A Sober-minded, Self-controlled Man

Transcription

1 Volume 19, Number 43 October 27, 2013 A Sober-minded, Self-controlled Man by Dave Rogers It should be a matter of considerable interest to every child of God to notice how often, and in how many ways, the Holy Spirit says that an elder must be a sober, self-controlled man. In 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul uses two different words, back to back, to emphasize these aspects of the man s character. Likewise in Titus 1:8 he reinforces this idea by adding a third word which expresses a very similar idea. Our various English translations use words like vigilant, sober, self-controlled, disciplined, sensible, prudent, temperate, and sober-minded to translate the Greek words found in these two passages, but there is actually much more here than meets the eye in our modern versions. Three different Greek words are used in these verses, and we will examine them in order of usage. An elder must be vigilant/temperate/sober-minded (KJV/ASV/ESV): These are all translations of the Greek word nef-ah-lios, whose basic meaning is empty of wine. The verb form of this word is the opposite of intoxicated, and the basic idea presented here is that an elder is a man who does not allow his thoughts to be polluted by something that could alter or twist his perception. In essence, he is a man who stays stonecold sober! Note that in Titus 2:2, this word is also used as a quality which should characterize ALL older Christian men! For Paul to write that elders must be temperate in this sense is to say that they must be men who diligently maintain the possession of their mental faculties; they do not allow themselves to become either buzzed OR drunk in mind or emotions. The Greek word that is common to both 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8 says that a pastor must be sober/ sober-minded/self-controlled (K/A/ESV). The root meaning of sofe-ron conveys the ideas of sane, behaving sensibly, having a healthy mind so as to curb one s impulses and desires. The primary emphasis in this word relates to the mind, particularly the matter of ego. This word is used in Romans 12:3 as a contrast to the selfcentered egotism and arrogance prohibited there. In Titus 2:5-6, it speaks of chastity in behavior among younger (Christian) women, and a disciplined way of life among younger (Christian) men. In application to pastors, this word speaks of men who think and act carefully, with a watchful eye on the possible consequences of their decisions. The third word in this group comes from Titus 1:8, and is rendered variously as temperate/self-controlled/ disciplined (K/A/ESV). The Greek word is eng-kra-tace, and it is the same word Paul used in 1 Corinthians 9:25 to describe the self-discipline of an athlete training to win a competition. The root word describes the exercise of power, and in this context it expresses the idea that a shepherd is a man firmly in control of himself, particularly with respect to his own physical appetites and desires.

2 Family Matters Una Fortson Is waiting on test results. Anthony Lyons - Paul s brother has been very sick and needs our prayers. Amy Nash - Is having knee problems. Cathy Whitacre Is feeling better every day and should be home from the hospital over the week-end. Visits and cards are appreciated. Dave Poskevich - Is dealing with severe pain. Audrey Shaw Was moved to Kindred/Fayette Rehab Center, room 310. Cards and visits are appreciated. Prayer Requests Jill Nash and Joan Poskevich came forward Sunday morning requesting prayers for strength. Please keep Jill and Joan in your daily prayers. Deepest Sympathy We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Greg and Amy Nash at the loss of a close friend last week. Also to Andrew Williams for the loss of his sister, Gracie Lawrence of Ohio. Please keep both families in your daily prayers. Members With Health Problems: Graham McDonald, Jim Scoma, Audrey Shaw, Catherine Kelly, Annette Benefield, Sally Wallace, Becky Higginbotham, Wayne Nash, John Butt, Equillar Butler, Mattie Croix, Gerry Whitacre, Larry Obert, Bernice Gillespie, Larry Carroll, Gerry Moss, David Poskevich, Janis Libby, Nobie Davis, Mattie Williams, Una Fortson, Equillar Butler, David & Shirley Lee, Dick & Lillian Gray, Hick & Estell Higginbotham, Butch & Joann Trawick, David & Jill Nash, Ed & Doris Buckner Shut-ins: Jane Lankford, Kathryne Hardy, Annette Benefield, Frances Elders and Lillie Belle Sharpe Others: Flora Dansby, Marvin Cook, Barbara Cozart, Gina Hamilton, Chris Hart, Cecile Whitacre & Ruby Morgan 2013 Fayetteville Church of Christ Marriage Enrichment Weekend November 15-16, 2013 Friday November 15, :00 pm 9:30 pm Kick off the weekend with a catered, candlelight dinner and entertainment Dress to Impress $20 per couple - MUST RSVP to church office by November 11 th Free childcare available Saturday November 16, :30 am 2:00 pm Brother Eric Owens, Preacher & Elder Avondale Church of Christ Author of So You Want to Be Happy? and Moments That Matter Short Answers to Eternal Questions Come Hear Brother Owen s engaging and dynamic message on Building and Strengthening Marriages Light Breakfast Lunch Childcare Available Location: Fayetteville Church of Christ 870 Redwine Road Fayetteville, GA (770)

