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Qualifications of Overseers
Introduction:
The apostle Paul instructed
Timothy to teach the Christians in Ephesus how they were to conduct
themselves as members of the Lord's church. The church needs to
emphasize prayer, first Timothy 2: 1, 2; Men and women have direct
roles in the church, first Timothy 2: 8-15; the church is to be led
by overseers, 1 Timothy 3: 1-7. The church, therefore, needs to
understand the qualifications and work of these overseers. First,
let's note that the congregation of God's people is to be organized.
Acts 14:23, we learn that there must be a plurality of elders,
another name for overseers. Now, 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 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 period
for a congregation to call someone an elder by appointing him, which
does not make him one unless he meets those God-given
qualifications. Lastly, because of their work, these men are
required to 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. God does not require perfect men, but those who possess
these characteristics to a high degree.
Lesson text: 1 Timothy 3:
1-7, Titus 1: 5-11.
Body:
1.
Qualifications:
As we begin, we must realize that these
qualifications are not arbitrary but necessary for carrying out the
work of an overseer.
2.
Verse 1:
this is very important! First, an elder or overseer is to be a man,
a male. Throughout history, patriarchal, Mosaical, and now the
Christian age, God has desired male spiritual leadership. This in no
way implies male superiority. This is just men's God-given role.
Next, we see from this verse how important it is that one desires or
aspires to this work. He does this by obtaining, through much effort
and growth, these qualities necessary for carrying out the duties of
an elder. The voluntary nature must be 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 for this work. As one
wrote describing this quality, 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.
3.
Verse 2:
·
These qualifications can be
categorized as physical and spiritual in one sense. Physically, he
is a male, married, and has children. One cannot be a male to a
degree; he is either a male or not. Likewise, with being married and
having children. But other qualifications are Ones that he must
possess to a certain degree: holiness and gentleness. Also, note the
word must in verse 2.
·
To be blameless is
not sinless, but above reproach, not open to censure, one against
whom no evil accusation can be sustained. This is so important
information. For example, when trying to lead an erring member back
or disciplining an unfaithful member, that person may say, “Well,
look at your life; you are no better than me.”
·
Husband of one wife:
He must be married and have no more than one living wife. If his
wife passes away and he remarries, he is still the husband of one
wife. If divorced and remarried, he is disqualified and cannot serve
in this capacity. The intent of the author must be considered.
Having more than one wife at a time would make any Christian guilty
of polygamy. Having such a person in fellowship in the church would
be a violation of God’s will. Paul would not require as a
qualification for an elder, something that should not be tolerated
in the church in the first place. Being the husband of one wife
means having no living ex-wives. An elder's or deacon's wife
is to meet certain qualifications. If she does not, he cannot serve.
4.
Verse 11:
·
Wives of both offices,
elders, or deacons. This applies to both
deacons and elders. 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 must understand how important this work is and
support her husband in every way
·
not a slanderer:
one who utters false statements to harm someone else's reputation.
Proverbs 10:18 says whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever
spreads slander is a fool.
·
Temperate:
steady, dependable, serious disposition.
·
Faithful in all things:
faithful 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 her carrying out her God-given responsibilities and roles
the scriptures assign her.
·
An elder must be temperate,
steady, self-controlled, And able to think clearly, awake, and
watchful. Acts 20: 28, not childish or impulsive.
·
Sober-minded:
not frivolous, but self-restrained, uses discretion and good sense,
takes his work very seriously. Hebrews 13:17 says decisions should
be made wisely, not based on emotions. His decisions must be made
objectively and not prejudiced in any way.
·
Good behavior:
orderly, well-mannered, and courteous; not rude even when provoked;
dignified; not slovenly. He must be someone you would want to
follow. He must be tactful in his dealings with people.
·
Hospitable:
he needs to possess to the degree he influences others to be
hospitable. He must show kindness and generosity to strangers and
guests at his home and in worship services. He must have Christians
int o his home on a regular basis to get to know them better and
discover their needs. Being hospitable is a natural expression of
brotherly love. 1 Peter 4: 8-9. One area where an elder's wife plays
such an important row. If an elder's wife is not hospitable and not
willing to open her home to the congregation, it would be very
difficult for the elder to be hospitable.
