We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

It has been a very hectic week for me, with half my time being elsewhere but home.  When I have been home, before the rain hit the last couple days, I’ve been spending lots of time in the yard doing “spring cleaning” and helping my wife get the gardens in shape and new trees planted, etc.  Then I’ve also been involved with internet discussions with a Jehovah’s Witness and an atheist.  I really have some drafts of articles started that sometime I want to get finished and posted, and I also want to get more time on another chapter review of “New Age Bible Versions.”  Until such time, I will continue to post citations I find worthwhile for provoking thought!  For now, here is another episode of “RAAH.”

Andy Stanley has again demonstrated that he is NOT qualified to be a pastor.

Jen Hatmaker is 100% pro-perversion.  Avoid her like the plague.  (Another report)

Another Methodist “pastor” “weds” a same-sex couple.  Oh, the “pastor” is a woman.  If history is any example for us, the UMC will not discipline this woman. 



Continuationism is not a non-essential doctrinal issue — Part 2.

Church by the Glades” has no idea what worship of God is.  Do they ever have anything there besides entertainment?

Just over 5 years ago I wrote an article about the false nature of the so-called “generational curses.”  Well, Mennoknight is now doing series about the topic, and here is part one.

The whole idea of “vision casting” is unbiblical nonsense, which is why so many mega-church “pastors” like it.  The leaders of LifeWay Research, as well as SBC president Ronnie Floyd, are staunch proponents of this ideology.

New Apostolic Reformation:  The apostles who don’t do anything.


WOW!!  Just WOW!  Talk about false teaching!!!!

So is the Gospel Coalition heading towards affirming perverse sexual desires?

Bono is a favorite “Christian” singer.  But is he really Christian?  He doesn’t appear to be.  Yet he’s held up as a model.  The article also gives some good information about Eugene Peterson — another one to avoid.

The Clear Word “Bible” was developed for the Seventh-day Adventist cult, so it is rife with adjustments and additions to fit their theology.  Here’s what it does to the Atonement.

False teacher Bill Hybels and Popeye.

Justin Peters has an excellent examination of “The Message” non-Bible.

Let’s lighten up now with some good satire.  The Babylon Bee takes on T.D. Jakes.  Then they nail the modern “cool worship leaders”.  I had a good chuckle to see the swipe taken at the “wildly unbiblical” book, “Wild at Heart.”  If you are as tired of the “Footprint in the Sand” story as I am, then you’ll enjoy this oneJen Hatmaker didn’t get left out either.  Finally, the foolishness of Richard Dawkins is tackled.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

The Husband’s Reign Must Be By Love


We must remember that power must be tempered by love; it is to be controlled by love, it is the power of love.  No husband is entitled to say that he is the head of the wife unless he loves his wife.  He is not carrying out the Scriptural injunction unless he does so.  These things go together.  In other words, it is a manifestation of the Spirit, and the Holy Spirit not only gives power but He gives love and also discipline.  So as the husband exercises his privilege as the head of the wife, and the head of the family, he does so in this way.  He is to be controlled always by love, and he is to be controlled by discipline.  He must discipline himself.  There may be the tendency to dictate, but he must not do so — “power, love, sound mind” (discipline.  All that is implicit here in this great word “love”.

So the reign of the husband is to be a reign and rule of love; it is a leadership of love.  It is not the idea of a pope or a dictator; it is not a case of “ipse dixit”; he does not speak “ex-cathedra”.  No, it is the power of love, it is the discipline of the Spirit, guarding this power and authority and dignity which are given to the husband.  That is clearly the fundamental and controlling idea in the whole of this matter — “Husbands, love your wives.”

