Title (1 Timothy 3:1-7) Qualifications of Elders
Contents Ecclesiasts 3:1-7 Qualifications of elders
Today, we would like to hold a special council meeting for the election of candidates for elders (3 people). According to the constitution of our denomination, “Among men over the age of 35, he has passed without blemish for five years in the local church as a member of the church, and as a chosen one, he has acquired considerable theological knowledge and virtues by training the theology and the Bible conducted by the presbytery for six months. It must be one who falls under 3:1-7.” The qualifications of an elder are stipulated.
1. First of all, if you wish to become an elder,
1) There must be a call from God. It is God who raises the elders of the church.
2) There must be the inner desire and confidence of those who volunteer (v. 1).
“It is faithful, because it is said that when a person seeks the office of a bishop, he desires good deeds.”
(1) Longing for the office of an elder is a good thing.
(2) It is not because they covet their position, but because they long for good work for the church, that is, useful service. The office of elder in the church is a function of service, not authority. All authority rests with the Lord.
3) According to the text, it should be selected by the conscientious evaluation of the members of the qualifications of elders.
2. The saints must choose those who meet these criteria (verses 2-7).
1) There is no condemnation (v. 2) - it is not that there is no sin at all, but that there is no social reproach.
2) to be the husband of one wife - to abstain from infidelity or fornication
3) Temperance - being vigilant and temperate in all respects
4) Be prudent - to control one's heart and keep it pure
5) Be modest - polite attitude
6) Treating strangers - Must have wife's cooperation
7) Be good at teaching - The church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15)
8) He does not drink alcohol (verse 3)
9) Not beaten - No one who is irritable, has a lot of blood, and uses his fists recklessly.
10) Only tolerant - the opposite of 'do not beat', forgive and get along well
11) Not quarreling - not fighting or arguing for any reason
12) I do not love money - 1 Timothy 6:10
13) One who rules his house well, making his children submissive with all respect (vv. 4-5)
14) Not even those who are new to the church (verse 6) - Those who have clear evidence of conversion, however, new believers are No.
15) Those who have obtained good evidence from outsiders (unbelievers) (verse 7)
I pray that good elders will be raised by the call of God, the willingness of the heart, and the conscientious choice of the saints.