I. Men of Dignity  v.8-9 – What does it mean to be a man of dignity – Men who are worthy of honor or respect – Paul helps us understand what a man of dignity is by stating what he isn’t    * Not double tongued – deceptive, not believable – We must be able to trust these men    * Not addicted to much wine – drunkard, one who is controlled by something… Continue reading

They Helped Make Church Policy Acts 16:1-5 – We begin this story with Paul’s introduction to Timothy – Timothy was well spoken of and Paul wanted Timothy to come with Him    * Paul circumcised Timothy because of the Jews in the area – He expandedTimothy’s impact – 1 Cor 9:22 “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may… Continue reading

How Does Someone Become an Elder? Titus 1:5; Acts 14:19-23 – We begin our study with Paul’s instructions to Titus who was left behind in Creteto accomplish 2 things:    * Set in order what remains – 2 establish a functioning, organized ministry    * Appoint elders in every city (as directed) – Elders are appointed not elected – Then in Acts 14:19-23 we learn that Paul doesn’t just instruct Titus to do it, healso… Continue reading

Double Honor v.17-18 – The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor    * So what does it mean to rule well? – It implies a responsibility to lead, and doing it well means God is honored and people are closer to Jesus because of them    * Double honor – Double pay (we all know a good leader is worth more) – Especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching… Continue reading

I. God is for You  v.31-34 – If God is for you who can be against you? – A bit of a rhetorical question, but many times we think or act like we are in jeopardy    * When you are on the team that has the biggest kid on the playground who can challenge you? – But we either forget or don’t believe He is the biggest kid    * The real problem… Continue reading

I. What He is  v.5-8 – Lets begin our study with the qualifications an elder should have:    * A man above reproach as God’s steward – To supervise, keep order, manage, or  look after – A good manager of God’s things that is transparent    * The husband of one wife – They are men who have been faithful to one woman – This is a picture of Christ and the church – Does… Continue reading

I. The Issue  v.1-2 – Paul and Barnabas were experiencing God’s power in spreading the gospel – As that was happening men from Judea came down (Judiazers) trying to upset the movement by saying, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” – Let me explain the problem    * When first studied this I learned it as they were adding circumcision to faith for salvation – But that… Continue reading

I. The Spirit Helps Us  v.26-27 – In the same way that the Spirit gives us hope of being delivered from this corruptible flesh, He also gives us hope in the face of our weakness of not really knowing how to pray as we should    * Praying for the wrong things – Not understanding the mind of God    * Being so emotionally distraught in a situation that we can’t see how to… Continue reading

I. An Eternal View  v.18 – So, as Paul discovers where he stands he comes to the conclusion that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed to us – Sufferings vs. glory – Not equal    * Sufferings – The world’s rejection of us for following Jesus    * The glory to be revealed – Jesus Himself – Sometimes our problem is we… Continue reading

I. Our Obligation  v.12-13 – Our freedom in Christ does not mean we have no obligations in Christ – We are not under obligation to the flesh – We can say no to it – We are under obligation to the Spirit–That’s why we are not to quench Him    * If you are living according to the flesh, you must die – Gal 2:20   – John 12:24 – Truly, truly, I say to you,… Continue reading