The overseer is also to be temperate, self-controlled and respectable. His temperance should be demonstrated by moderation in a world that affords the excesses of style, comfort, gluttony, and pleasure. As he engages his world he proceeds with caution. He has learned the fickle nature of his heart and protects it against the trappings of Satan. With diligence he continually evaluates his passions and thinks before reacting.Discuss: What are the lures of excess that turn my heart away from temperance?
Second, temperance enables the overseer to be self-controlled which means he is sensible. He has the ability to make difficult decisions with wise and balanced judgment. This also involves a personal demonstration of discipline in the area of appetites. This could involve food, drink, entertainment, use of time, organization etc.
Discuss: What are the Biblical categories of thought that I used to instruct my heart towards self-control?
Third, the overseer must not only be temperate which leads to self-control but also temperate and self-controlled which leads to respect. The overseer must be orderly and well-mannered. He must be a man who is worth following and imitating.
Consequently, this man will be a leader who attracts followers.
Discuss: What type of followers do I have?
This society attempts to paint the perfect lifestyle for every type of difficulty people suffer from. So if there is a financial crisis then there is a financial paradise marketed to that difficulty. If there is an aging crisis, then there an aging paradise marketed… botox, face-lifts and liposuction. If there is sexual difficulty, then there is a sex paradise marketed…pills, videos and toys. Thus, in a world that offers so much, and with a heart that is so prone to wonder, an overseer must be temperate, self-controlled and respectable.
Answer the following questions:
1. Does your life teach other men to live as you live? (Titus 2:2)
2. Are you trendy? Do love keeping up on the ever changing fads of culture and why?
3. In what ways could you be culturally relevant and yet biblically faithful?
4. Are your appetites balanced? Are there any places that you are given over to access; food, alcohol, exercise, activities, frustration, worry, anxiety, etc?
5. Are you reactionary? Are you reactionary internally or externally?
Read: Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry, p. 106-183