A Study on the Biblical Qualifications for Elders (Part 2)

This is part two of the study. This one is the completion of my dad, Randy Wyatt, and his study on this. I am intending to put together a third part to the study that will be done from Samuel Miller's Book "The Ruling Elder". As for my dad's study: It is not intended to be delicate reading and simply glossed over. It is intended to break down precisely what the bible has commanded in 1 Timothy and Titus as to the biblical qualification for the office of elder. It is worth your time to read these and evaluate if the elders you are voting for are actually qualified to fill that office and if they are faithfully carrying out the duties of that office once they are there.

Titus 1:5

ORDAIN: (kath-is-tay-mee; 2525) To designate; to appoint.

ELDER: (pres-bu-tar-os; 4245) Older; senior; a person who is older; used of ancestors; predecessors (Gen. 50:7).
1.One who enjoys the natural dignity of age.
a. Those appt. by Moses (Num. 11:16, 17)
b. The older of two in comparison (Luke 15:25)
c. John called himself an elder (1 & 2 Jo. 1-not an apostle, what his age, not office, acknowledged)

NOTE: With this word, priority of offices usually implied that of age also. Elder, as an office, can be teaching or ruling or both, but age was considered part of what gave them respectability.

Titus 1:6

BISHOP: (ee-pis-ko-pos; 1985) Superintendent; officer of the church; overseer.
1. Elder denotes dignity of office, bishop denotes duties.

NOTE: Age denotes experience, wisdom needed for the respect necessary to add credit to the office of superintendent.

BLAMELESS: (an-eg-klay-tos; 410) Not accused; irreproachable; untainted; without a stain on there character; unquestionable integrity; a good reputation.
1. Not merely unaccusable, but not accused, not “you can’t prove anything” but
there is nothing to prove. (1 Cor. 1:8; 1 Tim. 3:10)

HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE: Moral integrity, custom of the day, was to arrange marriages, men had multiple wives, (polygamy), mistresses, prostitutes.
1. If divorced, must be legitimate, not a polygamist, not morally loose.

NOTE: A man of that time may have had more than one wife when he got saved, he would not be forced to pick one and get rid of the rest but it did disqualify him for becoming an elder. Qualification then was one wife, if married, no sexual infidelity.

FAITHFUL: (pis-tos; 4103) Believing; saved; trustworthy.
1. Faith is a belief as to the truth of God’s Word, and relying upon it.
2. A Christian, a believer (Acts 10:45; 16:1; 2 Cor. 6:15)

NOTE: Until recent times, this was believed to mean someone who had came to know Christ as Lord and Savior. Recent translations are using trustworthy.

NOTE: The reason for the change is the issue of a parent not being responsible for the child’s salvation because of election, which is true. It is just saying your child,. if of age, must be saved if you are to be an elder. Again, respect and example are at issue. This is in complete accord with our belief that God is Sovereign and man is responsible.

RIOT: (as-o-tee-a; 810) Unsaved lifestyle; living in excess; debauched; dissolute life.
1. Extravagant; squandering (Eph. 5:18; 1 Pet. 4:4).
2. One who slides easily under the fatal influence of flatterers and the temptation with which he has surrounded himself and spends freely on his own lust and appetite.

NOTE: Used of false teachers (Tit. 1:12; 1 Pet. 4:4; and of the prodigal son in Lk. 15:13). Emphasis is on ability to make choices and exercise independent will, not of a child under your roof in general necessarily.
1. Example of this 1 Sam. 2, 3-Eli and his son. He had no control of them but is held responsible by God for them.

UNRULY: (an-oop-oo-tahk-tos; 506) Disobedient; insubordinate; unwilling to be put under authority (Heb. 2:8; 1 Tim. 1:9).

NOTE: An elder’s ability to counsel and teach will be effected by what people see in his life. We as parents take full responsibility for all the good things our children do but no responsibility for the bad. Good and bad social traits are a result of parenting, even between siblings.

