Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

Paul ’s Instruction to Timothy

restoration, as well as its teaching on leadership example and the full spectrum of elder qualifications. All deviations from God’s standard of marital behavior confuse and perplex us. Sin always confuses, distorts, and divides, so there will always be diverse opinions on questions such as these. This in no way, however, diminishes the local church’s obligation to face these issues and make wise, scripturally sound decisions. In all these heartbreak ing situations, the honor of Jesus’ name, faithfulness to His Word, and prayer are the supreme guides. TEMPERATE: In Greek, the word “temperate” (néphalios) can mean sobriety in the use of wine. Here, however, it is used to mean mental sobriety.ll “Temperate” denotes self-control, balanced judgment, and freedom from debilitating excesses or rash behavior. Negatively, it in dicates the absence of any personal disorder that would distort a person’s judgment or conduct. Positively, it describes a person who is stable, circumspect, self-restrained, and clear-headed. It is necessary that elders, who face many serious problems, pres sures, and decisions, be mentally and emotionally stable. Elders who lack a balanced mental and emotional perspective can easily be snared by the devil or false teachers. PRUDENT: Similar to the word “temperate,” “prudent” (so‘phro'n) also stresses self-control, particularly as it relates to exercising good judg ment, discretion, and common sense. To be prudent is to be sound minded, discreet, and sensible, able to keep an objective perspective in the face of problems and disagreements. Prudence is an essential quality of mind for a person who must exercise a great deal of practi cal discretion in handling people and their problems. Prudence tem pers pride, authoritarianism, and self-justification. RESPECTABLE: “Respectable” (kosmios) is associated with the word “prudent” (1 Tim. 229). A sensible-minded person will also be a well behaved person. Kosmios conveys the ideas of self-control, proper behavior, and orderliness. Although the word is used to describe prop emess in outward demeanor and dress in 1 Timothy 229, its usage here conveys the more general meaning of “‘orderly’ . ..‘well-behaved,’ or ‘virtuous’ . . .that which causes a person to be regarded as ‘respectable’ by others.”12 An elder cannot expect people to follow him if he is not respectable.

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