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1 Timothy 3:1-7
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Today is both significant and exciting here at BCC because during our worship service this morning we will formally install Conrad into the office of Elder. Scripture clearly teaches the only way any man ever serves in the office of Elder is ultimately the result of the ministry of the Holy Spirit deep in the heart of a man who walks with the Lord in his daily life. Let’s consider first:
- THE OFFICE OF ELDER EXPLAINED! 1 Timothy 3:1 says “if a man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” (ESV). The word aspire indicates a response to a stirring put into a man’s heart by the Holy Spirit. One way God can “stir” a man’s heart is to extend to the man a call to the ministry as a pastor. The only other Biblical way a man can aspire to the office of Elder is to be recognized by his pastor and/or other Elders as a man who walks daily with the Lord – and has demonstrated a burden to see others grow in their spiritual life. In the OT elders were heads of clans and heads of tribes helping administrate the government on all levels and often had prominent roles in worship services. In the NT Elders are more prominent in the ministry of the gospel alongside the Apostles. Today all pastors are Elders but not all Elders are pastors.
- AN ELDER’S DAILY WALK! 3:2-7. In 3:2 everything after “must be” defines an Elder’s daily walk with the Lord. Any true Christian’s first concern must be their own personal walk before the Lord. And Elder is to be above reproach which means that when he sins in some way he takes any and all Biblical steps to correct the situation. Remember Christians aren’t perfect, they’re just forgiven! An Elder is to be sober-minded. The word means “not drunk or polluted by.” For an Elder that means there mind is to be kept clean, sober, and focused on the things of God. An Elder is to be self-controlled which means sensible, clear minded, having sober judgment. Today we might say – to have commonsense! At the end of verse 2 we read and Elder is to be a hospitable and able to teach, which has to do with his relationship toward others.
- AN ELDER’S FAMILY LIFE! 3:5. One writer said concerning an Elders family life “leadership in the family is a proving ground for leadership in the church.” A man must be a man of God privately, a man of God at home in front of his wife and children, and recognized as such, before he can be a man of God anywhere else including his local church.
- AN ELDER’S EXPERIENCE! 3:6. One of the most common downfalls among men in leadership positions in the local church is ignoring verse 6. A “novice or new Christian” just hasn’t had time to learn sound Biblical doctrine, wisdom, and the insight necessary to lead God’s people with at least some understanding of God’s perspective.
- AND ELDER’S REPUTATION! 3:7. Paul says that and Elder must be well thought of by outsiders so that he does not fall into disgrace. It means simply an Elder, and all Christians for that matter of the fact, are to live their daily lives in such a way as to draw people to the Lord, not drive them away. Conrad’s daily life over the last several years has demonstrated he has allowed the Lord to lead him to be qualified to serve as an Elder.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
