Sunday, August 1, 2010 am
STUDY OF ELDERS (7)
Qualifications (4)
His Actions
Note that these two categories actually complement one another,
i.e. one’s character governs his actions and his actions usually
demonstrate his character.
Considering this, many of the qualities outlined in our two texts give
BOTH a character trait and a demonstration of that characteristic.
We shall see this as our lesson develops.
Again, the order we will use in our study will be based upon
those qualities I have described as associated with actions as they
appear in order first in 1 Timothy 3 and then Titus 1, An elder must be:
a.
From Greek
word kosmios (associated with cosmos) and means orderly.
It is descriptive “of a man living with decorum, a well-ordered
life (Thayer). Used here and
1 Tim. 2:9 women adorn themselves “in modest apparel”.
b.
An elder
must behave himself. His
character is demonstrated with GOOD actions.
His life is in order and consistent in every aspect (with the
Lord, his family, job, personal life, his appearance, etc.).
He is courteous and dignified
(not bringing undue criticism against the Lord’s church) and honest.
This would be one whose house (literally) is in order and clean.
a.
Thayer
defines this word as, “hospitable, generous to guests”; Vine’s “love of
strangers.” It describes who
is a friend or kind to strangers.
b.
This is
another one of those words that is fundamental in the life of every
Christian. Heb. 13:2, 1
Peter 4:9, Romans 12:13, etc.
Hospitality is always needed, but circumstances during New Testament
times involved being generous to the needy and even lodging strangers
(such as a fellow Jew) who was traveling.
While things have changed, and in many circumstances it would be
unwise to bring a total stranger into one’s house, there are still many
things one can do to demonstrate hospitality. WE can help those who have
needs, this might include lodging.
Furthermore, if one were a proven brother in Christ, even though
a stranger, what would we do for him?
Consider the example of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-36.
c.
Like so
many other qualities necessary of all Christians, in this an elder has
proven himself to excel in this quality as well.
His home should be open to those he can help and he should be one
who demonstrates camaraderie with his brethren beyond the doors of the
church building. He also
demonstrates this within the community so that he can be a proper
influence of the benevolence of the gospel.
Being hospitable to the member of a congregation can help him to get to
better know the flock. It
also gives the flock confidence that they can go to the elders in a more
informal setting and seek guidance.
They know his home is open.
NOTE to members: Use some common sense in this!
Give them notice and/or ask before you come over.
Because he is a lover of what is good, he
will share with others.
d.
An elder’s
wife will play a part in this as well.
This is one of those examples of how she needs to be a proper
asset in the elder’s service.
More on this in another lesson.
a.
The actual
Greek word means, “not with wine”.
The idea of this term is a call for a sober disposition, where
one is capable of making decisions completely uninhibited.
b.
Much time
could be spent in a discussion of wine.
i.
While the
word for wine here is the typical word that can have reference to any
product of the grape, it is obvious that Paul here is speaking of wine
with alcohol. It is foolish
to think Paul would tell elders to not drink anything from the grape
(grape juice, grapes, etc.).
ii.
The
question arises in the command to not drink such in contrast to deacons
being “not given to MUCH wine.” (1 Tim. 3:8)
This is sometimes used as a justification for social drinking (as
long as one does not get drunk).
iii.
I believe that both texts, in
essence have reference to the same thing.
Christians, including leaders, should lead sober and controlled
lives that are not under the influence of ANY substance!
iv.
Having
said that, I want to make it clear that I do not believe ANY Christian
today ought to drink alcoholic beverages at all, either at home or
socially or for other, more devious purposes (i.e. to get drunk).
This applies DOUBLY so to leaders within a congregation!
v.
It is
worthy of mention that wine back then cannot be compared to social
drinking today. The content
of the strongest, unenhanced wine back then was far less than potent
(about 8%) than our wines and alcoholic beverages today (wine is about
24%).
Even then, wine is addressed in scripture as dangerous – Prov. 20:1,
“Wine is a mocker…”; Prov. 23:29-35, 1 Pet. 4:3 mentions, drunkenness,
revelries, drinking parties, etc.
Note the LEVELS of drinking mentioned.
vi.
Furthermore, wine was used as a preservative and usually was diluted
when drunk as a common beverage.
It was consumed with such low quantities of alcohol that one had
to dwell on it to get inebriated.
Considering that today’s “wines and spirits” are so much more potent and
effective in giving a “buzz” or dulling the senses, should we be
partaking of them?
Along this line, I also ask this question:
At what point does one reach a state of drunkenness?
I.e. Is there such a thing as being “a little drunk”?
You are either sober or you are NOT sober!
Where should the Christian be?
vii.
Today,
there is NO benefit to alcoholic beverages that cannot be achieved by
other means, so it is NOT needed at all (recall Timothy was told to
drink a little wine for medicinal purposes – 1 Tim. 5:23).
viii.
Today,
alcohol is associated with so many evils and is at best, questionable.
