BOOTS ON THE GROUND:

The Character of Elders – Part 5

(Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3)

I. THE CHARACTER OF AN ELDER

P. A LOVER OF WHAT IS _______________ (1 Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7).

Q. ___________________ (Tit. 1:8).

R. ________________ (Tit. 1:8).

S. _____________________ (Tit. 1:8).

T. MAINTAINS HIS COMMITMENT TO THE ____________ (Tit. 1:9).

1. How does he maintain this commitment?

a. He ________________ in the truth.

b. He _______________ to compromise the truth.

c. He _______________ anyone who contradicts the truth.

U. EXERCISES ________________ (1 Pet. 5:1-2).

V. __________________ (1 Pet. 5:2).

W. _________________ (1 Pet. 5:2).

X. AN ________________ TO THE FLOCK (1 Pet. 5:3).

The Character of Elders

Part 5

Discussion Questions

1.   Take some time as a group to survey the remaining qualifications for the office of elder in 1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-3.

• Discuss the importance of each qualification.
• Discuss any related parallel passages that help articulate the meaning of a given qualification.
• What sin(s) would prevent one from living according to God's standard?
• What role does spiritual discipline play in pursuing a given qualification?
• Was it easier to live according to these biblical standards in the 1^st century?  Why or why not?
• Why do so few churches select elders based on the biblical model?
• What blessings do you think will result by following the biblical pattern of selecting qualified elders?

2.   Take some time to pray for the leaders and future leaders at Christ Fellowship.