Topical Bible: Ministers: should be Sober, Just, and Temperate

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In the Christian tradition, ministers hold a position of spiritual leadership and are called to exemplify certain virtues that reflect the teachings of Scripture. Among these virtues, sobriety, justice, and temperance are emphasized as essential qualities for those who serve in ministry.

Sobriety

Sobriety, in the biblical context, extends beyond abstaining from excessive alcohol consumption; it encompasses a broader sense of being clear-minded, vigilant, and self-controlled. The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, underscores the importance of sobriety for church leaders. In 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul writes, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." Here, the term "temperate" is often understood as being sober-minded, indicating a balanced and prudent approach to life and ministry.

Justice

Justice is a fundamental attribute of God, and ministers are called to reflect this divine quality in their dealings with others. The Bible frequently associates justice with righteousness and fairness. In Titus 1:7-8, Paul instructs, "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." The term "upright" is synonymous with being just, highlighting the expectation that ministers act with integrity and fairness in all their interactions.

Temperance

Temperance, or self-control, is a fruit of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." For ministers, temperance is crucial in maintaining personal discipline and setting an example for the congregation. It involves the ability to govern one's desires and impulses, ensuring that one's actions align with biblical principles.

The Apostle Peter also emphasizes the importance of self-control in 1 Peter 5:8, where he advises, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This exhortation serves as a reminder that ministers must remain vigilant and disciplined, aware of the spiritual battles they face.

In summary, the qualities of sobriety, justice, and temperance are integral to the character of a minister. These virtues not only enhance the effectiveness of their ministry but also serve as a testament to their commitment to living out the teachings of Scripture. By embodying these attributes, ministers can lead their congregations with wisdom, fairness, and self-discipline, reflecting the character of Christ in their service.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 10:9
Do not drink wine nor strong drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest you die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 1:8
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sanctification.
... of this command, is demanded by every sober rule of ... instructions, of insisting that
men should stand "perfect ... Cases have occurred in which ministers have been ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvii sanctification.htm

Sunday after Ascension Day
... and "nichtern," which may be rendered "temperate" and "sober."]. ... world; and it is
a just punishment from ... We his ministers should be conscious"and the people ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday after ascension day.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... A bishop must be blameless, vigilant, sober, of good ... patient, a lover of good men,
just, holy, temperate ... saving grace of God, then all ministers should be saved ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

National Sins and Miseries
... away from the horrid scene; the ministers of vengeance ... circumstances, you would wish
he should do unto ... Be sober, temperate, active; and in every word and work ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 130 national sins and.htm

Titus ii. 5-Feb
... who keeps at home will be also sober, she that ... he means the devil, and every one
who ministers to him ... a difficult and surprising thing that there should ever be ...
/.../homily iv titus ii 5-feb.htm

The Society of Friends, or Quakers.
... the combined hostility of magistrates, ministers, and people ... the Puritan colony towards
them, we should remember those ... They became a sober, quiet, orderly, and ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 107 the society of.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... satires on intolerance, than the sober conviction of ... particular and deep
repentance.'[100] Just about the ... religion, than that its ministers should be suspected ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

The Life of Mr. Donald Cargil.
... voice to be sore broken) lest they should not have ... been long filling up their cup;
and ministers and professors ... the image of God in them; sober and temperate ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr donald.htm

The Scriptures
... As God has given to his ministers gifts for interpreting ... The Word teaches to be sober
and temperate, but ... Though we should not be of contentious spirits, yet we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the scriptures.htm

The Life of Mr. Thomas Hog.
... the house, and though of a sober deportment, yet ... was reported, the king ordered he
should be speedily ... withdraw from all presbyterian[242] ministers, who either ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr thomas.htm