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home & Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9, pg.132

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

The Wife is NOT Inferior


The teaching [of Ephesians 5:22-31] is that the initiative and the leadership are ultimately the husband’s, but the action must always be co-ordinated.  That is the meaning of this picture — co-ordinated action but leadership in the head.  There is no sense of inferiority suggested by this.  The wife is not inferior to her husband; she is different.  She has her won peculiar position, full of honour and respect.  That is why the man is later to be told to cherish and to nourish and to love and to care for, and to respect and honour his wife.  There is no inferiority involved.  What Paul is teaching is that any Christian woman who realizes all this will love to please her husband, to be useful to him, to help him, to aid him, to enable him to function.  She will not cavil at saying “and obey” in the marriage service.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home & Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9, pg. 124-125


Sunday, April 24, 2016

The Husband Takes Care of the Wife


The wife is the one who is kept, preserved, guarded, shielded, provided for by the husband.  That is the relationship—as Christ nourishes and cherishes the church, so the husband nourishes and cherishes the wife — and the wife should realize that that is her position in this relationship.  The husband is the preserver, he is the saviour of the body.  The wife then should start with this idea, and she should always act in the light of it.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home & Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9, pg. 122

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

A good one from The Babylon Bee about Joel Osteen!

A good examination of another well-abused Bible passage: Philippians 4:13.


What about praying in “tongues”?  As I have previously noted, modern “tongues” is nothing more than gibberish.

Anne Graham Lotz is going farther and farther afield.  Beware of her teachings!

Beth Moore and Christine Caine together — two false teaching peas in a pod.

When Christians join in supporting the destruction of patriarchy in the family, then it is no wonder that the family unit is falling apart.



The “Seven Mountains Mandate” of the NAR.  These people have no idea of what Christianity is about!

Cruise with a Cause” — something I never heard of before.  Just another scam with some of the “usual suspects” among false teachers.  These guys will do anything to promote themselves.

False prophet/teacher Paula White is at it again!  Look at what she promised for Easter — more money for herself.  Yeah, sure God told her this.

Postmodernism has really affected the Church at large, and is part of the reason the Church is compromising with the world.  Gary Gilley has an excellent 5-part series on this topic.  Part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5.

Contrary to the claims of the charismatics and cultists, “Sola Scriptura” was not newly invented with the reformation.  Just remember the Bereans, who made sure what Paul was teaching was in accordance with Scripture!

For all those out there idolizing “Prince” and mourning his death, we should really mourn because he was unsaved.


Christian” adult coloring books?  I guess I just don’t understand the draw to start with, but why delve into “new age” ideology?

But, hey, Justin Bieber is into coloring now — doesn’t this make you see him as a great pastor for his new church?  Um, no.

The Watchman Fellowship has a good profile on Rob Bell.

Another good one from The Babylon Bee to end with.


Friday, April 22, 2016

Feminism Has Led to Matriarchy


Feminism has led to aggressiveness on the part of the wife, the mother.  She is setting herself up as an equal, and undermining the influence of the father in the minds of the children.  The unhappy result is the totally false and wrong approach to the whole question.  I do not say this in a spirit of criticism.  We are seeing this increasingly in this country [England], but to nothing like the extent to which they are see it in the United States of America.  There, you have what may more or less be called a matriarchal society, and the man is becoming increasingly regarded merely as the one to provide the dollars, the wage-earner, the man who brings in the necessary money.  The woman, the mother, is the cultured person, and the head of the home; and the children look to her.  This false unscriptural view of man and woman, and father and mother leads to a matriarchal society, which, it seems to me, is most dangerous.  The result is, of course, the growth of crime and all the terrible social problems with which they are grappling in that country.  Then, because they influence every other country through their films and in various other ways, this attitude is being spread throughout the entire world.  A matriarchal society with the woman as the head and centre of the home is a denial of the biblical teaching, and is, indeed, a repetition of the old sin of Eve.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home & Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9, pg. 113

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Husbands, Do Your Family Duty!