3 There are now four classes that meet in the fellowship hall during the week. A small classroom area has been set up. Please use this area if possible. If you do not want to use this area, please put the tables and chairs back in their original place before you leave. Members, we would like to introduce you to a new group, "F.R.O.G. Kids (Fully Rely on God)" which is ages 3 to 10 years old. Anytime you hear a reference to this group, now you will know who it is! Thanks Singing Refreshments Needed before November 10th 100 packages of cookies (homemade cookies or brownies can be dropped off that Sunday), 10 canisters of instant Lemonade & 4 containers of Crystal Light. We also need pitchers (put your name on the bottom). Thanksgiving Bags Jean Johnson is organizing this event with our help. You can give your donations of money, fruit or cookies to her before November 20th. Our F.R.O.G. kids will be baking cookies on Saturday morning. The bags will be given out to our widows and widowers (and others) before Thanksgiving. Dear 4 yr olds-5th Grade, Thank you for the goodie box you sent me. It was so sweet of everyone to remember me with all these treats. Thanks again, hope to see you soon. Brad Hopkins Calendar (Check bulletin board for more information) Oct 27 after PM Service Trunk n Treat in the back Parking lot. Oct 31 at 7pm Thursday Night Ladies Bible Study Oct 31-Nov 2 Old National COC 1st Annual Lectureship/Banquet Speakers: Carl Jones, Phillip Satterfield, Ben Slocomb, Steve Vice, Chris Dillon, Dave Rogers, JJ Turner, Nelson Hare, Roland Cumbee & many others. Nov 2 Ladies Day at Buford COC Gifts From Above, Speaker: Jennifer Anglin, Nashville, Tn. Nov 3 Raintree Village Children s Home Food Truck will be at the church building on Nov 4th. Nov 11 Ladies Night Out at the home of Jeanie Pyron s Nov 16 Fayetteville COC Marriage Enrichment Seminar Speaker: Eric Owens, Avondale COC Oct 27 after PM Service Trunk n Treat behind the Fellowship hall. Kids can put on their costumes on after the PM Service while the members decorate their cars and get treats ready.

4 WORSHIP ASSIGNMENTS Call to Worship Scripture Reading Opening Prayer Song Leader Preside Lord s Supper Sermon Response Elder Announcements Closing Song Prayer Evening Service Opening Prayer Scripture Reading Sermon Closing Prayer Oct 27 Jim Scoma Charles Nash Stan Mitchell Dave Hopkins Sammy Hugh Michael Madison Ben Rogers Kim Cline Ron Biles Jimmy Garner Keith Killingsworth Dave Rogers Jim Pelfrey Greg Nash Curtis Hurt Paul Lyons Singing Service Jim Garner Steve Hopkins Fayetteville Church of Christ 2013 Goals MAKE DISCIPLES Matthew 28: Classes for the New in the Faith 2. Increase Attendance at VBS/Camp by 20% 3. Follow-up with Visitors to VBS/Meetings by contacting each family 4. Increase participation in Community Outreach (evangelism effort) 5. Set up Mentoring Program for Visitors 6. Conduct Personal Bible Studies Address: 870 Redwine Road Fayetteville, Georgia Monday Friday, 9-4 Office Telephone (770) , (770) Fax mail@fcoc.com Web Page: Minister: Dave Rogers (361) Dave.rogers@fcoc.com Youth Minister: Greg Nash, (404) (cell) gnash999@gmail.com Office Secretary: Susie Graham celiagraham@bellsouth.net Elders: Gerry Whitacre (770) Jim Garner (770) Jim Pelfrey (770) Deacons: Dennis Graham Hugh Kelly Jerry Kendrix Andy Johnson Paul Lyons Stan Mitchell David Poskevich Jack Sorrell Assembly Schedule: Sunday 9:00 am Bible Classes 10:00 am Worship Service 6:00 pm Worship Service 10:00 am Tuesday Morning Bible Class (September 11 May 14) 7:00 pm Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:00 pm Thursday Night Ladies Class Communion Preparation Linda Howell Nov-Denise Biles Nursery Loretta Keith & Miranda Kendrix Care of Building Dennis Graham / Bill Ruffer Ushers 27-Jim Lindsey / Bill Ruffer Our Missionaries Open Arms 27-Gerry Moss, Zeke Poskevich, Barbara Edmonds, Susie Graham, Linda Armstrong, Greg & Amy Nash 11/3 Sally Wallace, Laura Gibson, Connie Kelly, Martha Vickery, Theresa Green, Jack & Carla Sorrell Graham, Elizabeth, Joshua, Megan, Bethany & Elijah McDonald Scotland,11 Woodhead Ct, Westfield, Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, G68 9DB graham@gmcd.net Skype: gmcd105 or Scott & Rebecca Shananhan Pohnpel scottshanahan@hotmail.com Kenloy & Ivell Walker Jamaica Brown s Town Church of Christ, Forrest & Burma Chapman, Georgia Hiawassee, Ga. ftc1952@alltel.com

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