We began considering of the
qualifications for bishops or elders in yesterday afternoon’s session. The
qualifications were examined by category. We looked at two yesterday and
covered the other two to start today’s morning session – those dealing with the
preparation for teaching God’s word and those regarding leadership in the
family. After that, we discussed the qualifications of deacons. We then
completed the first half of 1st Timothy 4 before the lunch break.
After lunch, we covered the
remainder of the letter. We had extended study and discussion on a variety of
topics from the text:
· - Whether there is a limit to the benevolent obligation
of the church or whether it is unlimited in its scope
· - The evidence necessary in order to charge an elder or
Christians
· - The responsibility of Christians to live within social
structures, even when unfair, in order to help lead people to Christ
· - The need to focus our teaching and conduct on the word
of God and reject useless disputes
· - The problems presented to oneself and others by
materialism and greed
So, we are ready to start and
finish 2nd Timothy tomorrow and conclude with the study of Titus on
a half-day of classes Thursday.
