Quality #1 - Eyes for one: Shepherds are men who are and continually pursue sexual purity. Married eyes for their spouse. Single Eyes for God alone.
Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife -1 Tim 3:1-7
Quality #2 - Self-disciplined in mind and body: Sober-minded in Greek literally means “wineless,” but it is here used metaphorically to mean “alert,” “watchful,” “vigilant,” or “clear-headed.” The Greek word for self-controlled means “orderly,” not leading chaotic lives.
sober-minded, self-controlled -1 Tim 3:1-7
Quality #3 - Loving: To be respected means that the Shepherd is respected by those within his family, church, workplace, and community. Hospitable in Greek means to “have a love of strangers.”
Respectable, hospitable -1 Tim 3:1-7
Quality #4 - Teacher: One of the primary duties of the Shepherd is to help provide spiritual direction, which is done through the tool of teaching God’s word. The Shepherd must be able to handle the Word of God and communicate it effectively and rightly. As Shepherds, it’s more than teaching and delivering sermons; it’s about guiding others in the truth, correcting errors, and helping others grow in their understanding of Scripture.
able to teach -1 Tim 3:1-7
Quality #5 - Spirit empowered: Entirely dependent upon the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
not a drunkard -1 Tim 3:1-7
Quality #6 - Steady: To be gentle and steady when conflict arises is a fruit of Holy Spirit empowerment.
not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome -1 Tim 3:1-7
Quality #7 - No idols other than God: A better phrase for “Not a lover of money” would be “Not Covetous.” Shepherds must be motivated by a love for God and His people, nothing else.
not a lover of money -1 Tim 3:1-7
Quality #8 - Leads and loves his family first: The word "manage" here means to "lead," and it is sometimes translated as "rule."
He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? -1 Tim 3:1-7
Quality # 9 - Spiritually mature: Shepherds must have a growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus.
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
-1 Tim 3:1-7
Quality #10 - Emits the fragrance of Christ. The word for the phrase “Well thought of” or “reputation” literally means “testimony.” It means that it is not enough for the potential Shepherd to have a good reputation within the assembly but that he has a reputation outside the four walls of the church.
Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
-1 Tim 3:1–7.
