BOOTS ON THE GROUND:
The Character of Elders – Part III

(1 Timothy 3:2)

I. THE CHARACTER OF AN ELDER

C. __________________________
Definition:

D. __________________________
Definition:

1. He _______________ the flesh (Gal. 5:24).

• He has _____________________ the flesh with its passions and desires (Rom. 6:6).

• He _________________ the flesh (Col. 3:5).

• He mortifies the flesh by the ______________ (Rom. 8:13).

2. He keeps in step with the ______________ (Gal. 5:25-26).

• He ______________ by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16).

• He walks __________________ (Rom. 13:13).

• He puts on the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 13:14).

E. _________________________
Definition:

F. ___________________________
Definition:

Why hospitality?
• Paves the way for ________________________.

• Incarnates the ________________ of Christ.

• Communicates right things about the __________.

• Kick-starts fellowship and emboldens ________________________.

G. _________________________________
Definition:

The Character of Elders
Part 3

Discussion Questions

1. Read 2 Chronicles 16:9. How does this verse relate to what we're learning about biblical eldership? Why does God place such a premium on being blameless?

2. What does it mean to be sober-minded? Can you think of examples of men who are sober-minded? Why is this qualification so important?

3. What are some of the marks of a self-controlled man? Why is this characteristic so critical for an elder in a local church? What are some of the commitments of a self-controlled man? Why is self-control so lacking in our culture? How would you encourage a young person to be self-controlled?

4. What are some of the defining marks of a person who is respectable? Why do you think the apostle Paul included this characteristic?

5. What does it mean to be hospitable? Why do you think the apostle Paul included this characteristic?

6. Why is it necessary for a prospective elder to possess a teaching ability? Is teaching ability a requirement for deacons? See 1 Timothy 3:8-13.