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Qualifications Of Preachers

Much is said regarding the qualifications of elders, but what about the qualifications of preachers? Many of the admonitions to preachers and qualifications of preachers are found in Paul’s discourse to Timothy and Titus. The following is a partial list:

1) “Charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables, and endless genealogies….” (1 Timothy 1:3-4).
2) “….war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience….” (1 Timothy 1:18-19).
3) Pray for those who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
4) Put the brethren in remembrance of the things Paul speaks of in 1 Timothy 4:1-6.
5) Ignore worthless fables and focus on godliness (1 Timothy 4:7).
6) Be an example of the believers, “in word, in conversation (manner of life), in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
7) “Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13) and make application to yourself of what you preach to others (1 Timothy 4:15-16).
8) Demonstrate honor and respect to the elderly and widows (1 Timothy 5:1-3).
9) Do not receive accusations against an elder without two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19).
10) Let no accusation be brought against an elder hastily (1 Timothy 5:19,22).
11) “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others may also fear” (1 Timothy 5:20).
12) Do not show partiality toward others (1 Timothy 5:21).
13) Don’t be a partaker of other men’s sins by permitting them to bring hasty and unjust accusations against elders, but keep yourself pure from all sinful influences (1 Timothy 5:22).
14) Flee the temptation to be rich and “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:5-11).
15) “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life….” (1 Timothy 6:12).
16) Teach the rich their responsibility toward riches (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
17) Give steadfast adherence to the pattern of sound (healthy) words, “in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).
18) “Give diligence” to the study of God’s word but “shun profane and vain babblings….” (2 Timothy 2:15-16 – ASV).
19) Depart from youthful lusts and “follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).
20) Avoid foolish and unlearned questions because they breed quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23.
21) “….the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil” (2 Timothy 2:24 – ESV).
22) The man of God must demonstrate the quality of meekness (strength under control) when teaching those in error (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
23) “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).
24) Rebuke false teachers “sharply” (Titus 1:9-13).
25) Speak those things pertaining to “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1-6).
26) Show yourself as a model of good works to others (Titus 2:7-8).
27) Teach servants (employees) their duty to their masters (employers) (Titus 2:9).
28) Teach “these things” (all of Paul’s instructions) by speaking, exhorting, and rebuking “with all authority” (Titus 2:15; cf. 2 Timothy 4:2).
29) “Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:15) – Those in spiritual error will want to continue in their error. It is the preacher’s responsibility to make certain that these individuals know and are aware of their responsibility before God (cf. Matthew 7:21; John 12:48).
30) Instruct people to be subject to civil authorities (Titus 3:1-2).
31) Avoid foolish questions, contentions and strivings about the law (Titus 3:9).
32) Reject heretics (those who stir up division) after the first and second admonition (Titus 3:10).

Conclusion

In addition to the above listed admonitions and qualifications, preachers are to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). This would include all of the teaching and preaching necessary in making the gospel effective toward the saving of men’s souls (2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 10:14-15; cf. Isaiah 52:7). Preachers are to “fulfill their ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5 – ASV). This “fulfilling” is to be accomplished with an attitude of devotion, zeal, and fidelity toward the work of the Lord. A preacher is to efficiently complete the work of an evangelist faithfully, zealously, and courageously (1 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; Titus 1:3), with no apology in declaring “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27; cf. Acts 20:20; John 15:15). Let us earnestly pray that God will provide the church with many faithful men possessing the above listed qualifications.