Is it not a fact that, increasingly, men have been abrogating their position and retiring out of it, and not doing their duty as husbands and as fathers as the result of sheer laziness and selfishness?  Husbands are increasingly leaving the discipline of home-live to the wives, to the mothers.  They cannot be bothered; they come home tired from work and ask their wives to keep the children from them, and to answer their questions.  Is not this happening increasingly?  The husband is deliberately vacating the position in which God has put him.  It is happening among Christian people, but it is happening still more among non-Christians.  The husband is evacuating his position, and leaving it in his laziness to the wife.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home & Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9, pg. 112

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

The Problem of Authority


The basic problem in the word today is the problem of authority.  The chaos in the world is due to the fact that people in every realm of life have lost all respect for authority, whether it be between nations or between parts of nations, whether it be in industry, whether it be in the home, whether it be in the schools, or anywhere else.  The loss of authority!  And in my view it all starts in the home and in the married relationship.  That is why I venture to query whether a statesman whose own marriage has broken down really has a right to speak about the world’s problems.  If he fails in the sphere where he is most competent, what right has he to speak in others?  He ought to retire out of public life.  The real breakdown starts in the home, and in the married relationship.  I am asserting that the appalling increase in divorce which has taken place since the second world war . . .  is due to one thing only, namely, that men and women do not understand this Scriptural teaching about marriage and about husbands and wives.


D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home & Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9, pg. 111-112

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Women, Don’t Marry If You Can’t Submit


No woman, whatever her gifts, has a right even to contemplate marrying a given individual unless she is prepared to submit [to her husband as to the Lord].  It is a voluntary submission, it is the way in which Christ submitted and subordinated Himself.  She is to behave in the same way, and unless she is prepared to do so, unless she is convinced that she can submit herself to this man, she should not marry him.  If she enters into marriage with any other idea, it is against the will of God, and she is committing sin.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home & Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9, pg. 110

Monday, April 18, 2016

The Wife Complements Her Husband


What [Paul the Apostle] is saying is that the woman is different, that she is the complement of the man.  What he does prohibit is that woman should seek to be manly, that is, that a woman should seek to behave as a man, or that a woman should seek to usurp the place, the position, and the power which have been given to man by God Himself.  That is all he is saying.  It is not slavery; he is exhorting his readers to realize what God has ordained.  Therefore the wife should rejoice in her position.  She has been made by God to help man to function as God’s representative in this world.  She is to be the home-maker, the mother, the helper of man, his comforter, the one to whom he can speak and look for comfort and encouragement — she is a help meet for man.  Man realizes the truth about himself, she also realizes the truth about herself, and thus she complements him and aids him; and together they live to the glory of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home & Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9, pg. 108

Sunday, April 17, 2016

The Fundamentals of Marriage


Here, then, is this basic fundamental teaching — the man is to be the head of the wife, and he is to be the head of the family.  God made him that way, endowed him with the faculties and powers and propensities that enable him to fulfill this; and so made woman that she should be the “complement” of man.  Now the word “complement” carries in itself the notion of submission; her main function is to make up a deficiency in the man.  That is why these two become “one flesh”; the woman is the complement of the man.  But the emphasis, therefore, is this, that man is responsible not only for himself, but for his wife, and for his family in all ultimate matters.  The wife is to help him, to support him, to aid him, and to do everything she can in order to enable him to function as the lord of creation, into which position God has placed him.  She is brought into being in order to help man to perform that great and wonderful and glorious task.  That is the basic teaching with regard to the relationship of husbands and wives as laid down in the very order of creation, the fundamental rule with regard to the life of man in this world.


D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home & Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9, pg.105

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Songwriters are Teachers


Like it or not, songwriters are teachers as well. Many of the lyrics they write will be far more deeply and permanently ingrained in the minds of Christians than anything pastors teach from the pulpit. How many songwriters are skilled enough in theology and Scripture to qualify for such a vital role in the catechesis of our people?

John MacArthur

“Stolen” from Ralph Petersen

Friday, April 15, 2016

Tradition and Custom Don’t Mean Truth


Custom and acquired tradition can also be misleading.  Traditions are customs which have been preserved for generations with deep cultural roots.  They may or may not agree with truth, but they are not valid criterion for truth.  We do not allow for the antiquity of ancient forms of cannibalism to argue for the validity of their tradition.  It has been traditional in some ancient societies to place a living wife into the funeral fire of her deceased husband, but tradition is not an argument for the validity of the custom.

