Elders - The Character of the Men God Calls to Guard and Shepherd the Church
Sermon Notes
Review - Part 1 (May 1)
1. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock.
2. The Holy Spirit has made you overseers (your assignment is from God).
3. Shepherd the church of God (which He purchased with His own blood).
4. Know that which detracts from the church’s mission, false teachers from without and perverse and self-centered teachers from within.
5. Be alert, and persevere with humility in this unrelenting mission.
6. Stayed anchored in God and the word of His grace.
The mission of the church is to be witnesses (Acts 1.8) to the world of the saving and transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ and to make disciples (Matthew 28.19,20) who themselves live that transforming power in all of life - all through the Holy Spirit.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ELDER
(“WHAT DOES AN ELDER LOOK LIKE?”)
1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1
1. He aspires to the office - he is willing and eager to serve
2. Above reproach - blameless, cannot be legitimately undermined by accusations or charges that are contrary to Christian character. (1 Tim. 3.2; Tit. 1.6,7).
3. The husband of one wife - if married, he has been able to establish and maintain a faithful, loving marital relationship (1 Tim 3.2; Tit. 1.6).
4. Temperate - sober in judgment -- he thinks clearly and is not unduly influenced by outside, inappropriate pressures (1 Tim 3.2).
5. Self-controlled - a well-disciplined mind that is not easily side-tracked by that which is petty or unimportant (Tit. 1.8).
6. Respectable - has a well-ordered life-style. Does not lead a chaotic life, but is someone who is able to bring order to his own personal world (1 Tim 3.2).
7. Hospitable - approachable, one who is open to others (1 Tim 3.2; Tit. 1.8).
8. Able to teach - although a function of an elder, in this context it means that he has the ability to communicate and to model his message (1 Tim 3.2; Tit. 1.9).
9. Not given to drunkenness - is not dependent on a chemical substance (1 Tim 3.3; Tit. 1.7).
10. Not quick-tempered - not inclined to get angry quickly (Tit. 1.7).
11. Not pugnacious - not a bully, troublemaker, stubborn, or arrogant, (1 Tim 3.3; Tit 1.7).
12. Not a lover of money - is not consumed with the desire to have the things of this world. He must view people as being more important than possessions (1 Tim 3.3; Tit. 1.7).
13. Manages his own family well - is a godly leader who effectively manages family relationships and resources - he fathers with dignity and his children believe
(1 Tim 3.4; Tit. 1.6).
14. Not a recent convert - is old enough and has been a Christian long enough to be spiritually mature. His maturity will also be evidenced in real humility (1 Tim 3.6).
15. Have a good reputation with outsiders - unbelievers might disagree with him, but they still respect his integrity and Christian testimony (1 Tim 3.7).
16. Gentle and peaceable - is not one who would use his position to control people. His leadership would be more by example than authority (1 Tim 3.3).
17. Not self-willed - is not a “me-centered” person (Tit. 1.7).
18. Loves what is good - if something is good, he wants it and does it (Tit. 1.8).
19. Just - is fair and impartial (Tit. 1.8).
20. He is devout - upright, holy and disciplined - lives a consistent godly life (Tit. 1.8).
21. He is prudent and sensible - he is thoughtful; he processes things through the leadership of the Holy Spirit (1 Tim 3.2; Tit 1.8)
Some Observations:
1. Elders have Christ’s mindset and His kingdom’s mindset (LIFE) – they are not in it for themselves
2. Elders have a mindset to hear from Christ (they shepherd the church as they hear from Christ – the Head of the church)
3. Elders value relationships/community
4. Elders understand and count the cost
5. Elders shepherd by example