Biblical Shepherds. I Timothy 3:1

Transcription

1 Biblical Shepherds I Timothy 3:1

2 God s Plans for Leadership God has always been very specific when choosing His leaders for His purpose. Exodus 18:21 All Leadership eventually points back to Christ and His church. Eldership is a wonderful, blessed WORK! God is the one who sets the terms of and conditions, not man!!

3 Not a New Testament Concept Only - Moses was told to choose 70 elders from among Israel to judge the people. - Elders played prominent role in Jewish Society. - Some of their responsibilities and overlap in the new testament.

4 Similar Terms for Elders Other names used: - Pastors/Poimen: Means Shepherd. - Episcipos: Greek work meaning elder. - Bishop: Greek term meaning overseer. - Elder: Refers to the maturity (spiritual) qualification of the person.

5 Titus Left in Crete - Titus 1:5 - Titus left in Crete to ordain elders. - The character of those appointed was not left up to Titus. - Qualifications given by divine inspiration. - Titus 1:6-9, I Timothy 3: Disregarding one qualification means that all can be disregarded!

6 Responsibilities of Elders 1. To be an example to the flock. I Peter 5: To be able to both speak and teach the word of God. (Heb. 13:7) 3. To live a life of faith to be followed by the flock. 4. They must first be proved. (I Tim 3:10)

7 A Shepherd - John 10: Must be a servant leader for Christ. - Not about just barking orders and bossing others around. - They are to lead, not drive the flock!! - Ex. Sheep. - Must be able to first walk.

8 The Home and Family - A Bishop s first proving ground is the Home. - I Tim. 3:5 - He must be married and have children who were baptized. - The man s family can both qualify AND disqualify a person from the eldership.

9 The Husband of One Wife - This qualification is not an option. - What about those who have been divorced and remarried? - Greek meaning A one woman man. - It is generally also translated as married ONLY Once! - Why? He must be an example to the flock.

10 Qualification of the Elder s Wife - I Timothy 3:11. - Their character must be above reproach. - Reverent: Grave, serious, honorable, worthy of respect. - Not slanderers. Not gossips or malicious talkers. Not busybodies.

11 Elder s Wife - Temperate: Sober. Self controlled in all aspects of her life. - Faithful in all things. A faithful Christian, Absolutely and completely trustworthy. - An overall faithful, dedicated Christian who also serves as an example to the flock. Why? Because they are ONE!!

12 Ruling his Own House Well - Primarily means to govern or manage his house well. - It means playing an active role in the household. - This involves more than Bringing home the bacon. - Must be concerned about teaching his children about God.

13 Ruling His Own House Well - It is impossible to bring up children if you are not involved in their lives. - This command was given to fathers. - Eph. 6:4. - Must not have neglected his children and left this task up to the wife. - He must rule it Well.

14 Ruling His Own House Well - This also includes business and financial matters. - He is to the leader, not follower! - This includes having the proper relationship with his wife. - Hen-pecked, noodle-backed men don t qualify!

15 The Elder and His Children - His children should be in submission with all reverence. (I Tim. 3:4) - It literally means Under control. - In control at home: chores, curfews, TV, music, friends, etc. - In control at school: Obedient even when away from home.

16 The Elder and His Children - Must be good children overall (while in your home, under your roof). - In services: Must be attentive in worship, not distracting to others, respectful of others and God. - It means overall dignity, honor, and respect.

17 The Elder and His Children - Children should be submissive and obey b/c This is right. (Eph. 6:1) - Not because of threats or punishment. - Children must be respectful to their own parents. - A lot can be understood by examining How they answer parents and adults.

18 The Elder and His Children - Faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination (Titus 1:6) - Means full of faith. - Also means they can t be: recklessly wasteful, or given to self indulgence. - This primarily applies to the time period when they are in your house or control.

19 The Elder and His Children - What does Unbelieving children mean in regards to an Elder/potential Elder? - The proof is the fact that he raised them up to faithful and obedient WHILE THEY WERE IN HIS HOME WHERE HE WAS THE RULER.

20 The Elder and His Children - The parent/child relationship changes: - We we are married. - When we have reached the age of adult & no longer live with parents. - The congregation must be witnesses to the fact that his children met these qaulification while at home.

21 The Elder and His Children - I Timothy 3:5 - He cannot take care of the church of God if he can t even rule his own house well!! - Paul states that fact emphatically! - Men with a poor home life would subject the church of Christ to ridicule and disdain of God.

22 Conclusion - Part 1 of a 4 part series on leadership. - These characteristics are not optional. - Why? It is a command and also because Elders must be an example in all things. - However, nobody is perfect! - He must be above reproach. - Not apart of his everyday character. - Those who know him must prove