Tag: above reproach
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!
The noble task of overseer!
Scripture reading for September 28th: 1st Timothy 3
“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1st Timothy 3:1) God calls men and women into pastoral and apostolic leadership. It is a high calling and those who open their hearts to respond, desire a noble task. Leading in Christ’s church is challenging and rewarding for those who apply themselves fully.
“Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited, and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” (1st Timothy 3:2-7)
As we look at the qualifications of an overseer, there is more about character than gifts or talents. The person must be above reproach and if married, husband of one wife. (or wife of one husband) They must manage their own household and finances well as a prerequisite for working with the family of God and finances of Christ’s Church. New converts are not yet proven in their character and humility and should not be placed in leadership. One ability mentioned is the ability to teach. Teaching sound doctrine is one of the great needs of the church.
“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” (1st Timothy 3:13) It is a noble task to serve Christ as overseer!