THE ROLE OF ELDERS

1 TIMOTHY 3:1-7

The overall arching theme of 1 Timothy is Church Order along with Christian Character – the character of a “Christian” allows church order to take place.

Chapter 1 took a long look of false teachers, false doctrine, the goal of Biblical teaching and having us focus on God’s mercy.

Chapter 2 took a look at the role of men and women in the church and included one of the most if not most controversial passage for Christians 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and we took a long look at that last week.

In chapter 3, Paul focuses on church leadership, this week we will see Paul talking about Elders and next week we will look at what Paul has to say about Deacons.

As we being this morning, let us Pray and look at 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Let’s Pray.

Qualifications of Elders

1 Timothy 3:1–7 – The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer (pastor, elder), he desires a noble task. Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

I. CHARACTERISTICS OF ELDERS—vv. 1–7

1. Call—v. 1 – The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

The saying is trustworthy – Paul only uses in his pastoral epistles – but uses it 5 times –

Pistos logos – pistos – believing, confiding, trusting – logos – the word of God, the sayings of God

It is a noble task – kalou ergou – good, genuine, morally good – work, business, undertaking

Because of this – Paul's statement is more rhetorical – not everyone would, should, or could be an elder but if they do -

– a teacher, pastor, or elder must fit these 14 criteria

2. Character—v. 2 – Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Characteristics of Elders:

a. Above Reproach — speech and conduct that can withstand finger-pointing, criticism, and gossip

Anepilemptos – an ep eel ape tos – Blameless, unrebukeable

High Standards are absolutely necessary

b. Husband of one wife —must have only 1 wife – obviously a male – if married only 1 wife – not polygamist – not many wives – if unmarried – then celibate like Paul – but also faithful – not committing adultery

c. Sober-minded – judgments are sober and temperate, prudent, sound reasoning, worthy of respect, not flighty or unstable in their thinking

d. Self-controlled—prudent – of sound mind, able to curb one’s desires and impulses, not impulsive

e. Respectable— evoke admiration or high regard for – not crass or insensitive

1 Timothy 4:12 – Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

f. Hospitable—generous to guests, care for outsiders,

Hebrews 13:2 – Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Galatians 6:10 – So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

g. Able to Teach—skillful in teaching

2 Timothy 2:2 – and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Titus 1:9 – He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

7 Qualities that an elder, pastor should have – now Paul describes 4 areas that would disqualify a man from this type of leadership

3. Consecration—v. 3 – not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

a. Not Given to Drunkenness – Paul in Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Thessalonians warns of the dangers of being consumed by alcohol – if they are self-controlled as mentioned above – they would not be given to drunkenness

Struggling with controlling alcohol has nothing to do with salvation but does prohibit any type of church leadership – we should be controlled by the Holy Spirit and not outside influences

Romans 8:9 NLT – But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.

b. Not Violent – but gentle –

Not violent – controls his anger, controls his emotions – emotions do not control him – plektes – plake tace – ready for a blow – ready to fight

Gentle does not equate to weak – not harsh

c. Not Quarrelsome – to avoid quarreling, abstain from fighting, does not have a contentious nature

Paul in Titus 3:9 – But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Avoid foolish controversies – do not argue over is worthless and unprofitable

d. Not a Lover of Money –

Does not engage in dishonest gain – does not indulge in selfish behaviors – putting self over others

John 16:13-15 – No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

Love of money puts a dividing wall between us and God

Often misquoted – money is not the root of all evil

1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

2 Timothy 3:2-4 – For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

After discussing the 4 areas that would disqualify someone from church leadership – Paul circles back and says they must also have these 3 important qualities about them.

4. Control—vv. 4–5 – He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

Must be able to control his own family, or cannot handle matters within the church.

a. Manages Family Well – Roman / Greco Family was different – spouse, kids, slaves/servants, parents, children, other relatives – even visitors

Wise, Godly discernment – discipline balanced with love – modeling the love and discipline of God our Father – not permissive not dictatorship – authoritative discipline

An elder, a pastor’s first and most important ministry field is that of the family – nothing is more important than that – it starts with his leadership within the family

5. Criticism—vv. 6–7 – He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Importance of a mature Christian. A young Christian may become proud.

a. Not a Recent Convert – while they may be on fire for God and wants to go tell everyone about Jesus – being on mission for God is different than leading God’s flock. Zeal and passion without experience and maturity can lead to problems – it is a slippery slope when zeal is not tamed by maturity – pride can lead them quickly into destruction. Ch 1 Paul was handing some over to Satan for their pride and falling into and teaching false doctrine

b. Well Thought of by Others – respected by outsiders – a good reputation with people outside of the church – we want to attract people to Christ to give a false image or portrayal of God and His Characteristics. Do unbelievers see this person as a person of good, moral character?

None of these does Paul ever intend for us to look at these people who are perfect –no need for spiritual, emotional, growth – no one – not even Paul would qualify

These passages represent a whole view of spiritual maturity in our leaders, elders, pastors, overseers – they cannot be perfect but when they sin, they make a mistake – does it lead others into sin, does it develop a false doctrine or is it something that can be worked out?

And whether or not you feel called to church leadership – all of these are things to still strive for.

Where are you personally strong – what do you need to work on?

Let us Pray!