)
• Be righteous: Proverbs 2:7 "He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity."
• Seek understanding (Proverbs 14:33)

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF WISDOM IN OUR LIVES?

• We are always willing to learn from God and His ways (Proverbs 1:5, 10:14). His counsel is the first thing that we seek.
• We listen to those who are wise and avoid fools (Proverbs 22:17, 13:1, 13:20)
• We will be humble (Proverbs 11:2)
• We will know what to say and when to say it (Proverbs 17:27-28, Ecclesiastes 10:19)
• We will be a soul winner (Proverbs 11:30)
• We will be able to teach (Proverbs 15:7)
• We will be peacemakers (Proverbs 29:8, 16:1)
• We will see the consequences of events (Proverbs 22:3)
• We will be able to do all that God has purposed us to be (Proverbs 24:5)
• We will inherit glory (Proverbs 3:35, 24:14)
• We will be prosperous (Proverbs 14:24)

A PRUDENT PERSON IS DISCREET

Discretion is the ability to learn how to respond to difficult situations with the wisdom and character of Christ. It is knowing what is appropriate and what is inappropriate. It is the ability to see the consequences of words and actions further down the road.

Discretion (Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 2:11; 22:3; Romans 12:2, 9; 14:19, 22) keeps our minds and focus on sound judgment, giving serious attention and thought to what is going on around us. In that way, we can better choose our words, attitudes, and actions carefully to model goodness and righteousness for any given situation, thus avoiding words and actions that could result in adverse consequences. With this character, we will be able to recognize and avoid the wrong attitudes that create objectionable words, actions, etc., that are condescending to others and can bring terrible relationship consequences.

Proverbs 2:11-12 "Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things."

Carelessness, recklessness, impulsiveness, irresponsibility and a lack of concern are the opposite attitudes to discretion.

HOW CAN WE HAVE DISCRETION?

Proverbs 2:1-6 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

THE "I WILLS" OF DISCRETION

• I will choose my words carefully
• I will practice good manners
• I will not listen to criticism
• I will not make fun of others
• I will turn down any invitation to do wrong

WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF EXERCISING DISCRETION?

• We will hold our tongues: Proverbs 19:11 "People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs."
• We will stay calm: Proverbs 12:16 "A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted."
• We will see danger and learn to avoid it ahead of time: Proverbs 22:3 "A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." Proverbs 27:12 "A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."

PUT ON GOOD BEHAVIOUR – BE ORDERLY

Paul told Timothy that he was to choose leaders who would be of good behaviour, those who would be modest, orderly and disciplined. Those who were living a life that was respectable. The Greek word for "respectable" should be understood in its broadest sense as denoting a character quality and speaks of someone who has a well ordered life. The Greek word "kosmeo" is used in scripture of a well ordered house (Matthew 12:44), a decorated tombstone (Matthew 23:29) and well-trimmed lambs (Matthew 25:7).

Paul was saying that a leader was to have a respectable lifestyle that adorns the teachings of the Bible in his speech, his dress, his appearance at home, his office or the way he does business. True greatness is not determined by the amount of money we possess, the kind of car we drive, the status we have achieved in life, or the feats that we are capable of. True greatness is determined by how we live our lives.

1 Timothy 3:4 "He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him."

The godly leader demonstrates his leadership ability first in his own home; Paul recognized that it is in the home where our Christianity is first demonstrated. The measure of spiritual leadership is the family. Spiritual leaders have the direction of their own house, not by sternness, severity, or tyranny, but with love. No family can be prosperous that is not managed, and the husband is by nature and by appointment of God responsible for the support, protection, management of his own house, and ultimately the outcome of his children. In conjunction with his wife, he is responsible for training and guidance of his children in such ways as will lead them to faith in God and proper conduct. Individuals who have proven their leadership in the home will likely prove their leadership in the church. The call is for those who are strong at home and therefore will be strong in the church.

PUT ON HOSPITALITY

Titus 1:8 "He must enjoy having guests in his home and must love all that is good. He must live wisely and be fair. He must live a devout and disciplined life."

