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Qualifications for Elders-2 I Timothy 3:1-7

Qualifications for Elders-2 I Timothy 3:1-7. Introduction-1. We have noticed in past lessons that a scripturally organized church will have bishops and deacons- Phil. 1:1 Those who serve as bishops in the local church must possess certain qualifications

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Qualifications for Elders-2 I Timothy 3:1-7

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  1. Qualifications for Elders-2I Timothy 3:1-7

  2. Introduction-1 • We have noticed in past lessons that a scripturally organized church will have bishops and deacons- Phil. 1:1 • Those who serve as bishops in the local church must possess certain qualifications • These are listed here and also in Titus 1:6-9 • These are not just suggestions or recommendations • Notice the word “must” in V2 & 7 • Each qualification is given by the Holy Spirit- Acts 20:28

  3. Introduction-2 • Each one is necessary to provide the leadership God requires • Each man must have all of these before he is appointed to serve as a bishop (elder) • Most of these are required of every christian • In the last lesson we examined the qualifications pertaining to the elder’s character • In this lesson we will continue the examination the qualifications that pertain to his reputation

  4. The Elder’ Reputation-1 • In the last lesson we noticed that an elder must be blameless and have a good testimony among nonchristians 3. Self-controlled (KJV-temperate)- Titus 1:8 • The Greek word (egkrata) means exercising self-control; self-disciplined • It is a general term that encompasses the whole life of a person • Our thoughts, desires and abilities must be regulated and channeled to their proper use • This includes moderation in good things • If our desires are uncontrolled, they will cause us to sin

  5. The Elder’ Reputation-2 • When properly applied to our lives, the gospel has the power to regulate our thoughts, attitudes words and actions- II Cor. 10:4-5 • Self-control is basic to living the christian life • It is a part of the fruit of the Spirit- Gal. 5:23 • And the third of the christian graces- II Pet. 1:5:6 • An elder who lacks self-control cannot lead effectively nor be a good example to the flock

  6. The Elder’ Reputation-3 4. Not given to wine- I Tim. 3:3 & Tit. 1:7 • The Greek phrase (maparoinon) means never at any time tarrying at wine; never addicted to wine • It refers to one who is in the habit of drinking wine • Some of the wine that the Jews drank was unfermented • But even that in time could ferment • Drinking fermented wine can lead to drunkenness- Gal. 5:21

  7. The Elder’s Reputation-4 • Timothy obviously abstained from wine- I Tim. 5:23 • This applies to other alcoholic drink • Alcohol removes inhibitions and causes people to do things they would not do otherwise- Prov. 20:1 • It affects one’s ability to reason and make judgments- Prov. 31:4-5 • Elders must be sober and vigilant- I Pet. 5:8 • The safe course for all christians including elders is to abstain from all alcoholic beverages

  8. The Elder’s Reputation-5 5. Not violent ( KJV- striker)- I Tim. 3:3 & Tit. 1:7 • The Greek phrase is ma plektes • Ma means never or at any time • Plektes means one who is ready to hit another person; a contentious, quarrelsome person • It is one effect of consuming wine or other alcoholic beverages • The term identifies those that willing to attack others with their tongue or with their fists

  9. The Elder’s Reputation-6 • A hot-headed elder is a weak christian and a poor example • Elders and all other christiansare to follow the wisdom from above which is peaceable and gentle- Jas. 3:17 6. A lover of hospitality- I Tim. 3:2 & Tit. 1:8 • The Greek word for hospitality (philoxenon) literally means a lover of strangers • All christains should be “given to hospitality”- Rom. 12:13

  10. The Elder’s Reputation-7 • The Hebrew writer instructed christians not to forget to entertain strangers- Heb. 13:2 • The idea being to receive them as guests, making them feel welcome and provide for their needs • Hospitality comes from a spirit of generosity • It demonstrates an unselfish love for those whom we do not know • A characteristic of godly people in Old Testament times-Gen. 19:2-3 • Demonstrated in the actions of the “good Samaritan”- Lk. 10:34-35

  11. The Elder’s Reputation-8 • Love is proper motive for hospitality - I Pet. 4:9 • Not covetous- I Tim. 3:3 • The Greek word (aphilarguron) means free from covetousness; no lover of money • It is a sinful attitude toward money • It will affect the actions of those motivated by it • It has always been a problem among God’s people- Lk. 16:14 • Forbidden by the 10th commandment- Ex. 20:17

  12. The Elder’s Reputation-9 • Covetousness is a type of idolatry- Col. 3:5 • It puts the desire for gain above God’s word • It cannot be present in the life of any christian- Heb. 13:5 • Not greedy for money- I Tim. 3:3 & Tit. 1:7 • The Greek word (aischrokerdas) means literally eagerness for base gain (KJV- filthy lucre) • This is very similar to the last qualification

  13. The Elder’s Reputation-10 • An inordinate desire for money will lead to many sins- I Tim. 6:10 • It caused Judas to steal and betray the Lord- Jn. 12:6 • Some elders were supported by the church- I Tim. 5:17 • This might have motivated some to want to serve as elders • Peter warned against bishops serving for gain- I Pet. 5:2 • Those who are qualified should desire to serve as elders, because they love the Lord and His church

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