Introduction
1. Elders & Bishops are one and the same v5, ‘elder’ = presbuteros (cf. Acts 20:17) V7, ‘bishop’ = episkopos (cf. Acts 20:28).
2. Lack of elders is not a problem to be ignored v5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
3. Domestically, elders must be lead their families well v6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
4. Ethically, elders must be blameless & principled v7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre.
“steward of God” “not selfwilled” “not soon angry” “not given to wine” “no striker” “not given to filthy lucre”
5. Relationally, elders must be hospitable, fair, etc v8 …a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
“a lover of hospitality” “a lover of good men” “sober” “just” “holy” “temperate”
6. Soundness of doctrine is a must for elders v9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Conclusion |