We often hear that a position is true because it has stood the test of time.  Theology is often debated merely from this criterion.  If this were a valid test for truth, then many false superstitions of the past would be ultimately vindicated.  The geocentric theory of the universe is much older than the heliocentric theory, as well as the theory that the earth is flat.

Dr. J.O. Hosler, “The Baptismal Regeneration/Believer’s Baptism Debate,” pg.361

Thursday, April 14, 2016

A Relationship with Jesus Must Stand On Doctrinal Truth


A key to detecting true spiritual love is its commitment to biblical truth, for love rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth (1 Cor. 13:6).  A Christian should be suspicious when someone is always testifying of an intimate relationship with Jesus and the Spirit while simultaneously expressing apathy toward doctrinal truths of God’s Word.

Dr. J.O. Hosler, “The Baptismal Regeneration/Believer’s Baptism Debate,” pg.359

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

For those in Alabama, watch out for the Church of the Highlands.

For those unfamiliar with, or trying to figure out, the Baha’i faith, Watchman Fellowship has a good profile on them.  It’s a cult of Islam.

Beth Moore.  Need I say more?

This is what happens when Christians leave common sense and accept media hype on a bogus issue.  How about we concentrate on spreading the Gospel instead of getting wrapped up in worrying about political talking points!

We are in luck — Rome is giving a course on exorcism.  Hmm, why is it the Apostles didn’t need a course?  Sort of like charismatic courses in speaking in tongues.  H/T Doug.

Notre Dame needs to be severely censured by the Catholic Church, and the leadership excommunicated. Celebrating child murder and sexual perversion is certainly against Catholic teachings. H/T to Doug again.

An up-and-coming false teacher to be aware of — Margaret Feinberg.

Some concerns about John Maxwell.

Azusa - One world religion.  In this regard the highlighted man is Lou Engle, who is not worthy as a Christian leader; he is a traitor to Christianity.  The more I read about Azusa this week, the worse it gets.

In addition to news about Azusa, this article has information about a “Being Church” conference.  The only “church” in that conference is the church of Satan.

The original Azusa meetings came out of “The Holiness Movement.”

Excellent article by Elizabeth Prata denouncing the whole “Jesus is my boyfriend” nonsense.

A good history of Mike Bickle, which proves IHOP is a cult — it started the same way as the LDS, SDA, Christian Science, and the Moonies.

Todd Bentley — again, need I say more?

C.S.Lewis was one of the first apologists I read, and I like his thinking on a lot of apologetic issues; he actually has good teaching on Christian living and worldview.  As I matured in the faith I discovered that Lewis was not for the immature believer; after all, he promoted psychology and evolution, and had some real theological issues.  I still cite things from him now and then because in isolation from his bad theology they can sometimes be excellent thought-provokers, as with the one sentence I posted on 23 April (one commenter even questioned me about Lewis).  I came across an excellent article which sums up Lewis’ theological problems, which is why you will never see me cite him for theology!  I do wish the article addressed his evolutionism and promotion of psychobabble.


The Babylon Bee has a good satire about the whole idea of so many claims to have been to heaven.

We’ll end with another good one from The Babylon Bee.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Seek Biblical Teachings, Not Charismatic Excess


Instead of holy laughter, we need holy living.  Pep is no substitute for purity.  Words of knowledge don’t hold a candle to the words of the Bible.  Rather than being slain in the Spirit, we need to be filled with the Spirit.  Rather than dancing in the Spirit, we are commanded to walk in the Spirit.  Instead of speaking in other tongues, we need to speak more boldly the wonderful works of God in our native tongue.  The prophecies of the Bible do not need to be augmented by so-called prophets today.  God’s revelation is complete and sufficient.  Let’s devote ourselves to knowing, loving, and obeying it, and thereby to know, love, and obey our Savior more and more each day.

