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Teach Authoritative Guidelines
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Project: Church Policies
 Why are these instructions important? Are they important today?
These instructions help us not only know what God's truth is but to bring it into our lives so that we are changed. One might say that these rules introduce a Christian culture which helps strengthen those in it. Some groups which stress freedom from rules are often far too rule free and bring great weakness to the church of God.
On the other hand, we also know of many groups which have become legalistic and strict on points that are not at all in the scriptures.
Are the leadership standards only for leaders (elders/deacons)? Why or why not?
These standards in 1 Timothy and Titus for elders and deacons are for all people including non-Christians. We should not think that God's righteous standard is different for any.
All will be held accountable to live a righteous life. Paul is only stressing for the protection of the church and those desiring such positions must live to such a standard.
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Paul countered these false teachers by focusing on at least four things.
1 Qualifications for Leaders
Taught the qualifications for being a teacher. (1 Ti 3:1-2; 2:12)
(The false teachers couldn't live by that standard).
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
(1 Timothy 3:2).
2 Inspiration for New Leaders
He encouraged those contemplating to join the ministry (1 Ti 3:1).
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
(1 Timothy 3:1)
3 Clarification of Teaching Content
He made sure one's teaching was based on God's Word.(2 Ti 3:16)
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
(2 Timothy 3:16).
4 Instructions on how to Train
He instructed those on training. (2 Ti 2:2; Tit 2:1-5)
And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2).
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,4 that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored. (Titus 2:3-5).
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Biblical Foundations for Freedom
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