Sunday Morning Sermon

Preached by John Gaines at Leonard Street Church of Christ

May 18, 2003

1. As we continue our look at the kind of men needed in the eldership, let us understand the simple goal we are seeking -- finding godly men with good leadership ability to shepherd the flock.

2. Let us return to the list of biblical qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

I. TEMPERATE

A. 1 Timothy 3:2 (NKJV) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; KJV says vigilant. The literal Greek meaning is sober -- the opposite of being intoxicated by alcohol. However, Greek authorities (Vincent, TDNT) say the word is always used in the New Testament in a metaphorical sense -- "the opposite of every kind of fuzziness" [TDNT]

B. Elders need to be men who have clear thinking and sober judgment.

1. Everyone has "intoxicants" which can cloud his thinking.

a. We don't think well when we are angry. That is why elders need to be "not quick tempered."

b. Our thinking can be clouded because a situation hits too close to home for us to remain objective.

c. Elders need to be men with clear vision to see how God's truth applies, no matter what extenuating circumstances might exist.

C. Note that Titus 1:8 uses the word "temperate" in the KJV. This is a different Greek word from the one Paul used in 1 Timothy 3:2. The word dãêñáôÞò (engkrates) is used only here in the New Testament. It means "having power over" or "mastering" . . . in this case, one's self. Most translations used "self control" to express this idea in English.

II. SOBER-MINDED [1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8]

A. This word refers to the health of the mind. A sober-minded man has a sound (or healthy) mind. It can be used both in the idea of being sane and in being self-controlled [Thayer].

B. Various translations include: "use good judgment" [GW], "wise" [NCV], "live wisely" [NLT], "prudent" [NASB], "self-controlled" [NIV], "sensible" [RSV], and "sober minded" [NKJV].

C. Elders must be wise men who are sound in their thinking. They must be able to reason correctly -- drawing only the conclusions that are warranted by the evidence.

1. Ephesians 4:14 (NKJV) that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

2. Wisdom is needed in knowing how to deal with people. .

3. As you evaluate possible elders, consider whether the man has the soundness of mind to be a help in solving conflicts and problems which inevitably arise in the church. Is this a man you trust to make fair and well-reasoned decisions?

III. GOOD BEHAVIOR (RESPECTABLE) [1 Timothy 3:2]

A. Behavior that is orderly and becoming

B. Elders need to act in a way that is becoming to their role as leaders in Christ's church.

1. Do nothing to bring reproach upon the church.

2. Set a good example. Make others think more highly of the church because of what they observe in your life. [Matthew 5:16]. Some claim, "It doesn't matter what others think." God says differently. Elders must be men of good reputation. [1 Timothy 3:7 (NKJV) "Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."]

IV. GENTLE [1 Timothy 3:3]

A. This word is translated "patient" in the KJV, and translated "forbearing spirit" in the NAS translation of the Greek in Philippians 4:5 (NASB) Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. The God's Word paraphrase says, "let everyone know how considerate you are."

B. All of this applies to elders. Elders need to be men of patience and forbearance. They need to be gentle in demeanor. They don't need to be harsh. They need to be strict in the sense of holding firmly to God's truth, but they don't need to be the kind of men who demand that everyone kowtow to their opinions. They want to lead rather than dictate to the church.

V. NOT QUARRELSOME [1 Timothy 3:3]

A. Elders need to have a peaceable, easy-to-get-along-with type of personality.

B. They are a strong as they need to be, but it is not their aim to dominate church members or impress anyone with their power.

C. They are a stern as the situation demands. It is a serious matter when sinners need reproving and false teachers need convicting of their error.

D. However, there is an important difference between a man who is willing to put on the whole armor of God and fight for truth and one who likes to fight for the sake of fighting. Elders do not need to have a contentious spirit.

VI. JUST [Titus 1:8]

A. When used in relation to a person's relationship with God, this means "upright," "righteous," or "observing divine laws." [cf. Thayer]. A just man, in this sense, is one who is living a godly life so that God sees him as righteous. Cornelius is described as a "just man" -- one who fears God [Acts 10:22].

B. Strong's concordance says "equitable in character or act." The God's Word paraphrase says that an elder must be "fair." This looks at the man from the standpoint of his relationship with other people. An elder is a just man -- one who treats others in the right way . . . honestly and fairly.

VII. HOLY [Titus 1:8]

A. Four times in the New Testament, righteousness [the quality of being "just"] and holiness are linked together [cf. Luke 1:75; Ephesians 4:24; and 1 Thessalonians 2:10 as well as Titus 1:8]. This linking indicates "that which corresponds to both divine and human law [TDNT].

B. Many congregations of the church today are getting in trouble because leaders have become more concerned about pleasing people and attracting crowds than they are about following God's law. Such men are not just and holy. As we select elders, it is essential that we find men who will always maintain their highest loyalty to being upright in the eyes of God. If we keep God pleased with our conduct, we will be blessed. If we fail in that objective, whatever we accomplish in this world will be worthless in the end.

CONCLUSION

1. Our study leaves us with the conclusion that there are rigorous demands made upon one who serves as an elder in the Lord's church.

2. Next week you will have the opportunity to submit names of men you believe to be qualified as elders.

a. Think carefully about whether or not the man you want to suggest meets the biblical requirements.

b. Let me speak now to every man who may be considering whether he can be an elder. It is very important that you spend time examining yourself. You know yourself better than anyone else does. Put aside ambition. Also put aside false humility. Take a realistic look at yourself. You know better than anyone else whether or not you meet the qualifications we've been studying.

c. If you see areas in your life which need improvement before you think you're ready to be an elder, challenge yourself to grow to meet the standard. The call of God to be an elder is not some still voice speaking to you in the middle of the night. God calls us by giving us opportunities . . . opening doors for us to serve Him. You must be a good steward of those open doors . . . if it is within your ability to be a qualified elder in the church, it should be your goal to serve the Lord in that manner.

3. Invitation