Charles C. Ryrie, “The Holy Spirit,” pg.183

Monday, April 11, 2016

Heresy Will Not Produce Truth


Just as a good tree cannot produce evil fruit, so neither can truth generate heresy; and as a corrupt tree cannot yield good fruit, so heresy will not produce truth.

Tertullian, Book IV Against Marcion, chapter XVII

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Justice is an Important Attribute of God


Thus far, then, justice is the very fulness of the Deity Himself, manifesting God as both a perfect father and a perfect master: a father in His mercy, a master in His discipline; a father in the mildness of His power, a master in its severity; a father who must be loved with dutiful affection, a master who must needs be feared; be loved, because He prefers mercy to sacrifice; be feared because He dislikes sin; be loved, because He prefers the sinner, s repentance to his death;4 be feared, because He dislikes the sinners who do not repent. Accordingly, the divine law enjoins duties in respect of both these attributes: Thou shalt love God, and, Thou shalt fear God. It proposed one for the obedient man, the other for the transgressor.

Tertullian, Book II Against Marcion, chapter XIII

Saturday, April 9, 2016

What Are the Required Qualifications for Elders? Part 2


There are three qualifications for elder in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus which seem to cause contention.  
  1. “Must be…the husband of one wife.”
  2. “having his children under control with all dignity” 
  3. “having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion.”
There is a disagreement as to what “husband of one wife” means.  I think if one reads it literally there should be no question.  The elder must have a wife (rules out a woman being an elder), and one wife only.  Now, if he is a widower he still had a wife, and if he remarries after his first wife died, he does not have more than one wife.  A polygamous man is not qualified.  A man who has had more than one wife through divorce is not qualified (divorce would also demonstrate that he didn’t have control of his own household —1 Tim. 3:4).  An unmarried man is disqualified because the requirement says he must be married. 

With items 2 and 3, the question is, how long is a father responsible for his children’s behavior?  A father can have well-disciplined children raised in the knowledge of the faith, but when they become adults and leave home, they are no longer the responsibility of the father.  In their adult years they can get caught up in various sins, turn their back on the Faith, etc, but this should not be held against the father as for qualification for eldership.

Some other comments regarding qualifications:

A pastor is the shepherd of the flock, and therefore must have some sort of experience in the area of shepherding, which is why Paul said to not be in a hurry to ordain people new in the faith (1 Tim. 5:22), and why the office title of “Elder” includes the idea of an older man. This means that a freshly-minted seminary graduate is not qualified for the position of even “youth pastor”; experience has shown that these young men are more inclined to want to be “buddies” than mentors.  These men may be put in position of teachers or other work, but not ordained as “pastors.”  They are too young and have no experience at shepherding.

A man must have a family in order to get experience in shepherding, but a man with young children shouldn't be a pastor because he needs to spend his time helping to raise them and learning about shepherding.  While a man with a normal job can be there for his family to assist his wife, a man who is an elder is virtually on call 24/7 for counseling, emergencies, etc., and often away engaged in the business of the ministry even on his “off” time. 

As for “believing children,” children must be old enough to understand the faith in order to accept it for themselves, so having unbelieving young children is not a problem, but if his children are in their teens and still not believers, then that says something about the teaching in the home and, again, disqualifies the man for the office of elder.

The qualifications make it plain that the man must have a wife and family, otherwise there is no way to judge how well he runs his own household!

