Introduction The believers were still caught up in the "subjective selfish of the non-Christian society which surrounded them.. They were still imprisoned in the sensualism and materialism of a pagan culture very similar to our own" (Benton).
Exposition: Blamelessness The overarching description of elders is listed first in verse 6, and then reiterated in verse 7. The parallel list in I Timothy 3 also begins with the synonym, "beyond reproach."
See Acts 20:18-35, 1Thess 2:8-12, 1Sam 12:2-5.
1. Family (v. 6) The family is the entrance examination that God has set for the eldership. Men will make disciples in the church just like the ones they made at home. And elder must be faithful himself and inspire faithfulness in others. Compare 1Tim 5:9.
2. Character (v. 7-8) See also 1Tim 3:3ff
A picture in action: 1 Thess 2:7-8, "But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us."
"He must not be controlled by any of the besetting sins of self (v. 7). He must love both people and goodness, and must be thoughtful and prudent, obedient to God's law, seeking to please God, and self-controlled because he himself is controlled by God (v. 8)" (G. Knight).
3. Gifts (v. 9) First, the elder is must be able "to exhort in sound doctrine." Second he must be able "to refute those who contradict."
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