Return to 2008 Sermons Page


TITLE: Negative Qualifications for Elders
TEXT: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9
PROPOSITION: Most qualifications are measured as a relative, not absolute
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Qualifications
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Today we look at the Biblical qualifications for the office of Elder

  2. Some of the qualifications are absolute (yes or no)

  3. Most of them are relative (we are looking for high rather than low)

  4. Most can be rated on a scale of 1 to 10.

  5. This morning – the 8 negative qualifications in Timothy and Titus

  6. Tonight – the 16 positive qualifications in Timothy and Titus


 

Term

Meaning

Question

 

Negative Qualifications

A “No” answer qualifies him.

A “Yes” answer disqualifies him.

Not a drunkard Not given to, controlled by, under the influence of Are his mind and body out of balance?
Not contentious Striker, ready with a blow, a bruiser Is he constantly looking for a fight?
Not greedy of ill gain Seeking gain through dishonorable means Does he get his money dishonestly?
Not quarrelsome A wrangler, opposite of quiet, calm and peaceable Does he disagree loudly with great emotion?
Not covetous Lover of money, fixed on gain Is money more important than anything else?
Not a novice Newly planted, recent convert, just beginning Does he lack spiritual maturity?
Not self-willed Please self, headstrong, obstinate, pigheaded, arrogant Does he always want to have his way?
Not soon angry Incensed at slight provocation, not easily irritated or provoked Do little things become big irritations to him?


Return to 2008 Sermons Page