·
Able to teach:
an elder must be able and skilled in teaching; A necessary part of
feeding the flock. This implies a good working knowledge of the
bible and the willingness to impart that knowledge to others. 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 to protect the flock.
X20: 28-31. The lack of this has led to most of the problems in the
Lord's church today.
5.
Verse 3:
·
not given to wine:
He must not partake of any beverage, especially alcoholic, which
negatively affects his mind and body. Under the Mosaic law, wine was
forbidden, Leviticus 10:9. All Christians are priests today. This
analogy implies that all priests today, Christians, must not use
wine as their recreational drink. An elder also must not exhibit
characteristics of those who have been drinking: rowdy, brawler,
disorderly, uncontrolled. Proverbs 20:1.
·
Not violent:
not be given to violent outbursts, he doesn't fly off the handle, in
control of his emotions. This doesn't mean he is passive. Note what
the apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:4-5.
·
Not greedy
for money: he cannot be involved in dishonest or dishonorable
businesses. All the money he gains is above question.
·
Gentle:
this is the opposite of domineering. He must be considerate of
people's feelings and willing to listen to others' opinions and
ideas, 2 Timothy 2: 24-25
·
Not quarrelsome,
which means he is not contentious and doesn't go looking for trouble
or a fight.
·
Not covetous:
he doesn't long for things of the world, money, or possessions. He
should not live to put more emphasis on material things as opposed
to spiritual ones. To live as an example to the flock, elders need
to lead the church in being liberal givers.
6.
Verses 4-5: read Titus 1: 6 also.
·
Rules well his own house;
He presides over his wife and children. An insubordinate, bossy wife
would disqualify him.
·
Children in submission with
all reverence; How well an elder does in
bringing them up to Revere and respect authority, especially God's
authority. As the elder brought them up in nurture and admonition of
the Lord? This is more than just bringing them to services. Titus
1:6 adds faithful children to the qualifications. This is the same
word as in Revelation 2: 10. Also, it's the same word used in 2
Corinthians 6: 15. His children are to be Christians. The
phrase is not accused of dissipation, debauchery, or
insubordination. It seems to indicate 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? Probably. Just an opinion. What if the child
becomes unfaithful later in his life? If the child quits the church
and becomes unfaithful right after leaving home, this would seem to
indicate he just went to satisfy the parents. Probably, the father
would be good material for the eldership. On the other hand, if one
is faithful for a number of years after leaving the home and then
becomes unfaithful, it is unlikely the parents are to blame. What
has to be remembered is if an elder's children are unfaithful, will
the members trust their family problems with him?
7.
Verse 5:
·
By guiding his family and
raising his children to be good citizens and faithful Christians, a
man will demonstrate his ability and leadership skills, which are
essential ingredients for an elder.
8.
Verse 6:
·
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 and season,
when used to build a house, will buckle and cause problems in time.
A new convert is likely unable to handle the stress and
responsibility of being an elder. Also, putting a new Christian into
such a position of authority can lead to pride. It can be his
downfall.
9.
Verse 7:
·
He must have a good testimony;
his conduct, both present and to some extent past, must be such that
even non-Christians respect him. They need to regard him as
upstanding and of good morals. He must have a name without any stain
attached to it.
10.
Turn to Titus chapter one for
additional qualifications
·
Not self-willed,
abstinent, or arrogant, not stubborn, not always insisting on having
his way. This can lead to huge problems.
·
Not quick-tempered,
not quick to get angry. This is necessary for an elder who has to
deal with many people.
·
A lover of what is good:
loves things noble and of a high moral character. For example, he
reads sound religious books and papers, goes to gospel meetings and
lectureships, participates in mission works, and preaches in
training schools, Colossians 5: 1,2. He is just and treats others
fairly, free from prejudice and partiality. His conduct is right. 1
Thessalonians 2: 10-12
·
Holy:
he devoutly observes moral and spiritual obligations. He is devoted
to God and his ways. He puts him first!
Sermon prepared by Bobby
Stafford
April 12, 2020
Prepared by Bobby Stafford
The church of Christ at Granby,
MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
For more lessons and Sermons
please visit
https://granbychurchofchrist.org/
https://granbychurchofchrist.com
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