The Elders' Ministry

1 Timothy 3:1-7

God’s Design for the Church

Recap of what we’ve seen so far in 1 Timothy

The Church’s Foundation is the Gospel

Not to stray from it with other teachings, but holding to the faithful saying: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

The Work of the Church is to pray

That we might lead quiet and peaceful lives, godly and dignified in every way.

Life as Men and Women in God’s House

That men and women who are saved by grace in Christ will embrace their roles as new creations and live out their salvation accordingly.

Including how the Household of God is Managed

The Biblical role of Elder/Overseer

Synonymous/Interchangeable Terms

Elder - presbyter - one who goes before the flock

Bishop - episcopos - one who watches over

Acts 20 - When Paul called the Ephesian elders to meet with him, before he was arrested in Jerusalem, he reminded them that the Holy Spirit had made them overseers of the flock…

Elder/Overseer is first Seen in Exodus - men chosen from the people to hear and decide on disagreements, representing the people when they gathered

Office of the Elder was always part of the Church

Some argue that this is shoehorned in to Paul’s letters in order to legitimize the structure of the church

Acts 11 - An offering was sent from Antioch to the elders in Jerusalem by the hand of Barnabas and Saul

Paul and Barnabas, as they preached the gospel and planted churches, appointed elders in every church

The Elder/Overseer included the men who preached, as well as those who led the congregation - a plurality of elders.

The Point of the Passage today: Men of the church, trusting in the grace of the gospel, should humbly seek the noble work of an elder, and strive, in the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to meet the qualifications of ministry.

The Biblical Role of the Elder/Overseer

Shepherding the Flock

Leading the People who Follow Christ

Leading through Provision

Calling to Worship, study, and prayer

Providing opportunities for the Church to grow in Discipleship

Leading by example

“If you want to know what a mature Christian looks like, look at the elder.” The elder ministers to the church, not just in what he says, but in how he lives

Defending the Flock of God

From Outward Attacks; Acts 20:29 - Fierce wolves will come among you

Keeping out the false teaching, the influences of the world, the things that would ruin our witness and community

From Inward Demise: Drawing in the Straying Sheep -

Physically (those who stop attending) and Spiritually (those who are caught in sin)

Tending the Flock

Feeding - Ensuring sound teaching, counsel and other opportunities for growth

Treating - Prayer, visitation

Qualifying Marks of An Elder/Overseer

Personal

Above Reproach - not perfect, but nothing upon which others would get hung up

Husband of One Wife - exhibiting faithfulness and chastity in marriage

Sober-Minded - restrained, sober, serious

Self-Controlled and Modest - used in 2:9 to describe how the women of the church should adorn themselves -

Hospitable - Loving the stranger

Able to teach - having the wisdom, understanding, and ability to teach others

Interpersonal

In the Negative

Not a drunkard

Not a bully - not a brow-beater,

Not violent but gentle

Not quarrelsome

Not a lover of money

Positive

Managing His Household well, with Children in submission - the posture of those who learn

Warning

Not a new convert - puffed up with pride

The snare of the Devil A good testimony among outsiders -

Not to fall into disgrace, the snare of the Devil

Gospel-Driven

The Elder is must first realize he is fundamentally flawed, a sinner at heart, and left to his own strength, would never attain these standards

Be careful, if you think you stand, let you fall…

No one is sufficient for the calling of an elder

The Elder’s only sufficiency is the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:5

Christ is these things, and works these things in us, he makes us these things, and qualifies us for service, and by the working of His Spirit, we grow into being the men the Church needs.

Calvin - “The desire of great men does not rest on the confidence of their own industry or virtue, but on the assistance of God.”

The Call of the Elder

A Noble Calling - Men of the church, trusting in the grace of the gospel, humbly seek the noble work of an elder, and strive, in the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to meet the qualifications of ministry.

Aspire to It

Not out of greedy gain, to lord it over others -

But this is a calling that every man should hope to one day receive

Humbly seek the grace of God, that you may grow into the men that the Church needs today, that you would see these qualities come to maturity in you

Answer the call - when the church recognizes your maturity, your ability to lead, and asks you to serve, respond willingly and faithfully

A Difficult Calling

Calvin - Those things which are excellent are also arduous and difficult.

Pray for the Elders

Pray that they may grow in the grace, wisdom, and maturity of Christ-likeness, to lead the Church well, and set an example for us to follow Pray that more men would see the noble work of the Elder, and strive to attain the calling

Make their service a joy

Submit - listen - follow where they lead in Christ

Hebrews 13:17