Elders

I. Introduction: On the overhead display before services, we have announced that if any man would like to be considered for the office of the elder to please make his request known to our current elders. Of course, before one can be considered for the eldership, he must meet certain Biblical qualifications

II. Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (Titus 1:5-9)

III. Mental Discipline

A. Sober-minded

B. The NAS describes it as prudent; the NIV as sensible This person has clarity of mind and is serious about godly things. Merriam-Webster: “earnestly thoughtful character” An elder must think clearly of the situations surrounding his decisions and the impact that they will have on the congregation; he will not be hasty in decisions that require serious consideration.

C. Temperate

D. Some translations render this vigilant. A person who is moderate in all of his appetites and emotions; not extravagant The elder must not be easily swayed by the emotional turmoil that surrounds matters he must consider; he must first examine the situation in light of God’s word and make clear judgments. In handling the Lord’s money, he will be wise, not extravagant nor cheap. An elder must be one who can lead calmly amid chaos for he, through the wisdom of years, knows “this too shall pass.”

E. Not covetous or greedy for money

F. NAS: “not fond of sordid gain” NIV: “[not using] shameful ways to make money”1 Timothy 6:5-10 warns against the dangers of a Christian greedy for money He will be in charge of collecting and dispersing the Lord’s money and must be trustworthy to spend the money wisely, to use the money for the Lord’s work and not hoard it, and not to steal the money for his personal use.

G. Not self-willed

H. Though the elder is to rule over the flock of God, he does not do so as a harsh overseer but as a loving shepherd, 1 Peter 5:2-3. His mind will reflect the mind of Christ, Philippians 2:3-4 This does not mean that the decisions for the congregation must be considered by or approved by the whole congregation—God has given the elders oversight and rule—but, the elder will consider what is right according to God’s will and best for the congregation over his own will and desire.

I. Holy

J. In the Old Testament, when things were holy, they were cleansed and set apart for the work of the Lord. The elder must be a devout follower of God; dedicated to His service. He strives to be holy for God is holy, 1 Peter 1:16 The word holiness sums up the mental discipline of the elder; he considers himself as an elder, and as a Christian, as one who has been cleansed by God to serve Him in whatever capacity is required. His heart is dedicated to God.

IV. High Moral Character

A. Blameless

B. A person whose character is without reproach This does not mean that he is a perfect person, but he does not have character issues that would bring reproach upon the church

C. A later qualification is that he has a good testimony from those who are not members of the local church.

D. Do the people in the man’s workplace or neighborhood see the same man that the members at church see? Some project a holy image on Sunday but are worldly when around non-Christian friends. If a man is hypocritical, he is unqualified.

E. Experienced Christian

F. He is not to be a new Christian; a novice. The devil is characterized by arrogance and conceit and draws many away from God using their pride as a wedge. The elder is experienced in making godly decisions, Hebrews 5:12-14.

G. Just

H. An honest and fair person

I. The elder must often hear disagreements between brethren and judge fairly between them.

J. He cannot be influenced by a friend’s involvement or prejudices. He must seek the justice of God’s law first. Albert Barnes said “he is upright in his duty to all and faithful in his duty to God.”

K. A lover of what is good

L. Some translations read “a lover of good men.” He, like God, love those who love Jesus; he is drawn to high character and appreciates those who are trying to serve God. Philemon 5-7 – a genuine, active love towards brethren

V. Proper Behavior

A. Naturally, we expect that one, who is dedicated to God in mind and character, would be dedicated to Him in his behavior.

B. Of good behavior

C. Some translations say respectable When people see the elder, they should see one who acts like a Christian in all his dealings with others; people should see Christ living in him. He embodies Colossians 1:10 which says, “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

D. Sober-minded influence

E. Not violent

F. Some versions say, “not a striker or brawler.” His mind and temper are under his control; he does not lash out in the heat of anger nor does he engage in fistfights. James 1:20 tells us that “the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God,” and the elder knows nothing will be accomplished by fistfights.

G. Not quarrelsome

H. The elder does not strive about in useless quarrels either.2 Timothy 2:23-26 – He has a spiritual approach to disagreements

I. Not given to wine

J. His sober-minded approach and good reputation in the community will not allow him to become a drunkard. The elder realizes that alcohol has led to many foolish decisions and wasted lives.

K. Hospitable

L. Romans 12:13 – Christians are to be “given to hospitality” Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” The elder has an open heart and friendly greeting for those who are strangers among the brethren.

VI. Positive Family Relationships

A. Husband of one wife

B. He is not polygamous nor a single man. If a man’s wife dies and he remarries, he is still the husband of one wife for his first marriage was ended by death, else he is a polygamist.

C. Faithful children

D. Children who are faithful to God and obedient to their parents while under their rule

E. Not accused of riot

F. NIV: “who are not accused of having wild lifestyles” Sadly, this qualification eliminates many men from being elders Certainly, the children make their own decisions, but one who has children under his rule who are not obedient to God cannot oversee the church.

G. Not unruly

H. Other translations say not insubordinate or rebellious .The elder must be a father whose children respect his rules and God’s law. Some men are strong in the word but weak in backbone when it comes to disciplining their children. The elder must lead his children with example and authority.

I. Rules his own house well

J. The reason for this is explained in 1 Timothy 3:5 One can see by the daily administration of the family whether he is ruling his house or being ruled by it. He must have the oversight of this primary relationship before he can hope to have oversight over the church of God.

VII. Spiritual Leader

A. Able to teach

B. Ephesians 4:11-15 – The elder, or pastor, was given to edify the body He must be knowledgeable of God’s will and have the ability to teach it to others in various types of settings.

C. Able to confront error

D. He must be able to see false doctrine for what it is and oppose it with God’s word. Titus 1:9 – He is able to edify the church and defend it Titus 1:10-11 tells us why As the shepherd of the flock, he must protect it from wolves that would destroy the weak and sick.

VIII. Why is desire not listed?

A. If a man does not desire the work, though he may be otherwise qualified, he will not seek to serve.

B. If a man has to be hog-tied, shamed, or lured into the office, he should not serve.

C. God is seeking men who desire to lead the church to heaven suffering the pain and joy that shepherds must endure as they lead their flocks to green pastures.

D. Young men, I hope, will desire this work and make good decisions regarding marriage and child rearing, will build solid reputations in the community, ground themselves in the knowledge of God, dedicate themselves to His service, and bring their minds, desires and actions under God’s control so that one day they may serve.