Some interesting citations about Titus 1:6:

In this repeated list of the qualifications of the elder, one thing is specially stressed.  He must be a man who has taught his own family in the faith.  The Council of Carthage [A.D. 419] later laid it down: "Bishops, elders and deacons shall not be ordained to office before they have made all in their own house-holds members of the Catholic Church."  Christianity begins at home.  It is no virtue for any man to be so engaged in public work that he neglects his own home.  All the Church serviced in the world will not atone for neglect of a man's own family.
William Barclay (Barclay is known for bad teachings, but this quote is used because he cites the Council of Carthage)

The next qualification is another aspect of that mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:4.  It calls for a good testimony in his own house; his children must be believers.  This is the scriptural standard.  How can one be called a leader publicly when his own family doesn't follow him as a result of his private life and testimony?  How many fail here.
The negative aspect is that they must not be living wild and dissolute lives.  This seems to qualify further the "believing children."
William MacDonald & V. Paul Flint (Emmaus Bible College Correspondence Course)

Since older men would be chosen for leadership, it is assumed that the elder would have children.  The latter must share their father's Christian faith by having made a personal decision.  Their remaining pagan would throw into question the father's ability to lead others to faith.
D. Edmond Hiebert, Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary

The idea here of "faithful children" means believing children.  If a man cannot lead his own children to the Lord, he ought not to be an officer in the church. ... For the cause of Christ and for the sake of the office, an officer in the church must have believing, obedient children.
J. Vernon McGee

Well, this is what I can think of at this time.  Perhaps in the future I may have more thoughts regarding the literal interpretation of what 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9 mean when compared to those who are looking to fit their particular ideology into the passages.


Friday, April 8, 2016

What Are the Required Qualifications for Elders? Part 1


The Bible uses a few different words to describe the same position, depending upon the particular English translation:

Bishop/Overseer:  These two are based on the Greek words episkopos or episkope.
Presbyter/Elder:  These two are based on the Greek word presbueros.  
Pastor.  This word, poimen, merely means “shepherd.” It is used metaphorically for what the elders are to do with their “flock.”  Over the centuries it has taken on the meaning as a title of an elder, usually the senior or teaching elder in an assembly, depending on the government of the individual body.

The point here is that four words mean the same person, while the fifth — although used more as a title — reflects the duties of an elder in a metaphoric way.

Two passages in the New Testament tell us what the requirements are for the position of Elder.  I’m going to use the Holman Christian Standard Bible version for examining them, but will note many other versions in my commentary for examples of other translations.

1 Timothy 3:2-7
An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, 3 not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy -- 4 one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap.

Titus 1:6-9
. . . one who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion. 7 For an overseer, as God's administrator, must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.

There are 16 individual qualification cited in 1 Timothy and 15 in Titus (but one, “blameless” cited twice).  Let’s look at them all individually, first from 1 Timothy. (Definitions of the Greek are taken from Vine’s Dictionary.)

1 Timothy 3:2
above reproach.”  The Greek word here is anepileptos: literally, "that cannot be laid hold of," hence, "not open to censure, irreproachable”.  The KJV says “blameless,” while the NLT says “a man whose life cannot be spoken against.”

husband of one wife.”  The NAS says, “married only once.” The Jewish N.T. says ‘faithful to his wife”

self-controlled.”  The Greek word here is nephalios: “temperate.”  Several versions use “temperate,” KJV says “vigilant,” REB, GWN, TEV all use “sober.”

sensible.”  The Greek is sophron: "of sound mind, self-controlled.” A few versions use “self-controlled,” while NAS says “prudent,” KJV “sober,” New Berkley Version “discreet,” Moffatt “master of himself,” Beck “of good judgment.”

respectable.”  Greek kosmios: an adjective signifying "decent, modest, orderly.”  KJV says “of good behavior,” New American Bible says “decent,” Berkley and the CEV say “well-behaved,” RSV says “dignified,” Moffatt “unruffled,” Twentieth Century NT “well-ordered life,” Beck “of fine behavior,” Revised English Bible “courteous,” Jewish NT and TEV “orderly.”

hospitable.” Greek philoxenos: "hospitable", "love of strangers" (philos, "loving", xenos "a stranger”).  Many versions say “hospitable.”  KJV says, “given to hospitality,” NLT “enjoy having guests in his home,” Beck “kind to guests,” CEV “friendly to strangers,” TEV “must welcome strangers in his home.”

an able teacher.”  The Greek is didaktikos: "skilled in teaching.” Many versions say “able to teach,” KJV says “apt to teach,” Berkley “qualified to teach,” REB “good teacher.”

