"SHEPHERDS OF THE FLOCK"

Their Qualifications - Preliminary Considerations

INTRODUCTION
  1. In this study we have considered...
    1. The terms used to describe elders (presbyters, bishops, overseers, pastors, shepherds)
    2. The importance of having elders, or working toward having them
    3. The work and responsibility of elders
  2. We now begin to examine the qualifications for elders (bishops)...
    1. As Paul instructed Timothy - 1Ti 3:1-6
    2. As Paul commanded Titus - Tit 1:5-9

[Let's start with some preliminary considerations regarding their qualifications...]

  1. MUST ONE DESIRE THE POSITION?
    1. MANY UNDERSTAND ONE MUST DESIRE THE POSITION...
      1. So they understand Paul's beginning words - cf. 1Ti 3:1
      2. Yet the passage simply states:
        1. "If a man desires the position of a bishop..."
        2. "...he desires a good work."
      3. Note that Paul says "if a man...", not "a man must..."
      4. There is certainly nothing wrong with having such a desire
      5. But to say this passage requires a man to desire the office prior to becoming an elder is to read into the passage something that is not there
    2. CERTAINLY ONE MUST SERVE WILLINGLY AND EAGERLY...
      1. This we learn from 1Pe 5:1-2
      2. But the following scenario is possible:
        1. A man might not seek ("desire") the position, perhaps because of humility
        2. Yet having met the qualifications, is selected and duly appointed
        3. Humbly accepting the position as God's will, then serves willingly and eagerly
      3. Having the "desire" is fine, but what one "must be"...
        1. Before they are selected and appointed
        2. Begins in verse 2, not verse 1!

        [Another preliminary consideration, one that will help answer many difficult questions later on...]

  2. MUST ONE BE, OR HAVE BEEN?
    1. THE CRITERIA IS FOR WHAT AN ELDER MUST BE...
      1. What we shall consider are criteria for what an elder must be (not have been)
      2. Note the present tense ("must be", "is") - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:6-7
        1. I.e., to be an elder, not just to become one
        2. I.e., what an elder must be, not just what a man must have been to become one
    2. THE QUALIFICATIONS MUST EVER BE PRESENT...
      1. They are present requirements, not past requirements
      2. When one ceases to meet any of these criteria, he no longer meets the requirement of what an elder "must be"
      3. An extreme illustration to prove the point:
        1. What if an elder has a sex-change operation?
        2. According to reasoning applied by some to other questions often raised, this would not disqualify him
        3. But if the qualifications are what an elder "must be", the answer is simple (the person no longer meets the requirements)

        [An important consideration, in the light of cultural trends, is this one...]

  3. MUST ONE BE A MAN?
    1. YES, BASED ON CONTEXT...
      1. In the context, Paul is clearly talking about a man serving as an elder - 1Ti 3:1; Tit 1:6
      2. Also evident from the fact that one must be a husband - 1 Ti 3:2; Tit 1:6
    2. YES, BASED ON REMOTE TEXT...
      1. Elsewhere, Paul limits the role of women related to teaching - 1Ti 2:11-12
      2. Elsewhere, Paul limits the conduct of women in the assembly - 1Co 14:34-35

      [This is not the view of a misogynist, but a commandment of the Lord (cf. 1Co 14:37). Those who respect the authority of the Lord will not appoint women as elders (bishops, pastors, etc.).

      Finally, we note this preliminary consideration...]

  4. MUST ONE BE BLAMELESS?
    1. THE REQUIREMENT...
      1. "A bishop then must be blameless (anepileptos) - 1Ti 3:2
        1. Lit., not apprehended, that cannot be laid hold of; that cannot be reprehended, not open to censure, irreproachable - Thayer
        2. One against whom no evil charge can be sustained
        3. One who is above an established charge of evil
      2. "For a bishop must be blameless (anegkletos) - Tit 1:7
        1. Lit., that cannot be called into account, unreprovable, unaccused - Thayer
        2. That which cannot rightfully be caused to answer evil and criminal action
    2. THE APPLICATION...
      1. To be blameless means:
        1. To live in such a way that no charge of guilt can be proved against one
        2. Not free from accusation, but accusations that can be rightly proven - cf. 1Ti 5:19-20
      2. To be blameless does not mean:
        1. One has led a perfect life
        2. One has never sinned publicly
          1. Consider Peter
            1. He denied Christ, yet was restored
            2. He sinned publicly in Ga 2:11-13
            3. Yet he later served as an elder - 1Pe 5:1
          2. Even if guilty of a charge that can be proven
            1. True repentance would render such a person "blameless"
            2. Therefore suitable to serve as an elder as far as "blameless" is concerned
      3. Remember, that an elder must be (not have been) blameless
        1. I.e., presently free from any provable charge
        2. Having repented of any sin brought to his attention in the past
CONCLUSION
  1. In succeeding lessons we will examine qualifications related to...
    1. Marriage and family
    2. Personal conduct
    3. Church and community
  2. With the aid of the preliminary considerations in this lesson, hopefully we are in position...
    1. To understand what an elder must be
    2. To see how the qualifications render one "blameless"

Speaking of being blameless, do not forget that this is God's desire for us all, for which we should diligently strive - Php 2:14-15; 2Pe 3:14