The Qualifications of an Elder – Part 2 (1 Timothy 3:1-7)

 

  1. The elder must be able to teach.
    • 3:2. For all in Hebrews 5:12. Lawrence Eyres: ‘An elder need not be a gifted public speaker, or an able teacher of the Bible to large groups, though both these gifts are highly desirable. But at the very least, an elder must be able to deal with people on a one-to-one basis, applying the Word to the needs of the individual.’
    • In 1758 John Newton preached his first sermon, in an independent chapel in Leeds, but he lost his place, and could not finish the sermon. He improved!
    • Tit.1:9. He should be able to demonstrate the deity of Christ, the way of salvation, and the existence of heaven and hell from Scripture, and how the Old and New Testaments connect (Acts 15:1-2; Lev.12:3). Nehemiah 8:8 is the standard.
  2. The elder must be spiritually mature.
    • 3:6. ‘Elder’ implies not age so much as spiritual maturity. Timothy himself was young – 4:12. Paul did not wait forever before ordaining elders on his first missionary journey – Acts 14:21-23. But to ordain a recent convert is very dangerous – 1 Tim.5:22. Hence Tit.1:5. Charles Spurgeon was ordained at 16! The only one!
  3. The elder must be respected outside the church.
    • 3:7. The unregenerate man or woman has some capacity to judge – see 1 Cor.5:1. Calvin: ‘in man’s perverted and degenerate nature some sparks still gleam.’
    • In 1969 James Nelson battered his mother to death. But later became a Church of Scotland minister. But forgiveness is not the same as service.