Springer Road Church of Christ
Lawrenceburg, TN
As an overseer and a shepherd of God’s people, an elder must possess certain traits that allow him to lead, interact with, and help people, even in difficult and trying circumstances. This ability is described by Paul negatively as “not quarrelsome,” “not quick-tempered,” and “not violent.” Those ideas are summed up positively in the description of “gentle.” This lesson discusses the meaning and importance of these traits and their applicability to all Christians!
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Many of the eldership qualities found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 tell us who an elder is not (e.g., “not a recent convert,” “not arrogant.”). But just as necessary are the qualifications which tell us who an elder is. This lesson focuses on a few such qualities and explains what it means to be “a lover of good,” “upright,” and “holy.” Further, this lesson demonstrates why eldership qualifications are characteristics that all Christians should pursue!
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Money is not evil, but the Bible teaches that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil! Because of this, every Christian should strive to purge out greed and a love of money. This is especially true of Christian leaders. Elders must be men who have proven to be beyond covetousness and dishonest practices for the sake of gain.
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A church elder must be an experienced, mature Christian. Such experience enables a man to humbly yet aptly teach and lead others in the Lord’s church. This lesson considers the three eldership “qualifications” that address this truth: that an elder must not be arrogant, cannot be a recent convert, and must be able to teach.
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The Bible says an elder must “not be a drunkard.” That seems fair enough, and everyone agrees an alcoholic should not be appointed as a leader in the church. But is that all 1 Timothy 3:3 and Titus 1:7 teach? Does this passage mean an elder can drink a little? Does it mean an elder can’t drink, but other Christians can? When it concerns alcohol, views and questions abound. This lesson focuses on the “not a drunkard” qualification for elders but also considers the fuller Biblical teaching that applies to all Christians concerning alcohol consumption!
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An elder must be a Christian whose inner life is in order and thus is self-controlled and sober-minded. But such inner attributes should be readily observed externally. When that is the case, you will find a respectable man who is well-thought of. An elder isn’t just well thought of by his closest circle, however. The Scriptures teach an elder must be well thought of even by outsiders. In this lesson, James Smiths reviews these attributes and their connection to the hospitable nature that an elder must possess. James also illustrates why these attributes are not unique to elders but should be present in all Christians’ lives!
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What type of man can lead the church as an elder? So far in our series, we’ve considered the qualifications about a man’s morality and family-life. This lesson will consider three similar yet distinct qualities the Holy Spirit providers concerning a man’s demeanor and attitude. In this lesson, we’ll see what it means for an elder to be sober-minded, self-controlled, and a man of discipline!
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Church leadership requires a man of experience. Where does one obtain such experience? According to 1 Timothy 3:4-5 and Titus 1:6-7, that experience comes from leading a home. Sometimes the details about the household qualifications for elders become the source of debate and confusion. But there is a reason God gave the church these qualifications. While not attempting to answer every viable question, this lesson focuses on the text of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 to see what these qualifications mean and to help paint a picture of a man who manages his household well. When the church sees such a man, he is likely a man capable of leading the church!
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First Timothy 3 and Titus 1 both mandate that an elder must be a man who is “the husband of one wife.” But what exactly does that mean? Over the years, there have been many interpretations. This lesson reviews some basic reminders regarding the qualifications, looks at the Biblical text, and considers the various interpretations and each view’s strengths and weaknesses.
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The Bible calls an elder’s work a “noble work.” Such noble work calls for noble men. But how can we determine which men fit the bill? Thankfully, Scripture provides us a picture of what such men look like. The lists found in First Timothy 3 and Titus 1 reveal the qualities that should be clear and present in an elder’s life. But how do we approach and handle these lists? This sermon provides an introduction to the subject of leadership qualifications, discusses how we might approach these lists, and reviews the first quality–“above reproach.”
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