I. Qualifications for Elders - vs. 2-7 A. No Hirelings. B. Heart-Check - Self-confidence and pride. C. Teacher. Study to show yourself approved. D. Proven. The candidate is a good Shepherd Now. E. Character. A Focus on the character qualifications. 1) A Blameless Reputation- Reputation is without scandal - that would bring shame on the church if it was known. - vs. 2; Good Reputation with those without. - vs 7 2) Vigilant, and self-controlled in mind and speech, as well as eating and drinking. Not given to wine. 3) A Sound Mind and Good judgment - Balance - Not jumping to conclusions w/o hearing the whole story 4) Patient - Able to gently deal with folks that may not be where he is. 5) Of good behavior (orderly) - Presents himself well - isn’t rude. 6) Lover of good things - Loves to see spiritual growth in others, and God‘s kingdom advancing. 7) Not a striker, a brawler, contentious. Peacemakers. 8) Not soon angry - Response to disagreement is not anger. F. Lives the Lifestyle - Given to Hospitality G. Examples to the flock - 1 Pet. 2
II. A Vision for the Diaconate - vs. 8-13 A. The Formal Establishment of the Diaconate - Acts 6:1-7 1. Acts 6:1-7 2. Connection between Acts 6 and 1 Tim. 3 Early church writings: Ignatius, Hermas the Pastor
B. The Necessity of the Office for the Church in the 21st Century. 1. The church must “be there” for the needy 2. Love is what it takes to keep the law of God and care for the physical life of our brothers and sisters (Ex. 20:12) 3. Real Faith is Manifest when we are willing to get involved and give up ourselves for others 4. Families need the church if they are going to “make it.”
C. The Relationship of Responsibility and Faith 1. We live at a time when it is easy to just let go of your responsibility. 2. We can make it too easy for parents to abdicate responsibility to care for their own children. 3. We can signal to the family that its ok if the family doesn’t disciple their children. The church will do it. 4. The government signals to families that they do not need to take fiscal responsibility for their children. The government will provide education. 5. “It’s ok if the family won’t take fiscal responsibility for their aging grandparents.” The government will provide social security. 6. “It’s ok if the church won’t take fiscal responsibility for their widows.” The government has welfare.
D. Things unravel when we have a systemic rejection of God’s law. 1. Corban relieved responsibility, but Jesus didn’t like it. Matt. 15:6 2. God imposes responsibility by his law system. Deut. 22:28,29
E. We must open our arms and gladly accept the responsibilities God has given our church & diaconate 1. Let us continue to take steps to embrace our responsibilities. 2. Let us provide relational, spiritual accountability 3. Let us serve with humility, and receive that serving with humility. It takes humility to serve, and it takes humility to receive help and counsel.
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