Qualifications
of Overseers
Introduction:
The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to teach the Christians in
Ephesus to conduct themselves as members of the Lord's church. The
church needs to emphasize prayer ( 2: 1,2). Men and women have
distinct roles in the church (2: 8-15). The church is to be led by
overseers (3:1-7). Therefore, the church needs to understand the
qualifications and work of these overseers.
Let's note that
congregations of God's people are to be organized. Acts 14: 23-
elders (plural), another name for overseers. (Titus 1: 5)
-appointing elders in every city was part of setting things in
order. Second, the Holy Spirit makes one an elder (acts 20: 28 ). He
does this by listing the necessary qualifications and describing
their duties. This teaches us the only scriptural way one becomes an
elder. One is an elder only if he meets the qualifications and is
appointed to the work. A congregation calling someone an elder by
appointing him does not make him one unless he meets those
qualifications. Lastly, because of their work, these men must have
high qualifications. But these are attainable; otherwise, the Holy
Spirit would not have given them as being absolutely essential. Men
in the 1st century were found who met these requirements so men can
meet them today; it is not impossible. They were not looking for
perfect men but ones who possessed these characteristics to a high
degree.
Sermon text: 1
Timothy 3: 1-7; Titus 1: 5-11
Body:
1.
Qualifications
as we begin, we must realize these qualifications are
not arbitrary, but all are necessary for one to carry out the work
of an overseer.
1)
(Verse 1)
very important! First, an elder or overseer is to be a man, a male.
Throughout history (patriarchal, mosaical, and now Christians), God
has desired male spiritual leadership. This in no way implies male
superiority. This is just man's God-given role. Next, we see from
this verse how important it is to desire or aspire to this work. He
does this by obtaining, through much effort and growth, these
qualities necessary for carrying out the duties of an elder. Verse,
the voluntary nature is seen. He is willing to do this good work ( 1
Peter 5: 2 ). If this characteristic is not present, he will
unlikely put in the long hours needed. As one wrote describing this
qualification, this person is so anxious for the church to be what
God desires that his heart is set upon laboring in service for the
savior.
2)
(Verse 2 )
These qualifications can be categorized as physical and spiritual in
one sense—physical—a male; married, with children. One cannot be a
male to a degree; one is either a male or not, likewise with being
married and having children. Other qualities one must possess to a
certain degree, such as holiness and gentleness. These qualities
must be very noticeable in his life. Also, note the word "must" in
verse two.
a)
Blameless-
not sinless, but above reproach; Not open to censure; One against
whom no evil accusation can be sustained. This is so important! For
example, when trying to lead an erring member back or disciplining
an unfaithful member. That person could say “look at your life. You
are no better than me”
b)
Husband of one wife-
must have no more than one living wife. If his wife passes away and
he remarries, he is still the husband of one wife. If the
scripturally divorced and remarried, he is the husband of one wife.
His former wife is no longer his wife in any respect. Otherwise, he
would be married to two women at the same time period, and polygamy
is sinful. But it may not always be wise to appoint a man who has
been divorced and remarried. Are there legitimate questions about
the divorce? Was he in any way guilty of contributing to the wife's
unfaithfulness? These are points to consider.
An
elder (or deacon) wife is to meet specific qualifications. He cannot
serve in that position if she does not meet these qualifications.
(Verse 11) The wives of both offices-
elders or deacons. Chapter 3 deals with both works. It would be
beyond reason to believe he gives strict qualifications for deacons'
wives and none for elders. Especially since the elder's work
requires a great deal more responsibility.
reverent- not frivolous or
flippant, serious about her Christianity and her role as a wife. She
understands that this work is important and supports her husband in
every way.
Not a slanderer-one who
utters false statements to harm someone's reputation. “Whoever
hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool”
Proverbs 10: 18.
Faithful in all things—to
the Lord, to her husband, and to her children. The importance of
elders' and deacons' wives being faithful in all things is seen in
their carrying out of the God-given responsibilities and roles
scripture assigns them.
c)
An elder must be temperate and steady,
self-controlled, able to think clearly, aware, and watchful (Acts
20: 28 ).
d)
An elder must be sober-minded, not
frivolous or childish, but self-restrained; use good sense; and take
his work very seriously (Hebrews 13: 12 ). His decisions are to be
made wisely and not based on emotions. His decisions must be made
objectively, not prejudiced in any way.
e)
An elder must be of good behavior-
orderly, Well-mannered, and courteous; Not rude even when provoked;
Dignified- not slovenly. He must be someone you would want to
follow- tactful in his dealings with people.