Titus 1:7

STEWARD: (oy-kon-ou-mos; 3623) Manager; fiscal agent; governor.
1. Administrator; one who watches over the domestic affairs of the family, city, the church, etc.
2. Applied to apostles and ministers (1 Cor. 4:1)
3. Applied to private believers (1 Pet. 4:10)

SELF-WILLED: (an-thay-dees; 829) Self-pleasing; arrogant; one who is pleased with himself and despises others.
1. A person who obstinately maintains his own opinions or inserts his own right and is reckless in regard to the rights, feelings and interests of others. (2 Pet. 2:10)
2. Aristotle used this word for a man who will not converse or associate with other’s.
3. Philodemus says this individual had equal parts of conceit, arrogance and contemptuousness.
4. Barclay says he is an intolerant man, who condemns everything that he does not understand.

NOTE: Intolerant of any opinion but that of his own; arrogant, conceited, selfish, incapable of common decency and politeness. A man does not earn the trust of those he treats with contempt and considers inferior to himself therefore others will not follow.

SOON ANGRY: ( or-gee-los; 3711) A quick, hot boiling up of wrath.
1. Root word orgee, is invenerate anger; someone who gets instantly mad and nurses a seething, deliberate, antagonism towards another.
2. This would be to hold a grudge and burn with anger over a supposed wrong.

NOTE: Goes hand and hand with self-willed. This person is filled with rage when challenged, holds grudges, everything is a personal attack that cannot be tolerated.

NOT GIVEN TO WINE: ( oy-noos; 3631) Addicitve nature; over indulgences in wine, in particular, but all excessiveness; drunkenness.
1. Not to be given to drunken, outrageous conduct.
2. Jews used it in the aspect of outrageous actions. (ie: marriage to a Midianite)
3. Christians used it to describe of those that crucified Christ.
4. Word came to describe the character of the man who, even in their sober moments, acted with the lack of self-control and the outrageousness of a drunken man.

NOTE: An emotionally unstable, irrational person with an addictive nature, attacks everything and is unable to adhere to socially acceptable norms.

NO STRIKER: (pleek-tees; 4131) Pugnacious; quarrelsome; one who will physically assault another.
1. In the early church, over zealous bishops would physically assault erring  believers.
2. Greeks expanded meaning to verbal abuse also.
3. Present meaning: man who abandons love and resorts to violent action and or speech to control those around. No self-control, this is a hard demanding individual who controls by threat and intimidation. (3 Jo. 9 & 10)

NOT GIVEN TO FILTHY LUCRE: (ais-chroo-ker-dees; 146) Sordid, questionable financial gain, the gain being more important than the means of the gain.
1. The culture of that day placed accumulation of wealth above how it was obtained.
2. The office of a Bishop was not to be used as a job or a means of getting rich.

NOTE: Someone who will do anything to get rich has misplaced affections and God’s glory becomes a secondary purpose NOT Sola Deo Gloria! Point being, being blameless is the standard. Any flaws disqualified. This is not perfection but an extremely rare group of qualified individuals. No one is a failure if they do not have the qualifications, it just is not their calling. It is not unfair but meant to hold the highest respect and trust possible because of the gravity and responsibility of this position.

Titus 1:8

LOVER OF HOSPITALITY: (fil-ox-en-os; 5382) To be fond of; a positive natural desire.
1. Literally means fond of strangers; to have a natural, genuine affection for others.

NOTE: People should see a genuinely affectionate leader who puts others at ease, may even be drawn to him.

LOVER OF GOOD MEN: (fil-ag-ath-os; 5358) Fond of or a promoter of good, beneficial, virtues in men.
1. An unselfish man willing to recognize good where ever it is to be found

NOTE: This individual promotes and encourages beneficial actions in others.

SOBER: (so-frone; 4998) Safe; sound in mind; self-controlled; moderate as to opinion or passions; discreet; prudent.
1. The spirit shunned evil, not only when evil could be seen, but even when nobody else would ever see it.
2. To have command over the passions and desires so that they receive no further allowance than that which the law and right reason admit and approve.

NOTE: Having come to a place in their spiritual life where they have control over mind and body. They do what is right regardless if anyone else ever knows or sees it.

