A Study About Elders - Sober | Words Of Truth
Words Of Truth

Words Of Truth


"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

A Study About Elders
Sober


I. Introduction:

A. The mind of a man who is leading others must be considered. Is it cluttered? Is it conflicted? This matters even with evangelists (II Timothy 2:1-4).

  1. It does not mean a man cannot have internal conflicts (II Corinthians 7:5).
  2. The question is, can he deal with life’s clutter and still focus on being a spiritual leader (II Corinthians 4:7-5:13)?
B. The ability to think clearly and control our thoughts is significant for all saints for various reasons. Note a few…

  1. To avoid anxieties (Philippians 4:6-9).
  2. To stay on track (Hebrews 12:1-3).
  3. To control the desires of the flesh (Romans 8:1-8 and I Peter 2:11).
  4. To subdue disobedient thoughts (II Corinthians 10:1-5).

II. Body: A Bishop Must Be Sober (I Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8).

A. Sober: “safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion): — discreet, sober, temperate. Of a sound mind, sane, in one's senses curbing one's desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate” (Strong’s # 4998).

  1. Old and young are to be sober-minded [sober; discreet] (Titus 2:1-6).
  2. Can a man use his mind as his defense (I Peter 4:1-2) rather than to offend (Proverbs 21:5 and Isaiah 59:7)?
  3. Think about a double minded person - what is he or she (James 1:8 and James 4:8)?
B. Sound, healthy in mind (Ephesians 4:17-24).

  1. A mind not corrupted (II Corinthians 11:3).
  2. Yet, one who might appear mad [crazy] to the world (Acts 26:1-29).
C. Self-control as to opinion or passion (Romans 12:3).

  1. Think about how Solomon used His wisdom governing during a conflict to a resolution (I Kings 3:16-28).
  2. When a man oversees God’s people he must reason after the wisdom of God (Ezra 7:25) rather than use his opinions after the flesh (Proverbs 16:2 and Romans 10:1-3).
D. Discreet [careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage] (Ephesians 5:15-17).

  1. Among the world (Colossians 4:5-6; cf. Psalms 39:1).
  2. Also, very cautious in word and deed among the saints (Romans 14:13) as one whose faith is to be followed (Hebrews 13:7 and I Peter 5:1-3).

III. Conclusion: All Of Us Must Be Sober-Minded (I Peter 1:13-16).