Ingredients of a Godly Man
I Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:6-9
I admire those whose talent lies in the culinary arts. More importantly, I like to eat. I do not profess to be a cook.
Like most men, I can grill, and that’s all.
During Kim and my first year of marriage, we were going to have hamburgers. I had seen someone add some extra ingredients to the hamburger and they tasted great, so I tried to repeat their success.
As Kim will attest, they were horrible. They burned, fell apart and tasted really nasty.
I know you cannot tell it from my slim physique, but I married a great cook. Not only quality, but quantity too.
My only claim to fame in the kitchen is my BBQ sauce.
I love BBQ - I could live on Fat Boys & Bono’s BBQ.
While growing up my mom & I would mix things together to make the best BBQ sauce, till (in my estimation) we discovered perfection.
I combine 5 “secret” ingredients and when done, Umm good!
If I take out even 1 of t/ingredients, the BBQ sauce isn’t complete.
But when all 5 ingredients come together, the end result is great.
I would like to take this thought and apply it to to our subject today.
The next two Sundays hold such great importance in the life of our young congregation.
We will be selecting Cornerstone Christian’s very first Elders.
Now I realize that everything we do this year is a first, and thereby it is important & significant, but this election is even moreso.
The men selected by us will be setting in motion the direction of the congregation. They will be men that future Elders look to as blazing the trail and setting the standard.
My intention is not to scare the men on the list to the point they choose not to remain on the list, yet I fully understand the dramatic impact Elders can and should have upon a congregation.
My experience with Elders stems from 6 individual congregations & the men that served there are as diverse as the cities accross the land.
Many of the men to whom I answered as a member or as a miinister, were men who lived an exampliarly life.
There were some that I could say, “I would like to be just like them”.
Some Elders were great shepherds and gave spiritual direction to the church, others did neither.
I do know this. The Elders set the tone for the congregation.
If they are Godly men who serve faithfully; then almost without exception, the congregation will be Godly and faithful too.
That’s why its essential that we look to the scriptures for guidance and direction in the selection process.
This year is an election year. It is possible that the man elected to be our next president will not be the best man for the job, or the most qualified, though, he will be, by electoral vote, the most popular.
Selecting Elders is not by popular vote. It is selecting men that desire to be an Elder and have the right stuff to be a Godly Elder.
Today I want to look at the ingredients that make a Godly Elder.
Next week I will look at the example of Jesus as a servant-leader.
When Timothy & Titus were given t/responsibility to help the Christians to mature in their faith & to help select men to lead, they were charged w/seeking men who had both the desire & t/qualifications.
Paul got beyond generalizations, to those specific characteristics that are marks of a man of God. Here is a person who has become a man of God thru a process of spiritual growth & development over a period of time. He’s learned to reflect Christ in his total life-style.
Paul did not say to look for men who are abundantly gifted or skilled. Instead, he stressed a man’s reputation, ethics, morality, temperament, habits and spiritual maturity.
In talking with a group of youth ministers several years ago, we talked about a congregation that was about to hire a man who had been fired by another church because of a serious immoral lifestyle. The churches reply to the man’s known problems was, “we don’t care about his personal life, as long as we see results, numerical growth.
By looking at the qualities in the verses that Justin read, we will be able to discern the type of man that God desires to serve at Cornerstone.
Then upon that basis, we ask you to prayerfully consider the men that have these qualities.
I have grouped some of the synonyms together. Have 19 Points.
Also, this won’t be an in-depth look at these qualifications just an overview. I encourage everyone to spend time studying these 2 texts during the coming week as you consider your ballot.
Please remember that even though the focus of this sermon is on Elders, that these attributes should and do apply to everyone.
1. Above Reproach (Blameless, Upright, Holy)
Just as in other Biblical lists, this first characteristic would be the foundation to the others, the one that encompasses all others.
Again, we see that God is primarily interested in character, not talent.
He is a man having no obvious flaws, which could bring down reproach upon him, his family or his church.
He is to be clean, irreproachable, above pettiness.
This man, is someone recognized by others as having a high moral code of conduct. Perfect? No! Closing in on it? Yes!
He should have no question marks. He should not have to be defended.
This is someone who exemplifies Jesus Christ in their lifestyle, so much; that like Jesus, no one can find fault in him!
He’s someone who’s honest, who can be trusted, who radiates Christ, who loves people, who keeps his word, who doesn’t let you down, who doesn’t use others, who is thoughtful and who is consistent.
An elder shouldn’t have to be called to account for any of the following.
2. Husband of One Wife
This one phrase has generated more discussion and debate than all of the others combined.
