Thesis: God requires elders to be calm under pressure, clean in private, and steady in judgment—because shepherding forces a man to make hard decisions, absorb criticism, confront sin, and protect souls without losing self-control or spiritual clarity.

1) Elements of Temperament

Temperament is spiritual stability under pressure. A man can be intelligent and competent, yet still be unsafe to follow. God asks: “Can he shepherd souls without losing control of himself?”

A) Self-Controlled (1 Timothy 3:2)

There is evidence that a man acts with deliberation and control rather than impulsively. A man who is financially undisciplined, who engages in questionable entertainment, or who speaks recklessly is not self-controlled.

B) Sober-Minded (1 Timothy 3:2)

An elder must be clearly focused upon his task. His deliberations must be rational rather than emotional. He must discern arguments and foresee the implications of decisions. A flighty, Reactionary man is unsuited for the work.

C) Gentle; Not Quarrelsome (1 Timothy 3:3)

The temperament of an elder is calm, cool, and collected. He is not easily provoked. We must not confuse gentle with cowardly. There comes a time when evil must be confronted, but it must be done in a measured way, without vindictiveness.

D) Not Self-Willed (Titus 1:7)

There is a delicate balance between advising in matters of wisdom and imposing personal views. An elder must distinguish between truly leading the sheep and trying to drive them forcefully by personal will. Scripture warns against “lording it over” the flock.

2) Evidence of Moral Purity

A) Lover of what is good; Holy (Titus 1:8)

An elder has a genuine desire to live purely. He does not privately engage in questionable activities that would undermine respect. He truly seeks things that are beneficial, godly, and of impeccable reputation.

B) Not Given to Wine (1 Timothy 3:3)

A man who needs all his mental and spiritual faculties in working order cannot allow himself to be compromised by chemicals. Alcohol must not impair judgment. An elder under the influence is worse than useless, as it doesn’t take much to undermine self-control.

C) Not Greedy for Money (1 Timothy 3:3)

Wealthy and greedy are not synonymous. A man who works to the neglect of his family or manifests a lack of contentment is not qualified. Greed and materialism are surface cracks emanating from deeper spiritual fault lines.

Teaching Slides — Lesson 3