BOOTS ON THE GROUND:

The Character of Elders – Part IV

(1 Timothy 3:3-7)

I. THE CHARACTER OF AN ELDER

H. NOT A ________________________

Definition:

I. NOT ____________________________

Definition:

J. ________________________________

Definiton:

K. NOT _________________________

Definition:

L. NOT A _____________________________________

Definition:

M. LEADS HIS __________________________

Definition:

N. ____________________ AND HUMBLE

Definition:

O. A GOOD _____________________________

Definition:

The Character of Elders - Part 4

Discussion Questions

 1.   Who are the Christian leaders that have most influenced you over the years?

      Describe their convictions.

      Describe their character.

      Describe their competency.

2.   Why do you think the qualifications for the office of elder are set so high?  Is it unusual for churches in our culture to take these qualifications seriously?  What are the short-term and long-term consequences for churches who disregard the qualifications for the office of elder?

3.   Take some time to walk through each qualification in 1 Timothy 3:3-7.  Describe the qualification.  Explain the reason for the qualification. 

• Not a drunkard (1 Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7).
• Not violent (1 Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7).
• Gentle (1 Tim. 3:3).
• Not quarrelsome (1 Tim. 3:3).
• Not a lover of money (1 Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7).
• Leads his family (1 Tim. 3:4-5; Tit. 1:6).
• Mature and humble (1 Tim. 3:6).
• A good reputation with people outside the church (1 Tim. 3:7).

4.   How can men strive to be the kind of men that God calls them to be?  How can wives encourage this kind of God-centeredness?  What role does the gospel play?