My opinion is that it gets way too much attention.
Yes, Paul may be addressing the pagan influence of the world and warning us not to let that creep into a Christian lifestyle.
He would not approve of having more than one wife or having a wife and lusting after another woman. He must be loyal to his wife.
The bottom line is that if a man can/t be a good husband, it will be impossible for him to be a good shepherd to the congregation.
3. Temperate (Self-controlled, Disciplined)
He is just & fair, honest, orderly and managed, he is not a radical, or self-indulgent, he does not simply react; he has the wisdom to judge rightly, making the proper choices, making sound decisions.
He has a clear perspective on life and a correct spiritual orientation. He remains stable and steadfast and his thinking is clear.
A more modern way of saying this is he’s “Calm, cool & collected!”
If a man has the clear-headed ability to control his own life & make wise choices then he is well suited to guide his fellow-brothers.
4. Respectable
He is a gentleman physically, mentally & spiritually. He possess inner moral excellence and outward orderly behavior.
The words literally means “of good behavior”.
Paul is saying that a man who is respectable is a man who lives in such a way that his life-style adorns the teachings of the Bible.
Whether it is his dress, speech, the appearance of his home or office or the way he does business, all are to be in proper relationship to Biblical principle and doctrines.
5. Hospitable
Having an attitude of unselfishness; being a friend of strangers.
An Elder is one who if he can, will help the less fortunate. They should especially minister to the aged, the ill and grieving.
The word also implies the meaning of helpful, loving fellowship.
It’s clear that members will not be able to respect their Elders, unless they have the opportunity to get to know them.
Times of fellowship and social interaction.
That’s why one preacher said that church dinners many times do more good than sermons. I couldn’t agree more! No Amens!
Someone said that a church that eats together, stays together, was it me?
People will follow those who demonstrate genuine love & hospitality.
What did Jesus say was one of the 2 greatest commandments, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” A way we do that is being hospitable.
6. Able to Teach
When we think of teaching, we ONLY imagine a classroom with students and someone in front giving information.
The idea here is not that limited. It is someone who has the ability to communicate with someone else, anywhere, in any setting.
Lake Aurora stresses the “teachable moment”. Most are not in a class setting, but playing, or resting or after accomplishing something.
The word also means the desire to study, he is a constant student.
He must be open-minded in areas of liberty and closed-minded in areas of revealed truth.
An Elder must be a man of the Book. He is humble, sensitive and desires to know the will of God.
7. Not Given to Drunkenness
Scripture always stresses avoiding extremes. Here the specific is alcohol
The implied idea is that someone who can’t control a vice or an area of their life, whether a substance or habit is not to be a leader.
Did I say they were a bad person NO; just not ready for leadership in the local church.
They should never do anything to cause a brother in Christ to stumble.
8. Not Violent
The word means, “not given to blows”. Other translations use, striker or pugnacious, but t/meaning remains t/same, 1 who is out of control.
A man who is quick to fight with words or fists is not to be an Elder.
It is no accident that the last two attributes are side by side, for we know from the daily paper how alcohol and violence go hand in hand.
9. Gentle
Some translate it patient. T/word means to yield, but never compromise.
Shepherding involves caring, tending, helping. It necessitates gentleness and understanding. It eliminates rudeness.
It is a man who is characterized by meekness, forbearance and kindness.
It’s interesting what two attributes surround this one.
10. Not Quarrelsome
Said another way, to not be contentious, not one who causes or who stirs up trouble, not one who always seems to struggle against others.
We all know someone who just always seems to have a bur in their britches, gripe, gripe, gripe! Guys, no mother-in-law jokes!
Everyone has to learn to get along with others, or be really miserable.
There is such great wisdom is team-work. Scripture always refers the plurality of the eldership. That’s the idea, men working together.
No one man runs the show, or has his way. It is not a corporation where there is a CEO or president, the elders learn to serve along-side each other, working through even difficulties and disagreements.
11. Not a Lover of Money
Later in Timothy Paul says that this is the root of all evil - strong words.
The final of the 10 commandments, is about coveting. Of course, most times, the thought is about money or the material goods it buys.
It is not money itself that is evil, but the love of it. It is a matter of priorities. If you are seeking money over God’s kingdom, change.
Remember that the man who stores up treasures on earth is unsatisfied, while the man who lays up treasures in heaven has it all.
The natural tendency is that when earthly possession multiply, God is forgotten, elders must be heaven-minded and not earth-minded.
12. Manages His Own House Well (Children Obey Him)
The care of the family of God is much more complicate than in the home. A man must prove himself capable at home before given the responsibility of administering the affairs of the church.