Paul instructs both Timothy and Titus to ensure that the elders and deacons that he chooses for ministry are those who are hospitable. The word literally means a "lover of strangers." We might tend to overlook this quality, but in the early church hospitality was non-negotiable. In those days there were no hotels where travelling Christians could safely spend the night. Therefore, if when people travelled to different towns to preach the Gospel it was assumed that one of the homes of the elders would be open for him to stay at. In addition, since the early church had no buildings, the believers met in homes. Every church was a house church and hospitality was essential.

Acts 2:46-47 "They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved."

DEFINITION

Hospitality is the friendly reception and treatment of guests, or strangers, in a warm and generous way. To be hospitable touches your attitude toward others. A godly leader must be open, approachable, vulnerable, transparent, one who genuinely cares for others.

HOSPITALITY WAS COMMANDED BY GOD

Often times we think hospitality is optional, but it is not. It is a command by God, and equally important as other things such as assembling with the saints. "Be hospitable to one another without complaint" (1 Peter 4:9). This command by Peter shows us that many of us will be faced with challenges in order to obey this command, because God already knows some of us will complain about it. People complain about things they don't want to do. And, there are many things people find to complain about when practicing hospitality.

• It can be inconvenient
• We have to do extra work like clean the house, cook for guests, and give up our beds
• Hospitality often takes away from other things we could be doing

God realizes sacrifices must be made to practice hospitality, and that some brethren will complain about it. So, we should look at hospitality as an acid test that reflects whether we're truly God's children.

Hospitality is enjoyable if we love God. Because we love God, we want to do everything He commands. Therefore hospitality isn't a burden, and we enjoy it. "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3).

Hospitality is also enjoyable if we love people. "We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth" (1 John 3:16-18). "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments" (1 John 5:1-2).

When we are hospitable to others, we show that we love God, because we are observing His commandments. And because God's commandments are not burdensome, we enjoy the time we spend with others as we extend hospitality to them. Like Jesus says, "It is more blessed to give, than to receive."

WHO ARE WE TO BE HOSPITABLE TO?

Sometimes we're good at practicing hospitality with family and friends, but not with strangers. But God commands us to extend hospitality to both, brethren and strangers.

"Be hospitable to one another without complaint" (1 Peter 4:9). "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2).

Practicing hospitality with strangers may be a bigger test than just practicing hospitality with people we know, because it's harder to open up with people we don't know.

HOW CAN WE PRACTICE HOSPITALITY?

We're not only to be hospitable, but we're to "practice" hospitality. Romans 12:13 "When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night."

The word "practice" in Romans 12:13 means to "seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquire". God wants us to eagerly endeavour to be hospitable, like Abraham who pleaded with three angels (thinking they were men) to stay with him long enough to rest, while he washed their feet and fed them, and like Lydia who pleaded with Paul to lodge with her.

How can we express our hospitality to others? Matthew 25:35-36 "For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me."

In these two verses Jesus spoke of six ways in which hospitality is shown to others:

• Feed the hungry
• Give drink to the thirsty
• Shelter the stranger
• Clothe the naked
• Visit the sick
• Come to those in prison

Showing hospitality to one another means that we lovingly reach out to others, both those we know and those who we do not know, in order to be of help to them in a time of need.

PUT ON "LOVING GOOD"

Titus 1:8 "He must enjoy having guests in his home and must love all that is good. He must live wisely and be fair. He must live a devout and disciplined life."

A leader must be a lover of all things that are good. Philippians 4:8 "And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

Proverbs 8:13 "All who fear the Lord will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech."

Romans 12:9 "Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good."

Amos 5:15 "Hate evil and love what is good; remodel your courts into true halls of justice. Perhaps even yet the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on his people who remain."

