Qualifications of Elders I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 Note: The qualifications are intended to be met by those who desire the office. The aspiring elder should possess to such a high degree as to be an example to all in the flock. It could be said that these are qualities(for this is what they are) fall in three major categories: moral, mental, and executive. A man who is not mentally qualified, nor morally suited, and does not show ability to work with others and over people, would never qualify. The Lord gave these qualifications and intends for them to be respected and followed. Read the passages. II. Body. The qualities cover... A. Experience. 1. Not a novice: that is, one who is newly-planted. 2. Someone newly converted would be easy prey. 3. Illustrate: Hebrews 5:14. B. Reputation. 1. A good reputation(a good testimony: who from?) 2. Churches can be hindered due to such. 3. Must be highly favored by Christians. 4. Opens avenues for teaching. C. Domestic relations. 1. Husband of one wife. a. Married--but to only one.(consider the purpose). b. If wife should die? 2. One who rules well his own house. a. Children in subjection; obedient to right and proper commands.(How his offspring treat other people, younger or older, speaks much.) b. If one is incapable of guiding his own, how could he guide the congregation? (demonstrates ability). c. If the wife rules: disqualified. d. Weymouth: "with true dignity." 3. Having children who believe. a. They are not accused of riot(carousing) or unruly(insubordinate). Reflects on him if child misbehaves at schools or other public places. b. Weymouth: "having children who are believers."(Must all be?) c. How many children? (1 Tekna: "Universal and without regard to sex, child"(Thayer gives both passages in reference). (2 From tikto(offspring)-Harper's Greek Lexicon. (3 Berry's Interlinear and Wescott & Hort bear out use of word of "one or more." (4 Read II Corinthians 12:14(see also Romans 8:16; Mark 13:12; I Timothy 5:4; Matthew 22:24; Luke 20:31; OT- Genesis 21:7-8. d. Before or after left home--should be obedient? Does he have "believing children" if he had two faithful at home(or away from home)--one left the household and became unfaithful? e. Would the brethren desire to have a man who permitted his children to go places Christians should not or do things Christians should not engage in? D. Character. 1. Must be without reproach(not open to censure). Someone against whom an accusation could be brought to the church. 2. Sober-minded(of sound mind, sane, in one's senses). a. The ability to weigh both sides and reach a just conclusion. b. Does this exclude wit and humor? 3. No brawler(not given to wine). a. The carouser or drinker needs reformation as a Christian, must less an elder. 4. No striker.(Ready with a blow; a pugnacious, contentious, quarrelsome person.) a. The elder is a peacemaker. b. Someone who wants to settle matters with his fists is poor material for any position. 5. Gentle(fair, mild). a. Must be capable of treating folks with kind respect. b. The ability to face one who might do him an injustice with the type of attitude capable of winning souls. 6. Not contentious.(Not to be withstood!) a. If always "wants his way": incapable of serving others. b. A person who has contentious notions on many passages would be unsuitable. 7. No lover(fond) of money. a. Do many "stingy" people reform?..Consider! b. Such a one might not want to spend funds to do the work. 8. Blameless(unimpeachable). Could not prove an accusation brought against one. 9. Not self-willed(self-pleasing arrogant): "My way" or else; unwilling to consider suggestions. 10. Not greedy of filthy lucre(eager for base gain; the price of doing wrong). a. One who makes money through sinful means. b. Or, one who permits himself or his property to be used in making money the wrong way. 11. Lover of good. a. Such affection, includes love for the church, good people, and the truth? b. One desiring the company of unbelievers and ungodly folks while neglecting the company of Christians lacks this quality. 12. Just(passing just judgment on others). a. Cannot be overshadowed by prejudice. b. Willing to listen to both sides. c. Render to each individual his just dues. 13. Holy(undefiled by sin): One who is consecrated to the service of God and His people. E. Habits. 1. Orderly(well-arranged; a well-ordered life). a. By his manner of life(daily treatment of others) one shows this quality. 2. Given to hospitality. a. Demonstrates ability to get along with people. b. Generous to guests, but does not encourage a sponger. 3. Not soon angry(prone to anger). a. "Quick-tempered" or hot-headed. b. Does not fly off the handle at every little irritation. 4. Self-controlled(the master of one's self). a. If incapable of this, could not guide others. 5. Temperate(sober, abstaining from wine). a. Carries the idea of avoided anything that is destructive to the disciple as well as being moderate in all phases of life. F. Intellectual qualifications. 1. A desire to serve as an elder. a. Literally: "To stretch one's self out in order to touch to grasp something." b. Must not be for base reasons. c. Should not force one to become an elder(or deacon) through continued pressure. 2. Apt to teach(skillful in teaching). a. Weymouth: "With a gift for teaching." b. Capable of teaching the congregation where he serves(may have some who know more). c. Not: To be apt to teach anything. 3. Holding to the faithful word. a. The ability to exhort(give instruction in sound doctrine). b. The power(through the gospel) to convict(must be informed in sound doctrine and capable of combating error).