2.14.21

A Few Good Men:

Choosing an Elder is determined by his Character and His Character dictates His Conduct

Scripture Reading: Titus 1:5-9

5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Choosing an Elder:
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

Character of an Elder:
6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

Conduct of an Elder:
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Root - Hold fast to God’s Word

Responsibility - Give instruction in sound doctrine and rebuke those who contradict it

John Calvin, “An Elder needs two voices, one for gathering the sheep and the other for driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means for doing both so that the person who has been correctly instructed in Scripture will be able to guide those who want to learn and refute those who are enemies of the truth.”