PUT ON UPRIGHTNESS

The word "just" in Titus 1:8 means to be righteous, equitable and upright. This entails not only right standing with God but also doing what is right and just in one's dealings with other people. The just man is:

• Equitable in character
• Fair in decisions (Titus 1:8)
• Right in judgment
• Upright and fair-minded

The word means "fair, honest, just." This word touches on a man's business dealing, his financial affairs, how he handles his employees, what kind of deals he makes, whether he pays his bills on time, whether he keeps his promises, how he speaks about others, and whether you would trust this man with your wife and children overnight. It is a combination of "goodness" and "honesty."

QUALIFICATIONS OF A LEADER ACCORDING TO 1 TIMOTHY 3 AND TITUS 1

When we read both 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 we are given very clear instructions on the type of people who should be in a place of leadership within the Church. These qualifications deal with the character, the conduct and the competence of the leader:

• Above reproach
• Husband of one wife
• Self-controlled
• Sober minded
• Respectable
• Hospitable
• Not a lover of money
• Not self-willed
• Not quick tempered
• Loving what is good
• Just
• Devout
• Not addicted to wine
• Not violent
• Gentle
• Un-contentious
• Good home manager
• Keeps children under control with all dignity
• A good reputation with outsiders
• Able to teach
• Not a new convert

PUT OFF — PUT ON CHART

Ephesians 4:22-24 "throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness—righteous, holy, and true."

We have been told to take off those qualities that are ungodly and that do not accurately display the love and the character of God and we should put on those character traits that are fruits of the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit within us.

• Put off Adultery (Matthew 5:27) → Put on Marital fidelity (Proverbs 5:14)
• Put off Alcohol (Proverbs 23:30) → Put on Abstinence (Proverbs 20:1)
• Put off Anger (Proverbs 29:22) → Put on Self control (Galatians 5:22-23)
• Put off Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15) → Put on Compassion and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)
• Put off Boasting and conceit (1 Corinthians 4:7) → Put on Esteeming others (Philippians 2:3)
• Put off Careless words (Matthew 12:36) → Put on Guarding your tongue (Proverbs 21:23)
• Put off Cheating (Amos 5:5) → Put on Honesty (2 Corinthians 8:21)
• Put off Covetousness (Luke 12:15) → Put on Contentment (Hebrews 13:5)
• Put off a Critical spirit (Galatians 5:15) → Put on Kindness (Colossians 3:12)
• Put off Evil speaking (James 4:11) → Put on Good report (Ephesians 4:29)
• Put off Evil thoughts (Matthew 15:19) → Put on Pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8)
• Put off Hatred (Matthew 5:21) → Put on Love (1 Corinthians 13:3)
• Put off Hypocrisy (Psalm 55:21) → Put on Sincerity (1 Thessalonians 2:3)
• Put off Impatience (James 1:2) → Put on Patience (Hebrews 10:36)
• Put off Inhospitality (1 Peter 4:9) → Put on Hospitality (Romans 12:13)
• Put off Laziness (Proverbs 20:4) → Put on Diligence (Proverbs 6:9)
• Put off Losing your temper (Proverbs 25:28) → Put on Self control (Proverbs 16:32)
• Put off Love of money (1 Timothy 6:9) → Put on Love for God (Matthew 6:33)
• Put off Lust (1 Peter 2:11) → Put on Pure desires (Titus 2:12)
• Put off Lying (Ephesians 4:25) → Put on Speaking the truth (Zechariah 8:16)
• Put off Moral impurity (1 Thessalonians 4:7) → Put on Moral purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
• Put off Preferential treatment (James 2:1) → Put on Loving neighbour as self (Luke 6:31)
• Put off Pride (Proverbs 16:5) → Put on Humility (James 4:6)
• Put off Profanity (Proverbs 4:24) → Put on Pure speech (Proverbs 15:4)
• Put off Selfishness (Philippians 2:21) → Put on Self-denial (John 12:24)
• Put off Stinginess (1 John 3:17) → Put on Generosity (Proverbs 11:24)
• Put off Strife / contentions (Proverbs 13:10) → Put on Peace (James 3:17)
• Put off Unfaithfulness (Proverbs 25:19) → Put on Faithfulness (Luke 16:10)
• Put off Un-forgiveness (Matthew 11:26) → Put on Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)