1 Timothy 3:2c – Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach… sober-minded, self-controlled,

For an elder-pastor to live above approach, not only should they guard their marriage, but they should guard their mind and develop Godly habits that reflect a Spirit-filled life. Regardless of a pastor’s position on the legitimate use of alcohol by the Christian, Paul’s admonish to Timothy regarding sobriety and self-control should be taken seriously. Yet, the command to be sober-minded and self-controlled did not originate with the apostle Paul. God’s people have always been commanded to think clearly and live in control of their passions. Faithfulness to God as the people of God was at stake in the context of the Old Testament, and now, in 1 Timothy, faithfulness to God as a servant of God was at stake again.

Admittedly, there is not a widespread problem of drunkenness in the pulpit. Most do not read of pastors being relieved of their pastoral duties because their sermons smelled more of Jack Daniels than John the Baptist. However, one should not be so naïve as to think that Paul’s instruction regarding sobriety was limited to one’s drinking behaviors. There is a still a need for pastors to hear Paul’s qualifications for the minister, especially as it relates to sobriety and self-control.

While many may not enter the pulpit with an alcohol problem, many pulpits are plagued with pastors who are drunk on their ego, which is more deadly for a church than any strong drink. Whereas as a strong drink can physically incapacitate a pastor, a strong ego can spiritually paralyze him. When a pastor refuses to “wake up from the drunken stupor” of doctrinal infidelity, neglect of pastoral accountability and spiritual butchery, the church for whom Christ died suffers. At times, the pastor will be tempted to think more highly of himself than is appropriate, and Jesus would remind them, “A servant is not greater than their master.”

The point here is simple: Pastor, do not become drunk on your own hype. Or as James would put it, “Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”  As you submit to a more biblical appraisal of yourself, the necessity for a Spirit-empower self-control will become more clear. The daily realization of your need for the Holy Spirit will result in self-control. This is what Paul taught in Galatians 5:23 when he considered self-control as a fruit of the Spirit’s work in the Christian’s life.

CBH