Past, Present, and Future

An Elder’s Past - The Making of Elders

Time moves quickly:

James 4:14 “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

So, it is, that an elder has become and elder very quickly.

However, there, in the elders past, are certain qualities that have brought him to today.

#1 - An Elder’s life was and is marked by faithfulness:

In the ProDoc program, we discussed the trouble that past mistakes can bring the one looking to be an elder.

Many times, those who are considered for the role of eldership were faithful from their youth.

#2 - An Elder’s life was and is marked by experience:

1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”

An elder is to be well versed in life and labor and able to rule well.

#3 - An Elder’s life was and is marked by a devotion to study God’s word:

Titus 1:9 “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

A person cannot learn the scriptures in a short time, therefore before a man has become an elder, he is well studied.

An Elder’s Present - 3 Ways to Respect Elders

#1 - Pay them a wage in which they are honored:

1 Timothy 5:17–19 “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.”

#2 - Respect their past and their testimony:

1 Timothy 5:19–20 “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.”

How many times are we accused of something that we did not do or say?

“two or three witnesses”

Look at the word “witness”

The Greek word translated “witness” is where we get our word “martyr” from.

What is a martyr?

Someone who is killed for what they believe or what they stand for.

In order for someone to die for something, there is no way that they know it untrue.

Therefore, a witness is someone who is sincere,

has first hand knowledge of the accusation that they are bringing forth

Will testify to a crowd

1 Timothy 5:20 “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.”

Someone who is an insincere witness will not stand at the time the public rebuke is made, they will do their work in the shadows, to destroy the reputation of an elder, then they will emerge to take their place in leadership once the man of God has been destroyed.

#3 - Do not show favoritism:

1 Timothy 5:21 “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.”

The Future Elder - An Elder’s Discipleship Ministry

Wait for the appropriate time and keep yourself pure:

1 Timothy 5:22“Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.”

Take care of yourself physically, and be available:

1 Timothy 5:23 “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.”

Look for future candidates that have a reputable past and present:

1 Timothy 5:24–25 “Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.”

Be a living example:

1 Timothy 6:1–2 “Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”