Qualifications for elders
Scripture reading for October 8: Titus 1
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you–if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 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.” Titus 1:5-9
God appoints leaders to positions of servanthood and accountability. God gave clear qualifications to Titus through the apostle Paul concerning those in responsibility. God is a God of order and works through those to whom He has delegated His authority. Paul instructed Titus to look for those in the church who had their homes in order. They must be husband of one wife only and children must also be believers and submissive to their parents. This elder must be above reproach from those both inside and outside the church, having a reputation as an upright person who loved good. The mature elder must be humble and not arrogant. He must have self-control of his appetites and his tongue and spirit. He must not be driven by greed or money.
As far as spiritual gifts, the elder must be able to teach the Word of God and know God’s Word thoroughly. His teaching and living of God’s Word would equip the church to do God’s work in righteousness. Sound doctrine would provide a solid foundation for church growth and outreach and discipleship. The elder must also be able to deal gently and effectively with those opposing truth by rebuking them and using church discipline if called for. He is God’s steward of God’s Word serving joyfully and faithfully.
Have you ever aspired to become a leader or elder in the church? Have you looked carefully at the qualifications laid out here and compared your life to God’s will? What areas of your life need to be developed in order to function in church eldership?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are a God of order and not confusion. You call those You want in positions of stewardship and then equip them and shape them for service. Use me in my eldership years to model Christ’s qualifications in my home, family, and church and community. Amen!
Keeping mission focus!
Scripture reading for October 7: 2 Timothy 4
“”. . .preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suite their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5-8
Paul was writing for his last time from prison while awaiting beheading for preaching the Gospel. His son in the faith, Timothy was in Paul’s prayers and thoughts. He encouraged Timothy to continue the good fight of faith along the pattern he had modeled. Paul plainly called for Timothy to boldly and plainly preach the Word of God, doing the work of an evangelist. He warned him that some would have itching ears and would not accept God’s Word. Timothy was not to waver, even if suffering for preaching and teaching. This was part of the package. He was to fulfill the calling on his life as Paul was now finishing his race: strong in the faith.
Paul testified to Timothy of his confidence in his future reward. He had been assured of the crown of righteousness from the Lord, Himself. Jesus was the Righteous Judge Who would deal with each person in total righteousness and justice. Paul called Timothy to so live his life and run the race of faith that he too would receive the reward.
What insights from Paul’s last letter and advice to Timothy help you to set priorities in your own life? Are you confident in a reward from the Righteous Judge or concerned about facing Him? Does the promise of suffering for the Gospel and the possibility of martyrdom bring concern?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Paul’s clear witness of his confidence and faith in Your promises and Word. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and boldness to preach the Word of God even in the face of rejection or persecution. With Paul and the faithful saints, I plan on standing by faith in the finished work of Jesus. Amen.
Times of difficulty ahead!
Scripture reading for October 6: 2 Timothy 3
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 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, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Paul sought to warn his fellow minister about what God had said concerning the time of the end before the coming again of Jesus Christ. Contrary to popular world views, man would not get better and better as time progressed. Instead, the world and it’s people would bring increasingly difficult and troubled times. The devil’s lie that man, not God, should decide right from wrong would gain more and more followers. People would act in ways that were selfish and destructive, even towards those they should love and respect. Idolatry would mark the lives of many in the worship of self, money, power and even religion.
Some of the worst offenders would be those that deceptively pretended to be ‘godly’ and ‘religious’ people. These people would put on a show of godliness, but remain unchanged in their worldly attitudes and appetites. They really did not really love God, but themselves and their money and pleasures. They would be full of pride and mistreat others, some brutally abusive. They would speak with slanderous accusations and would betray even their own parents and leaders. Paul told Timothy to avoid such people! Life and leadership in the last days will require a true love of God and His Word being faithfully applied and taught by those called to ministry. Patience, kindness, and love by the Holy Spirit will draw people to Jesus Christ.
