Qualifications for Elders

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Qualifications for Elders

Date: Aug. 21, 2023

Passage

1 Timothy 3:1-13 (ESV)

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 3:2

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Elders of the church have an important responsibility to govern church affairs and to shepherd the flock. They must be fit for the task spiritually. Paul said they must be above reproach. That’s a tall order. Their personal lives, including their families, must be a role model for others. Elders must not be a recent convert, or they may become proud. Elders must be respectable people in the community as well. We should pray for our elders to be able to carry out this noble task.

Deacons are those who actively carry out the ministry. They should also be of godly character and careful of the ungodly influences in their lives. They must also obey the truth of God’s word with a clear conscience. Deaconesses should be respectable and trustworthy and not prone to malicious talk. We should pray for our church leaders at all levels to succeed in their calling.

The families of elders and deacons should be role models for church members. This requires that they first lead at home and be spiritual leaders in their own houses. We should support their families in prayer as they carry the cross of ministry.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for our elders and church leaders. Please equip them for their roles and protect them and their families from Satan’s trap.

One Word: One Word: Elders to be above reproach and deacons to be trustworthy

God Judges Those Who Break His Covenant

Ezekiel 17:1-24

Key Verse: 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the LORD; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it.”

Today's Question

For what do we pray in the fourth request?

See answer and references