f)
Hospitable-
He needs to possess the degree to which he influences
others and be hospitable. Shows kindness and generosity to strangers
and guests at home and in worship services. He should have
Christians in his home regularly to get to know them better and
discover their needs. Being hospitable naturally expresses brotherly
love ( 1 peter 4: 8- 9 ). One area where an elder's wife plays such
an important role. If his wife is not hospitable and not willing to
open her home to the congregation, it would be challenging for him
to be hospitable.
g)
An elder must be able to teach-
must be able or skilled in teaching; A necessary part of feeding the
flock. This implies that they wouldn’t have knowledge of the Bible
and a willingness to impart that knowledge. Read Titus 1: 9-11. If a
false doctrine is advocated in a public Bible study, in a sermon, in
a song or prayer, or in a private setting, any elder present must be
able to refute it. They must protect the flock (acts 20: 28- 31 ).
The lack of this has led to many of the problems in the Lord’s
church.
3)
(Verse 3 )
a)
not given to wine-
must not partake of any beverage, especially alcoholic, which
negatively affects his mind and body. Priests under the mosaical law
were forbidden to use wine-(Leviticus 10: 9). All Christians are
priests today. This analogy implies all priests (christians) must
not use wine as a social recreational drink. An elder also was
thought to exhibit the characteristics of those who have been
drinking, rowdy, brawler, disorderly, uncontrolled (proverbs 20: 1
).
b)
He is not violent-
no violent outbursts—he doesn't fly off the handle—he is in control
of his emotions. This does not mean he is passive- note what the
apostle Paul did in Galatians 2: 4-5.
c)
Not greedy for money-
not involved in dishonest or dishonorable businesses; All money
gained is above question.
d)
Gentle-
this is the opposite of domineering. He is considerate of people's
feelings and willing to listen to others' opinions and ideas ( 2
Timothy 2: 24- 25 ).
e)
Not quarrelsome-
not contentious; Doesn't go looking for trouble or a fight.
f)
Not covetous-
doesn't long for things of the world- money or possessions. He
should not live as to put more emphasis on material things than
spiritual. You should live as an example to the flock. Elders need
to lead the church in being liberal givers.
4)
(Verses 4- 5 ) Consider Titus 1: 6
also.
a)
Rules well his own house-
presides over his wife and children. An insubordinate, bossy wife
would disqualify him. Children are to be in subjection with all
reverence- how well has this elder brought them up to respect
authority, especially god's authority? Has the elder brought them up
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? This is more than just
bringing them to services.
Titus 1: 6 adds faithful children. This is the same word as is used
in Revelation 2: 10. Also, the same basic word (noun) and 2
Corinthians 6: 15. His children are to be Christians. The phrase not
accused of dissipation (debauchery) or insubordination indicates
older children.
May an elder have only one believing child and still be qualified?
In several passages, the plural children is used when only one is
indicated. Does raising more than one child to be faithful
Christians help one to be a better elder? yes. This is just an
opinion. What if later, the child becomes unfaithful? If the child
quits the church and becomes unfaithful right after leaving home,
this would seem to indicate he just went to satisfy his parent's
wishes. Unlikely the father would be a good elder in this instance.
On the other hand if one is faithful for a number of years after
leaving home and then becomes unfaithful, it is unlikely the parents
are to blame. What has to be remembered Is this- if an elder's
children are unfaithful, will the members trust their families'
problems with him?
5)
(Verse 6 )
a)
not a novice—this
means he is not a new convert. He has not recently become a
Christian. Green lumber that has not had time to cure in season,
when used to build a house, will eventually buckle and cause
problems. A new convert is likely to be unable to handle stress and
the responsibility of being an elder. Also, putting a new Christian
into such a position of authority can lead to pride, and this can be
his downfall.
6)
(Verse 7)
a)
having a good testimony-
his conduct, both present and to some extent his past, must be such
that even non-Christians respect him. They must regard him as
upstanding and of good morals, a name without any stain attached to
it. Titus Chapter 1 gives additional qualifications. He is not
self-willed, not obstinate or arrogant, not stubborn, and not always
insisting on having his way. This can lead to huge problems.
b)
Not quick-tempered—not
quick to get angry. This is necessary in an elder who has to deal
with many different people.
c)
A lover of what is good-
loves things noble and of a high moral character. Some examples
would be whether he has sound religious books and papers, attends
Gospel meetings and lectureships, engages in Mission works, and
supports Preacher training schools... Colossians 3: 1,2.
d)
Just - he
treats others fairly; Free from prejudice and partiality. His
conduct is proper. 1 Thessalonians 2: 10-12
e)
holy-
devoutly observes moral and spiritual obligations. Devoted to god in
his ways- puts god first!
The
church of Christ