1 Timothy 3:3
not addicted to wine.”  Greek paroinos: lit., "tarrying at wine" (para, "at", oinos, “wine”).  Variations are “not given to drunkenness,” “not be a heavy drinker,” “not a drunkard,” “not drink excessively.”

not a bully.” Greek plektes: "a striker, a brawler.”  “not violent” (NIV, Beck, TEV), “no striker” (KJV), “not be given to…brawling" (REB), “not...be a violent person” (GWN).

gentle.”  Greek epieikes: denotes "seemly, fitting"; hence, "equitable, fair, moderate, forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law"; it expresses that considerateness that looks "humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case.”  Variations are “patient,” “genial,” “of a forbearing disposition” (REB).

not quarrelsome.”  Greek amachos: lit., "not fighting" (a, negative, mache, "a fight"), came to denote, metaphorically, "not contentious”.  NAS “uncontentious,” KJV “not a brawler,” Berkley “conciliatory,” JNT “not…get into fights,”

not greedy.”  Greek aphilarguros: lit., "not money-loving" (a, negative, philarguros, “money-loving”).  “not a lover of money” (NIV, NAB, JNT), “free from the love of money” (NAS), “not after money” (NBV), “not avaricious” (REB).

1 Timothy 3:4
one who manages his own household competently.”  “manage his own family well” (NIV, NLT, Beck, GWN, TEV), “ruleth well his own house” (KJV), “presiding well over his own home” (NBV)
“able to manage his own household properly” (Mof) “be in control of their own families” (CEV).

having his children under control with all dignity.”  “see that his children obey him with proper respect (NIV) “having his children in subjection with all gravity” (KJV), “keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way” (RSV), “whose children are kept under control and well-behaved” (TCNT).

1 Timothy 3:6
not be a new convert”.  “not a novice” (KJV),  “be mature in the faith” (TEV)

1 Timothy 3:7
have a good reputation among outsiders.”  “have a good reputation with those outside the church (NAS), “have a good report of them which are without” (KJV)

Notice in the stated qualifications, Paul gives the reasons for three of them:

1.  v. 5 gives as the reason that he must manage his own family and see that his children obey him:  “If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?
2.  v. 6b tells us the reason he can't be a new Christian: “he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.”
3.  v. 7b tells us why he must have a good reputation with those outside the church: “so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap.”

Titus 1:6
blameless”.  Greek anenkletos: signifies "that which cannot be called to account", i.e., with nothing laid to one's charge (as the result of public investigation).  “above reproach” (NAS, NBV) “well thought of for his good life” (NLT), “unimpeachable character” (REB), “have a good reputation” (GWN CEV), “without fault” (TEV).

husband of one wife” Same as 1 Tim 3:2.  “married only once” (NAB), “has one wife” (Beck)

having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion.”  “whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient” (NIV), “having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion” (NAS), “having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly” (KJV), “with believing children who are not accused of licentiousness or rebelliousness” (NAB)

Titus 1:7
blameless”  Same as vs. 6.

not arrogant.” Greek authades: "self-pleasing" (auto, "self," hedomai, "to please"), denotes one who, dominated by self-interest, and inconsiderate of others, arrogantly asserts his own will, “self-willed.”  “not overbearing” (NIV, REB),  “not self-willed” (NAS, KJV, NBV, JNT), “not do as he pleases” (Beck), “not be a stubborn…person" (GWN), “not bossy” (CEV).

not hot-tempered.” Greek orgilos: "angry, prone to anger, irascible.”  “not soon angry” (KJV), “not irritable” (NAB, GWN).

not addicted to wine.”   Same as 1 Tim. 3:3.

not a bully.”  Same as 1 Tim. 3:3.

not greedy for money.”  Greek aischronkerdes: denotes "greedy of base gains.” “not pursuing dishonest gain” (NIV), “not fond of sordid gain” (NAS), “not given to filthy lucre” (KJV), “no money-grubber” (REB), “not use shameful ways to make money” (GWN), “not...dishonest in business” (CEV).