As you observe our own culture and times, do you think that we could be living in the last days? What changes in your own attitude or world view have you made to focus on loving God rather than the idolatry of our culture? Do you have people in your sphere of influence that you may need to avoid?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your warnings concerning the difficult times of the last days. Give me wisdom and discernment concerning my own attitudes and actions that they may reflect Jesus Christ. Use me to minister to those who may be difficult or ensnared by Satan. May I reflect true godliness. Amen.
Kind, gentle, and patient!
Scripture reading for October 3: 2 Timothy 2
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:22-26
Paul wrote plainly to his ‘son’ in the faith, Timothy concerning the conduct of a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although Timothy was young, Paul instructed him to flee from typical youthful passions and to instead focus on pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. The kingdom of heaven is not eating or drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) Jesus taught His disciples that they should first seek the kingdom of heaven and God’s righteousness instead of seeking after food, clothes, or worldly riches and fame. (Matthew 6:33) God promises to take care of His children and provide for their needs as they humbly depend on Him.
In addition to this, ministers of the Gospel must not be quarrelsome or contentious. The humble and gentle heart of Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30) must be allowed to develop and be shown in kindness and gentleness to all, even to opponents who are mean or obnoxious. As Jesus patiently endured evil towards Himself, His disciples also must patiently endure and seek repentance and forgiveness for those who are opposing. God’s heart is that none perish but all come to the truth about Jesus and enter eternal life. It is God’s goodness reflected in those who minister the Gospel that draw even hardened opponents to Jesus for healing and deliverance from Satan’s snare.
Have you experienced or observed ministers of Jesus Christ who reflect the kindness and gentleness of Jesus to those opposing them? How would you evaluate your own application of these instructions on how to treat those that may oppose you or Christ’s message? Would others see Christ in your actions?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for clear and simple instructions and Christ’s example on how to live by love and faith in peace with others. Fill me with Christ’s Holy Spirit today and help me to reflect Your goodness and gentleness to those who even oppose you. Increase my patient endurance. Amen.
Fanning the Flame!
Scripture reading for October 2: 2 Timothy 1
“I thank God Whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share in suffering for the Gospel by the power of God, Who called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” 2 Timothy 1:3-9
Paul was writing for the last time to Timothy, his ‘beloved’ son in the faith and now the pastor at Ephesus. Paul would soon become a martyr and wanted to give a final word of encouragement. He reminded Timothy of his own prayers for him and the memories of his family and their legacy of faith. He encouraged Timothy to fan into flames the gift of God, (The Holy Spirit), which had filled Timothy as Paul laid on his hands at ordination. The Holy Spirit would bring boldness and power to love each person and to wait on the Lord and pray for direction and ministry results. (Acts 2:3-4)
Timothy had evidently battled with fear of man and sometimes lacked confidence to speak out in sharing the Gospel. Paul admonished Timothy to boldly share his own testimony of Jesus, regardless of the consequences. Paul shared that the God Who had called both of them would fulfill His purposes and show grace. Their calling was an ancient calling, known and proclaimed before the ages began. God would be faithful as they stood firm in faith. A faithful congregation in heaven would welcome them home one day!
How does Paul’s final instructions impact your world view of our life purposes? What steps might you take to fan into flame the Holy Spirit in your daily walk? Are you living in fear of suffering for sharing your faith?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit to live inside of me and leading me in a life of service, good works, and sharing the Gospel. As I pray and read Your Word, ignite a flame of love for others, holy boldness, and powerful witness that all might be saved and receive this Gift! Amen!
Instructing the rich!
Scripture reading for October 1: 1 Timothy 6
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, Who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, this storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:17-21
It is easy for those that are blessed with financial and material riches to become proud and aloof from those of more humble means. The rich don’t have the worries or concerns of those that have to work each day to provide food and necessities. But God loves rich people too and wants them to view their riches as a gift from Him, which they actually are. To those who have been given much, much will be required. (Luke 12:48) God has given riches to those He chooses as a test of their character and to build their character. We are to gratefully acknowledge that and enjoy and steward what He provides.