It simply is NOT needed!
Furthermore, there is the example we set, both before our brethren
(perhaps weak – cf. Rom. 14:21) and those outside who do not see the
difference (other than outright drunkenness) between a little and a lot.
Campaigns are ALWAYS launched against drinking because of the damage it
does. Why?
It is classified as the MOST dangerous DRUG in our society.
Would you classify alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine as godly or
worldly (be honest)?
Why not set ourselves TOTALLY
apart from the world in this (cf. 2 Cor. 6:17-18).
How much does your love for others influence your conduct, including in
these things?
ix.
You cannot
give me a legitimate argument for why we SHOULD drink alcoholic
beverages today!
c.
The reason
elders MUST possess this quality:
i.
Their
influence on society renders sobriety necessary at all times.
They have the reputation of the church to uphold.
ii.
The
example they need to set for the flock in all that they do.
iii.
The
seriousness of using good judgment in decisions they are required to
make, sometimes at inopportune times.
d.
The sober
character of an elder as discussed last week will keep an elder from
wine!
a.
Louw &
Nida, “a person who is pugnacious and demanding – ‘bully, violent
person.’”
Thayer describes this a “bruiser, ready with a blow, pugnacious,
contentious, quarrelsome person”
b.
This
describes one who is physically violent.
This is one who when he is angry is a danger or someone of a
rough character that enjoys physical confrontation.
It also describes one attracted to a fight.
We live in a society that loves violence (television used to promote
wrestling – which we knew was fake), but now it is ultimate fighting,
kick boxing, etc. Movies,
portray violence and gore as realistic as it can be – and it attracts
the crowds. We have great
problems with violence in this society.
A Christian should NOT be a violent person.
c.
Elders
need self-control and should be “not quarrelsome” in character.
When these are absent, it is only a matter of time before words
turn into real blows. The
damage that a violent disposition can do is self-explanatory.
Elders who are known for such will NOT be effective as gently
leading the flock, NOR influencing those outside.
Furthermore, such “strong arm” physical conduct will naturally creep
into one’s mental demands of the flock.
In other words, such will find ways to BULLY brethren into
submission.
a.
The word
good here is from the
Greek word
kalos which means,
“constitutionally good without necessarily being benevolent; expresses
beauty as a harmonious completeness, balance, proportion.” (Zodhiates).
The word testimony can be a report or descriptive of one’s reputation.
b.
The clear idea is one who is an
asset to the community.
Consider all the different qualities of an elder thus far, we find he
ought to be of suitable character within the community.
His house is well kept, his debts are in control, he is not a
fugitive from the law, when neighbors see or hear about him, at the very
least, it should NOT surprise them when they hear that he is a Christian
and/or being considered for or serving in a leadership role within the
congregation.
c.
Furthermore, here is a quality that is qualified with the statement, “lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
If an elder (or any Christian for that matter) has baggage that
he has hidden from the congregation, but is known within the community,
it does severe harm to the Lord’s church.
Such an individual WILL eventually bring grief to the body of
Christ, whether he intends to do so or not.
NOTE: Realize that there are those outside of Christ who despise the
godly and as such will not look highly upon an elder or preacher or any
leader within the congregation.
When one has problems with his neighbors, business associates,
etc. – we need to ask why.
Think of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin in Acts 5.
REMEMBER the definition of blameless – one to whom accusations
will not be sustained.
Obviously, such is in the eyes of the godly.
d.
This is
obviously needed, because the work he will do will take him into the
community at times. And let us not forget that a way to demonstrate this
by doing good for his neighbor (Gal. 6:10, Romans 13:18).
A good reputation is at the foundation of good relations.
a.
Our final
observation today revisits the attitude of covetousness.
When one has that attitude, it will cause him to be willing to
compromise for personal gain.
We sometimes hear the expression, “everyone has a price.”
I do not believe that to be a true statement.
BUT, one greedy for money certainly does!
The term here has reference not simply to one who pursues one,
but he will accept even that which is “filthy” or dishonest, such as
bribes
Like Judas Iscariot who sold out Jesus and Ananias and Saphira who lied
to God about their resources, one who is covetous can be bought.
Sadly, there are some leaders, even in the Lord’s church, whether
preachers or elders who are “in it for the money.”
Oh the accounting they will give one day.
b.
It goes
without saying that such an attitude is devastating to the purity of the
Lord’s church. If an elder
cares anything about God, he cannot have this attitude and he most
certainly doesn’t act like this.
c.
Another
consideration in this is one who is so “tight fisted” that he will not
let go of that which belongs to God for noble and just purposes.
There are some congregations just keeping the books for God and
it seems they intend to give Him the bank book when he returns.
d.
Furthermore, how is His giving?
Is He an example in “laying by in store”?
He should be!
May we seriously consider these qualities
and uphold our elders as
they strive to shepherd us toward all that God would have us to be.