Titus 1:8
hospitable.”  Same as 1 Tim 3:2.

loving what is good.”  Greek philagathos: "loving that which is good.”  “lover of goodness” (NAB), “right-minded” (REB).

sensible.”  Same as 1 Tim 3:2.

righteous.”  Greek dikaios: was first used of persons observant of dike, "custom, rule, right," especially in the fulfillment of duties towards gods and men, and of things that were in accordance with right. The Eng. word "righteous" was formerly spelt "rightwise," i.e., (in a) straight way.  In the NT it denotes "righteous," a state of being right, or right conduct, judged whether by the divine standard, or according to human standards, of what is right.  “upright” (NIV, TEV), “just” (NAS, KJV, NAB, REB), “fair” (NLT, NBV, GWN, CEV).

holy.”  Greek hosios: signifies "religiously right, holy,”...  “devout” (NAS, NLT, REB), “moral” (GWN), 

self-controlled.”  Greek enkrates: denotes "exercising self-control.”  “temperate” (KJV)

Titus 1:9
holding to the faithful message as taught”  “hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught” (NIV), “have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught” (NLT), “must keep hold of the true doctrine” (REB).

Vs 9 gives a reason for this qualification:  “so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.”


OKAY!  If we blend all the requirements of the 1 Timothy and Titus passages together, we have the following qualifications:

1.  A man who is above reproach, whose life cannot be spoken against, is of unquestionable integrity,  unimpeachable character.  1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:6,7

2.  A husband of but one wife and faithful to his wife.  1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:6

3.  A man who is circumspect and temperate.  1 Tim. 3:2

4.  A man who is self-controlled, prudent, discreet, sensible, and of good judgment.  A man who is disciplined. 1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:8

5.  A man who is respectable, decent, courteous, well behaved and dignified and leads an orderly (disciplined) life.1 Tim. 3:2

6.  A man who is hospitable - showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, opening his house freely to guests.  1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:8

7.  A man who is a capable and qualified teacher.  1 Tim. 3:2

8.  A man who does not drink excessively.  1 Tim. 3:3, Tit.1:7

9.  A man who is not pugnacious - not given to brawling. 1 Tim. 3:3, Tit. 1:7

10.  A man who is gentle, considerate, and patient. 1 Tim. 3:3

11.  A man who is not quarrelsome or a troublemaker.  1 Tim. 3:3

12.  A man who is not a lover of money, nor does he pursue dishonest gain.  1 Tim. 3:3, Tit. 1:7

13.  A man who manages his own family properly. 1 Tim. 3:4

14.  A man whose children obey him with proper respect, are submissive and well-behaved.  1 Tim. 3:4

15.  A man whose children are believers and are well-trained. They are not open to the charge of being loose in morals and conduct or of being unruly, disorderly or rebellious.  Tit. 1:6

16.  A man who is not a new Christian.  1 Tim. 3:6

17.  A man who has a good reputation with those of the outside world.  1 Tim. 3:7
  
18.  A man who is not overbearing, self-willed, arrogant or presumptuous.  Tit. 1:7

19.  A man who does not get angry easily.  Tit. 1:7

20.  A man who loves good people and good things, and is devoted to good.  Tit. 1:8

21.  A man who is just, fair-minded.  Tit. 1:8

22.  A man who is holy and devoted to holiness. Tit. 1:8

23.  A man who is knowledgeable in the Word and holds firmly in his belief to sound doctrine.  Tit. 1:9


Now that we have looked at the Biblical qualifications for elder, my next post will examine the qualification which cause controversy.