Passage: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-11
As Paul setup churches on his missionary journeys in ensured that the churches would have good oversight. To do this elders were appointed and great care was taken to ensure that they were the right people for the job.
In 1 Timothy 3:1 we are told that the role of an elders is a noble task and in Titus 1:7 that elders are entrusted with God’s work.
Why do you think these truths are important as we come to look at these two passages and the list of characteristics and values (see list below) that all elders must hold?
Character and Values
In these passages three times we read that elders must be ‘above reproach or blameless’, see the collated list below of what Paul says about being blameless.
Family Values
- the husband of but one wife x2
- family life x2
The importance of faithfulness in marriage
How do these make someone a good leader?
Personal Values
- temperate
- self-controlled x2
- respectable
- not given to drunkenness x2
- not violent but gentle x2
- not quarrelsome x2
- not a lover of money x2
- not overbearing
How do these make someone a good leader?
Value Others
- hospitable x2
- able to teach
- hold firmly to the trustworthy message
- encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it
How do these make someone a good leader?
Value Our Calling
- one who loves what is good
- upright
- holy
- disciplined
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
How do these make someone a good leader?
The Warnings
1 Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
We can all fall
- Conceit (excessive pride in ones self) and then judgement like the devil. This is why spiritual maturity is important.
- Good reputation – Devil will try and trip us up, we are in a battle, and he will use bad reputation (hypocrisy) as a trap to destroy.
How can these make someone a bad leader and how could that effect the church?
Trinity Deeper 