Rich people were instructed to be generous and ready to share and to do ‘good works’. They were not to be greedy and clutch their riches tightly for greed is idolatry. This was Satan’s trap for many rich people or people aspiring to become rich. Paul instructed the rich that as they gave to help God’s work, they would change their worldly riches into eternal riches. Their present life would also be transformed as they would find joy and peace in giving. Jesus has said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Paul had used this saying of Jesus to promote working hard and having money to give to help the weak and hurting. Paul wanted the rich to avoid the traps of pride, slack living, and falling away from a dependence on Jesus to self-sufficiency and no need of faith. Paul practiced these truths, looking forward to eternity.
How would you evaluate your own world view in regard to riches and material things? By the world’s standards, would you consider yourself ‘rich’? (About 80% of the world live on less than ten dollars a day.) What are some ‘good works’ that you might do to lay up eternal riches?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for blessing me and my family with an abundance of material things and for meeting all our needs. You are all we really need! Help me to see the ‘good works’ that would further Your kingdom and transform the worldly riches into eternal riches through souls won to Jesus! Amen!
Take care of teaching elders!
Scripture reading for September 30: 1 Timothy 5
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of other; keep yourself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:17-22
As a believer in Jesus, we should all be a part of Christ’s church and involved in a local assembly where there are seasoned elders who teach and preach God’s Word. Men and women who are called by God and given to the church are a blessing. Church members should give them the double honor of the respect for their office and giftings and faithfully paying tithes to support them in their assignment. Paul, an elder himself, quotes Deuteronomy 25:4 as an illustration for the church family to help them in their new world view. As an ox grinding grain is not to be kept from eating, so a preacher must be fed!
In this passage he also warned Timothy and the elders not to be hasty to lay hands on anyone to ordain them into pastoral ministry. Each one involved in this ministry must first be tested for faithfulness and sound doctrine. Their lives must meet the test of obedience to God’s Word in their home and family and community before they can manage Christ’s church. Also, if there were charges against elders, they must be brought by two or more witnesses before consideration. No unsubstantiated charges were to be considered. If the elder was found guilty and would not repent, he must be rebuked in front of the church so that all may have holy fear and check their own hearts. Paul emphasized that he gave these instructions to be kept without partiality, with God, Jesus, and the holy angels as witnesses.
If you belong to a church, have you been giving your pastor and elders the double honor proscribed by Paul? Have you ever had to bring a charge against an elder for sinful behavior? How did the church leadership handle the charges?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the order and instructions that You have provided for churches and their leadership. Thank you for the gift of pastors and teachers, to which I have been called. Help me to follow and teach the full counsel of Your Word. Thank You for church members who faithfully provided for me and my family as we have taught and preached. Amen.
Beware of deceitful spirits!
Scripture reading for September 29: 1 Timothy 4
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teaching of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the Word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:1-5
We often think of cultural anomalies and local superstitions as harmless but they can have demonic spirits behind them. Paul told Timothy to be careful by repeating a warning the Holy Spirit revealed to him. In the later times, nearer to Christ’s return, demonic spirits would be active in bringing deception over people and holding them in darkness through religious means. Some would forbid marriage and promote all kinds of living arrangements that were actually teachings of demons. Adultery, fornication, and homosexuality would be examples mentioned in Scripture.
Other false spirits might require certain diets to be followed and forbid certain foods in order to be accepted. This appears harmless, but God’s Word teaches that all foods have been declared clean by God under the New Covenant. They are made holy by the Word of God and prayer. That is why we pray over our food, thanking God for His provision. Examples of this might be vegetarianism, keeping Jewish laws on clean and unclean foods, or teaching that certain foods defile us spiritually. When we believe and know the truth, we are set free from these deceiving spirits and the bondage that comes from them. This doesn’t mean that God cannot direct us to abstain from certain foods that our bodies can’t tolerate. We are called to a life of freedom and grace that rests in Christ’s finished work on our behalf. Everything we do is to be by faith to the glory of God.
