We continue our examination of the qualifications necessary for those who serve as elders in the Lord's church.

An Elder Must Be Vigilant. "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded..." {1 Timothy 3:2}; "but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded..." {Titus 1:8} The ASV uses the word temperate. The NEB uses the word sober. The Greek word is nephalios, which is defined as "sober, temperate, abstaining from wine, either entirely...or at least moderate use." (Thayer's, pg.425) "Sober, temperate, abstinent in respect to wine...in the NT, means vigilant, circumspect..." (Analytical Greek Lexicon, pg.277) Vigilant means, "watchful; circumspect; attentive to discover and avoid danger to provide for safety; wary." Three English words are used to translate the Greek word: Vigilant-"alertly watchful as one keeping vigil; circumspect; alert; attentive, to discover and avoid danger or to provide safety." (Webster) Temperate-"moderate not excessive ... moderate in the indulgence of the appetites and passions ... cool, calm; not marked with passion; not violent." Sober-"not intoxicated or overpowered by spirituous liquors; not drunken ... not mad or insane; not wild, visionary, or heated with passion; self-possessed; regular, calm, thoughtful ... serious; solemn, grave."

No one can deny that one who is seeking to become an elder needs these qualities. Elders must not swallow everything others tell them; they must be watchful, searching God's word to see if things are so. This allows elders to separate truth from fiction and false doctrine. "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." {Hebrews 13:17} The word temperate means moderation, without specific regard for the cause or effect. It means not excessive with regard to any thing. The temperate man is self-possessed and free from anything that could hinder temperance. Likewise, vigilant carries with it the idea of moderation and the reason for it, but it goes further to include also the results of soberness-the ability to watch and discover danger. It can help the elder see good works and watch the flock, preventing danger from invading.

Elders Must Be Temperate. "but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded..." {Titus 1:8} The ASV uses self-controlled. The word's definition: "having power over, possessed of (a thing) ... mastering, controlling, curbing, restraining ... controlling one's self; temperate." (Thayer, pg.167) Without temperance, there would be no restraint or controlling influence in many matters that would have direct bearing on the work done by elders. The elder must have good control of himself, using moderation in that which is lawful, and abstaining from what is unlawful. This quality is also required of all Christians {2 Peter 1:6}. The elder must be in control of every aspect of his life.

There are a few areas in which elders (and all Christians) must have self-control:

1. The tongue-his speech must be pure {James 1:26; 3:1-10; Ephesians 5:29; 5:4; Romans 1:29,30}.
2. Physical desires {Matthew 5:27,28; Romans 13:13,14; Romans 12:17-19}.
3. What he reads, what he wears, the type of recreation in which he is involved, the type of habits he has. How can an elder have the flock's confidence if he cannot exhibit complete control over his body-in action, speech, and personal conduct?

An Elder Must Be of Good Behavior. "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach." {1 Timothy 3:2} The Greek word kosmois is translated "orderly" (ASV); "courteous" (NEB); "unruffled" (Moffatt); "dignified" (RSV); "respectable" (NASV). The Greek meaning of kosmois is "Well-arranged, seemly, modest: of a man living with decorum, well-ordered" (Thayer). "Orderly, modest" (W.E. Vine Expos. Dictionary of NT Words). "Orderly, decorous, of good behavior, modest" (Strong's Greek). The same word is used in 1 Timothy 2:9 to describe the Christian woman's apparel.

This type of man lives a well-arranged, dignified, courteous, and chaste life before his fellowmen. This quality is very important to his leadership and example. It includes:

1. appearance, language, and demeanor.
2. fairness and honesty in his business dealings. Because he has this character trait, people are anxious to deal with him.
3. In all phases of his life, his habits demonstrate good behavior.

EVERY CHURCH MEMBER should make an impression on the world. According to the Scriptures, we should all have this characteristic {1 Timothy 3:15; Titus 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:12}.

An Elder Must Be Given to Hospitality. "But hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled." {Titus 1:8} The Greek word philoxenos (philos=loving; xenos=a stranger) is defined as hospitable. Hospitality means: "receiving and entertaining strangers with kindness and without reward; kind to strangers and guests; disposed to treat guests with generous kindness." Again, the Bible teaches us all to show hospitality {1 Peter 4:9; Romans 12:13; 3 John 5-8; Matthew 25:43}. Do we fulfill this command by inviting the preacher or good friends into our homes? We must also show hospitality to STRANGERS. And we should not expect any type of reciprocation.

Does this mean an elder is required to keep an open house? Should the church members feel free to stop by and visit at any time? If the elders and the congregation have a proper relationship, this matter will take care of itself. At times, members need to seek the elders' counsel or encouragement. Elders' homes should be a haven of welcome to all. Elders must be kind, generous, and entertaining to invited guests and strangers. Hospitality cannot be given grudgingly. Elders should serve as examples to the congregation. They should enjoy and delight in helping others. This particular qualification is invaluable in performing the elder's work. What kind of impression does it leave on the church when elders possess this qualification?

Before leaving the discussion of this qualification, allow me a side note. Sadly, I'm afraid this characteristic has been lost among God's people today. Culture and time constraints leave many people unwilling to take the time and make the effort to be hospitable. When did you last invite a visitor into your home? When did you last invite a travelling Christian to spend time in your home between the two Sunday services? Our homes are a blessing from God, and we should use them in His service. Don't be so selfish with your time and blessings that you fail in this area? Please ponder very soberly.

We will continue this in the next article.