Biblical Shepherds I Timothy 3:1
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!!
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.
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.
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: 1-7 - Disregarding one qualification means that all can be disregarded!
Responsibilities of Elders 1. To be an example to the flock. I Peter 5:1-4. 2. 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)
A Shepherd - John 10: 1-4 - 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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