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Servant Leadership - Pt. 2

January 18, 2015 Speaker: Ken Ramey

Topic: Servanthood

Sunday Service

Selected Scriptures

In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul provided objective, observable, tangible qualifications to guide Timothy and us in selecting the type of men who should serve as elders. He listed FIFTEEN FEATURES of a man God has called to be an elder.

1. ABOVE REPROACH
This qualification summarizes the entire list of qualifications. It implies that no valid accusations that can be made against the person. It doesn’t mean that the person is sinless, but that he is blameless and his reputation should not be called into question (e.g., Daniel 6:4-5).

2. THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE
This literally means a “one woman man”; Some interpret Scripture to mean that an Elder of Deacon must not be married, but this seems to be inconsistent with 1 Corinthians 7. It is also possible that Paul assumed that most men would get married and have children. Paul alternatively could have meant that an elder or deacon must only have one wife (i.e., not more than one at a time).

3. TEMPERATE
A man should have mental sobriety. This means being well-balanced in his life and not adversely influenced by temptations that would interfere with his decisions and actions within the church body.

4. PRUDENT
Being self-controlled and serious about spiritual things. Avoid having the reputation of being a clown or cut-up; An elder should be a man who is sensible wise and discerning.

5. RESPECTABLE
An elder must lead an ordered, disciplined life. This applies to his priorities, his plans and his family.

6. HOSPITABLE
An elder must possess a love of strangers - particularly of newcomers. He must be willing to give all he has to offer to serve and glorify God.

7. ABLE TO TEACH
An elder must have a good working knowledge of the Bible, and be able to explain the meaning of Biblical truth to others (2 tim 2:2). They must be able to identify and refute unsound doctrine (Titus 1:9). He also strives to practice what he preaches or teaches.

8. NOT ADDICTED TO WINE
An elder should not have a drinking problem (Ephesians 5:18; Proverbs 20, 21, 23). He should withhold from drinking if it means causing a brother or sister to stumble.

9. NOT PUGNACIOUS
An elder should not be known as a fighter; he should not be easily provoked into a fight. He must have a cool mind and a gentle spirit.

10. GENTLE
An elder must be patient and forbearing with others. He must gently and patiently lead the flock without becoming upset; quick to forgive and not resentful.

11. PEACEABLE
This means uncontentious; not argumentative. An elder knows how to humbly defer to others and their preferences. This is crucial for the group of men who make up a team of elders (2 Timothy 2:4).

12. FREE FROM THE LOVE OF MONEY
An elder should not be preoccupied with material possessions or money. He should not use his position for profit or gain, and he should be content with God’s provision (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6).

13. MANAGES HIS HOUSEHOLD WELL
This means managing his family well. An elder or pastor must have an exemplary home life and his family must be under control (Titus 1:6). An elder must be intimately involved with the raising of his children (1 Timothy 3) and be a good spiritual leader to his wife.

14. NOT A NEW CONVERT
An elder must be a mature believer such that he will not become conceited and thereby fall prey to the temptations of satan (1 Tim 3:6). Wisdom and maturity are often required to deal with issues faced in the church body. Spiritual leadership within a church body requires much spiritual experience and maturity.

15. GOOD REPUTATION OUTSIDE THE CHURCH
It is not enough to have a good reputation within the church, but he must be well respected outside the church as well. The conduct and character of a church’s leaders is noticed by those outside of the church, and those outside the church are usually quick to detect hypocrisy and bad character.

Thank God for providing clear criteria for choosing the right kind of leaders for our church. Ask Him to produce in you the qualities exemplified by a pastor/elder as described in this passage.