Have you ever been in bondage to a deceiving spirit or come under a doctrine of demons? Are you now living in freedom and under grace? From this passage, what deceiving spirits are operating in our culture during our lifetime?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for illuminating the world of evil spirits and how they are set to bring deception and bondage. Thank You for delivering me from seducing spirits of human effort and good works for true salvation by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Use me to declare Your victory. Amen.
Overseers–a noble task
Scripture reading for September 26: 1 Timothy 3
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, 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.” 1 Timothy 3:1-7
Paul was an overseer in the early church. He was mentoring Timothy for that same task and teaching him how to help others identify their leadership calling and walk in that noble task. God calls each person to the task He desires for them and then equips them to walk effectively in that calling. When we aspire to leadership, it is often the Holy Spirit drawing us to submit to God’s call. But God has qualifications for those He calls into leadership. Each person must be submitted to Him and to those He has placed over them to teach, rebuke, and guide in their daily walk.
Paul stated that the overseer must be above reproach. That means that they are not open to charges of misconduct or wrong-doing that bring reproach to Christ and His Church. He lists several things in the leader’s life that must be brought in line with God’s requirements. First, his home must be in order. He must have one wife and be faithful in his marriage. His children must be instructed in godly living and respectful of parents as well as elders and those in authority. Paul asks the question: If a leader can’t manage his own household, how can he oversee Christ’s church? The leader must not be a recent convert either, as his life must be tested for faithfulness and consistency. He must be able to teach, respected by all, and have a reputation as a sound and sober man of God. Those aspiring to leadership must check out what God requires and make necessary changes and additions.
As you review these qualification for overseers, are there areas of your life that need adjusting and growth? How do these qualifications clash with the world we live in? Do you feel that the church gives emphasis to choosing leaders who have these qualifications?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for calling leaders and holding them to account for their character and conduct. As a leader, help me to live my life in such a way that reflects Your character and attitudes to the younger members. Use me as a mentor to help equip those You call. Amen.
Godly men and women!
Scripture reading for September 25: 1 Timothy 2
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with raided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness–with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.” 1 Timothy 2:8-11
Paul began his letter to Timothy by encouraging him to lead the church he pastored in prayer. Prayer for all people, especially those in authority, helps all focus on living peaceful and godly lives. God desires His people to live in peace and to conduct their lives in such a way that the culture and spiritual atmosphere is such that children can be raised to know God and serve Him and that the church can advance the Gospel by reaching those that are lost. Believers are the salt and light God provides to bring out a fresh revelation of God’s goodness and mercy.
Men were to assume their place as leaders of their homes and church families and to set a godly example of lifting holy hands in prayer. They were to avoid anger, quarreling, and dissention. These things hinder prayer and disrupt the peace. Women should be careful how they dress and act. In a pagan culture, sexual immorality and lewdness were acceptable to promote selfish desires, but in God’s kingdom women were called to godliness and modesty. The dressing of the body for sensual attraction and pleasure was not proper in that God called them to a higher standard of behavior. These women should do good works and conduct themselves with modesty while raising godly children and living in submission to their godly husband’s leadership. These instructions were sorely needed in the culture of that time, but are very relevant for our time as well!
When you read this passage, are you somewhat embarrassed or ashamed to discuss it because of our permissive culture? What do you think about the roles of men and women in our time? Are there any changes that should be made in your own attitudes and actions towards roles of men and women?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for designing men and women uniquely and wonderfully. Thank You for the roles and dignity that are assigned to each gender. Help me as a man to lift up holy hands in prayer and lead my family in praying for those in authority. Help me to honor women and their role of dignity and support. Amen.