This includes the children, “bringing them up in the Lord.”
If he is a poor husband and father, he will be a poor elder.
Does this say that the children never sin, of course not. But is there rebellion? Do they have an attitude of opposition to Christ?
Most times we think of fathers who do not take an active role in their children’s lives and because of that, there is immorality.
The opposite can be true. The father that is so hard on their kids they become like robots. They are too afraid to step out of line, because of Dad’s concern about, “what that will make me look like”.
The home, like the church is a place of authority and submission, but it is not ruled with an iron fist.
A family is still the acid test or measure of a good man.
13. Not a Recent Convert
Literally “newly planted”. You don’t hang a tire swing from a sapling and you don’t throw church leadership on a new Christian.
Some men grow in Christ much quicker than others; so time is not the one and only factor. What matters more is spiritual development.
Some men might be ready for leadership in a short time, most won’t.
I remember when Bob Dylan became a Christian. He did 2 Christian albums and all Christianity praised him. It was short-lived.
He abandoned the faith that once was important to him.
Even though time is not t/only true test of Christian maturity, we’ll do better letting some time & circumstances test the faith of a man.
14. Good Reputation with Community
He must have a favorable testimony from outsiders. Specifically those outside the church.
This is in reference to his present conduct and past reputations.
It has to do with honesty of character and moral principles.
Little will hurt a congregation more than a community that knows the shortcomings and evils of one of it’s leaders.
An elder may not be understood because of his stand for Christ, but he sure better have a good reputation in the community.
15. Not Overbearing
Some translations use “self-willed” or stubborn.
It’s a person who always has to have and do things his way.
These people are characterized as self-pleasing and arrogant.
They become their own authority.
You can see how that won’t work in a healthy church.
Elders work as a team. If one is self-willed, then either everyone else gives in, or there will be major clashes.
Such a man will look after his own interests, but cannot be depended upon to serve the interests of the Kingdom of God.
16. Not Quick-tempered
Not hot-headed, having a short fuse or carrying a chip on his shoulder.
An elder is a man composed, poised and under emotional control.
Do not read that we should never be angry, but that in our anger we do not sin.
Anger is wrong when it rises too soon, when it is prolonged, or when it takes matters into it’s own hands - seeking revenge.
An Elder is one who has control of all human emotions, including anger.
17. Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain
A mans finances & ability to handle money reflect his devotion to God.
He doesn’t embezzle, pilfer or steal.
There’s been too many examples of church leaders who’ve given into t/temptation of dishonest gain, unfortunately giving all a black eye
T/Bible condemns laziness but strongly supports hard work. - II Thess 3
18. Loves What is Good
Loving goodness, virtuous, a readiness and desire to do good or what is beneficial to others.
Biblical good are things that are useful, agreeable, upright & honorable.
One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4 8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.?
Elders must not only love what is good, but DO what is good.
19. Holding Firmly to the Gospel
Being devout!
Being loyal and true to the scriptures and the good news of Jesus.
Not only in teaching and preaching the gospel but also, living it.
People must not only hear from our lips the message but must see it in our lifestyle.
Practically speaking, it is the only thing that is firm in this life.
When the storms of life come, and they will, if your grip is on anything but Jesus, then you will be tossed about.
If you have a firm grip on His hand, He will pull you to safety.
WOW! That’s a lot of stuff for one man. Is he superman? An angel?
No, perfection is not required, but a desire for it is.
During the announcements, you will be given the list of men from CCC.
At the top, you’ll find these two sections of scriptures.
This week, please read them, study them, pray about them and pray about the men on the list.
Now, you may have thought that I forgot one of the qualifications.
I didn’t, I just saved it for last.
I Timothy 3:1, begins, “If anyone sets his heart on being an Elder”.
The very first question to all men is, “Do you want to be an Elder?”
Undoubtedly some will say No! Maybe because they don’t feel they are qualified. Maybe some don’t want the pressure of leading. Maybe some have too many other responsibilities to do a good job.
I want to challenge every man on this list not to discount yourself too quickly. Please prayerfully consider the expectations and your ability to meet those expectations.
If you don’t feel qualified, rather than becoming discouraged, set these qualifications as your goal for this year. Make them the standard that you will achieve.
May we as new congregation bathe this entire process in intense prayer.
If you are not a Christian today, desire is also your first step in having a relationship with Christ.
If you have a desire to follow Jesus, then act upon it by turning from your wrongs, confessing Jesus as ur Lord, being baptized in water to make you holy, sinless, perfect.
