18/05/2026
WORSHIP & INSTALLATION OF NEW ELDERS
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17TH MAY, 2026
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TOPIC: THE OUTER-INNER MAN
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TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 3:8-13; 1 PETER 5:1-4*
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RESPONSIVE READING: PSALM 4:1-8
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HYMN SS&S 778, 597
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MINISTERING: REV'D. DR. S. S. ADEKEYE
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*INTRODUCTION*
The office of an Elder is not a chieftaincy title, it’s a towel-and-basin Ministry established by Jesus Christ Himself - John 13:14-15. God looks at the heart, but men look at the outward man. Beloved serving Elder or aspiring to be, your conduct, dressing, speech, and service speaks volumes to the people around you. "You can’t hide smoke when the house is on fire." If your life contradicts your position, the Church suffers. Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works..." This Sermon presents outer and inner man of a Church Elder in displaying of his leadership roles.
*I. WHAT IS THE OUTER-INNER MAN?*
1. Not the flesh or body alone, it’s the visible expression of our inner life as we confront life challenges and human relational problems - 2 Corinthians 4:16
This verse encourages believers to remain hopeful, focusing on daily spiritual renewal and eternal hope despite physical aging, sickness, or life's hardships.
2. The outer man is our testimony before men - Philippians 2:15
3. The billboard of our Ministry - People read you before they read their Bible. "Action speaks louder than Words."
4. The inner man is our Spirit, motives, affections, and secret walk with God. If the root is bitter, the fruit can’t be sweet. "Charcoal cannot wash white."
5. It’s your renewed Spirit, your real you before God
CONNECTION OF OUTER-INNER MAN: The inner fire determines outer impact.
*II. BIBLICAL BLUEPRINT FOR THE OUTER-INNER MAN- 1 Timothy 3:8-13*
*a. Outer man Biblical blueprint:*
1. Dignified/Serious in outside - 1 Tim 3:8
2. Not Double-tongued - 1 Tim 3:8
3. Not given to much wine - 1 Tim 3:8
4. Not greedy for filthy lucre - 1 Tim 3:8
5. Proven/Tested - 1 Tim 3:10
*b. Inner man Biblical blueprint:*
1. Full of the Holy Spirit - Acts 6:3. Service flows from Spirit-filling, not just roster-filling.
2. Full of Wisdom - Acts 6:3…. "Sense is better than strength."…James 1:5.
3. Holding the Mystery of Faith with clear Conscience - 1 Tim 3:9 "A clear conscience is a soft pillow."
4. Blameless-1 Tim 3:10 …."He that lives in a glass house should not throw stones." Avoid scandal.
5. Husband of one wife, ruling home well - 1 Tim 3:12 Your home is your first parish.
6. Not Greedy for Gain Content - 1 Tim 3:8; Heb. 13:5
*III. DANGERS OF A DEFECTIVE OUTER-INNER MAN*
1. Stumbling Block to Others - Rom 14:13
2. Brings Shame to the Church - Rom 2:24
3. Loss of Reward - 1 Tim 3:13
*IV. BLESSINGS OF A GODLY OUTER-INNER MAN -1 Timothy 3:13*
1. Respect from the Church
2. Boldness in Prayer & Faith - 1 John 3:21
3. Heaven’s Commendation - Matt 25:21
*V. BUILDING THE INNER-OUTER MAN DAILY - Jude 1:20; Psalm 1:2-3*
1. Secret Place Prayer - Matt 6:6
2. Feeding on the Word - Col 3:16
3. Guarding the Heart - Prov. 4:23
4. Walking in the Spirit - Gal 5:16
5. Accountability & Confession - James 5:16
*CONCLUSION*
Elder, you are the face of the Church before members and visitors. Do your Church work diligently with a mindset of bringing Church growth and unity.
