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Elders And Their Qualifications (Titus 1:5-9)

Mark Copeland / 2024-01-06

INTRODUCTION
  1. In writing Titus, Paul reminds him why he was left in Crete...
    1. To set in order the things the things that are lacking - Tit 1:5
    2. To appoint elders in every city - ibid.
  2. The word 'elder' comes from the Greek word presbuteros...
    1. Lit., an older person
    2. Often used to describe "persons of ripe age and experience who were called to take part in the management of public affairs." - The Complete WordStudy Dictionary
    3. Applied to certain members of the Jewish Council (the Sanhedrin) - e.g., Mt 26:57
    4. Also applied to men appointed to positions in the church - cf. Ti 1:5; Ac 14:27

[What service did the elders render in the church? What qualifications were necessary to be appointed as an elder? Let's first review...]

  1. THE OFFICE OF ELDERS
    1. IN THE ORGANIZATION OF NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES...
      1. The elders were also known as:
        1. Bishops (Grk., episkopos, overseer) - for their duty was to oversee the local congregation - cf. Ac 20:17; 1Pe 5:1-2
        2. Pastors (Grk. poimen, shepherd) - for their task was to shepherd and feed the flock of God - cf. Ac 20:17,28; 1 Pe 5:1-2
      2. Elder, bishop, and pastor were not three distinct offices, but different ways to describe the men and their work - cf. Easton's Bible Dictionary, Moody Handbook of Theology
      3. A congregation that was completely and scripturally organized...
        1. Contained a plurality of qualified men serving as bishops - e.g., Php 1:1
        2. They were assisted by qualified men serving as deacons - ibid.
      4. Their authority was limited to their local congregation
        1. They were to take heed to the flock of God "among which" the Holy Spirit made them overseers - Ac 20:28
        2. They were to shepherd the flock "among them", serving as overseers - 1Pe 5:1-2
        3. The elders of one congregation did not have oversight of Christians in other churches
    2. IN THE SERVICE OF NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES...
      1. Elders were 'shepherds' (pastors) and 'overseers' (bishops) of the congregation
        1. Taking heed to themselves - Ac 20:28a
        2. Taking heed to the flock of God among them - Ac 20:28b; 1 Pe 5:2
        3. Leading by example - 1Pe 5:3
        4. Watching out for trouble - Ac 20:29-31
        5. Depending upon God and His Word - Ac 20:32
      2. Elders were to be 'teachers' and 'rulers' of the flock
        1. Able to teach - 1Ti 3:2
        2. Able to rule others well - 1Ti 3:4-5; 5:17
        3. Holding fast what they were taught - Tit 1:9
        4. Able to use the word to exhort and convict - Tit 1:9

        [The work of elders (bishops, pastors) was to oversee the flock, leading and guarding the sheep. Paul called it 'a good work' (1Ti 3:1). Such a work required qualified men. The qualifications are found in two places (Tit 1:5-9;1Ti 3:1-7)...]

  2. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS
    1. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS...
      1. They describe what an elder 'must be' - Tit 1:7; 1Ti 3:2
      2. A bishop must be 'a man' - Tit 1:6; 1Ti 3:1-2; cf. 1Ti 2:11, 12; 1Co 14:34-37
      3. A bishop must be 'blameless'- Tit 1:6-7; 1Ti 3:2
        1. One against whom no evil charge can be sustained
        2. Free from accusations that can be rightly proven - cf. 1 Ti 5:19-20
      4. As a 'steward of God' - Tit 1:7
        1. A steward was a servant entrusted with that which belongs to another
        2. A steward must be faithful, that is, trustworthy - cf. 1Co 4:1-2
    2. FAMILIAL QUALIFICATIONS...
      1. The husband of one wife (i.e., married) - Tit 1:6; 1Ti 3:1
      2. Having faithful children, not accused of dissipation or insubordination - Tit 1:6
      3. Ruling his own house well - 1Ti 3:4-5
    3. SPECIFIC NEGATIVE QUALIFICATIONS...
      1. Not self-willed (must not be arrogant) - Tit 1:7
      2. Not quick-tempered (not soon angry) - Tit 1:7
      3. Not given to wine (not a brawler) - Tit 1:7; 1Ti 3:3
      4. Not violent (no striker, not pugnacious) - Tit 1:7; 1Ti 3:3
      5. Not greedy for money (not fond of sordid gain) - Tit 1:7; 1 Ti 3:3
      6. Not quarrelsome (not contentious) - 1Ti 3:3
      7. Not covetous (no lover of money) - 1Ti 3:3
      8. Not a novice (not a new convert) - 1Ti 3:6
    4. SPECIFIC POSITIVE QUALIFICATIONS...
      1. Hospitable (given to hospitality) - Tit 1:8; 1Ti 3:2
      2. Lover of what is good (of good men, of goodness) - Tit 1:8
      3. Sober-minded (prudent, sensible) - Tit 1:8; 1Ti 3:2
      4. Just (upright) - Tit 1:8
      5. Holy (devout) - Tit 1:8
      6. Self-controlled (temperate) - Tit 1:8
      7. Holding fast the faithful Word as taught - Tit 1:9
      8. Able to teach, exhort, convict - Tit 1:9; 1Ti 3:2
      9. Temperate (vigilant) - 1Ti 3:2
      10. Good behavior (orderly, respectable) - 1Ti 3:2
      11. Gentle (patient) - 1Ti 3:3
      12. Good testimony from without (well thought of) - 1Ti 3:7
CONCLUSION
  1. The list of qualifications can be revealing about the work of elders...
    1. It involves teaching, patiently guiding and leading the family of God
    2. It tests one's patience (when there is murmuring, discontent, or apathy among brethren)
    3. It can place one in volatile situations (e.g., that faced by the apostles, cf. Ac 6:1-2)
    4. It can be tempting for those attracted by money (e.g., Judas, the Pharisees)
  2. For the flock of God to be well-fed and well-led, it requires men who meet both...
    1. The positive qualifications (what an elder must be)
    2. The negative qualifications (what an elder must not be)
  3. For those qualified to serve as elders...
    1. It is a good work - 1Ti 3:1
    2. It is an awesome work - He 13:17
    3. It is a rewarding work - 1Pe 5:4
    4. It is a much needed work - Tit 1:5

May the Lord raise up men to serve His flock in this way; for the need is certainly great...!