JUST: (did-a-ios; 1342) Equitable in character or action; innocent, conforming to, or pertaining to; right
1. One who conforms in his actions, to his constitutionally just character. The rules for these actions are self-imposed.
2. This word is more of a social sense than a divine reference.

NOTE: A character to emulate, whose respect for others and reverence for God have transformed his character and actions.

HOLY: (hos-ee-os; 3741) Right by intrinsic or divine character; pious; merciful
1. Unpolluted by wickedness; one who is right standing with his fellow man.

NOTE: Our righteousness towards man is in directly proportional to our relationship with God.

TEMPORATE: (eg-krat-ace; 1468) Mastering self-control
1. This is complete self-mastery of emotions, thoughts, actions, attitudes, etc.

NOTE: Never surprised, nor devastated; always the cool voice of sound reason.

Titus 1:9

HOLDING FAST: (an-telh-om-ahee; 472) Strongly adhere to; care for; support.

NOTE: The depth of this individual’s character and conviction as to the truth of God’s word, compels the mature believer to base everything in their lives on God’s word.

FAITHFUL: (pis-tos; 4103) Trustworthy; reliable; dependable

WORD: (lo-gos; 3056) Second person of the Trinity; divine expression; written word of God; scripture; thoughts and words of Christ expressed to us.

NOTE: Here the foundation of the elder’s life is the trustworthiness of the inerrant, infallible word, of which they must direct their lives.

THOUGHT: (did-a-kay; 1322) Instructed in doctrine.
1. The act of instruction; tutoring (Mark 4:2)
2. The teachings of Jesus (2 Jo. 9, 19; the Lord (Acts 13:22); the Apostles (Acts 2:42).

NOTE: The elder has over time, been taught and accepted as correct, the doctrines of our faith. He is not “growing” into the position of an elder, his every thought is a reflection of this doctrine.

ABLE: (doo-nat-os; 1319) Adequate; capable and skilled in.

SOUND: (hoog-ee-ah-ee-no; 5158) Uncorrupted; true; wholesome.

DOCTRINE: (did-as-ka-lee-ah; 1319) Learning; instruction
1. Refers not only to that which is taught but also to the authority of the teacher and not just subject taught but also the act of teaching.

NOTE: The elder must have a firm, reliable understanding of what they believe so they with conviction and confidence and authority, teach another.

EXHORT: (par-aka-lee-o; 3870) To call near; invite; beseech; comfort.
1. Call to one’s side, to aid, encourage and uplift.

NOTE: Present tense, infinitive mood-this is something done all the time, not a defensive mode but one meant to help, support and encourage.

CONVINCE: (el-eg-ko; 1651) Admonish; convict; refute; reprove.
1. To correct for the purpose of restoring one to a proper understanding and purpose.

GAINSAYER: (an-til-ego; 483) Someone who disputes; refuses truth; disputes; contradicts.

NOTE: Present tense participle-repeated, continuous action. The elder must continuously help the confused, deceived, contentious person. Maturity is necessary to continuously help the erring individual without the elder himself becoming overwhelmed or discouraged.

CONCLUSION: The ruling elder must be older, mature, well-grounded man, able to assess the preaching and correct the errant. Over time, because so much emphasis has been placed on education, the men have become increasingly younger as preachers. Now knowledge has replaced maturity and it is expected that these younger men will make mistakes as they “grow into” their position. There is going to be growth throughout our entire spiritual walk with the Lord but the office of an elder requires these qualities to be already present in their character prior to assuming the office. In the beginning, this was not the expected rule. The elder had to be the “now” requirement. They were the examples, teachers, fathers in the faith, expected to be exactly what everyone was striving to emulate. Now it is even more important that the ruling elders are aged, responsible, mature men to give stability, wisdom and guidance to the congregation and the Pastors. They are the Pastors co-equals, not subordinate to him, needed to ensure the purity and correctness of the continuance of the faith.

A Prayer for the Church

Dear Lord, Most Heavenly Father,

For your cause I would die a million deaths. For your church I will strive relentlessly. You are my greatest goal Lord and in you I find my reason for life. Your glory is my constant desire however much I may fail in achieving it. Yet Lord I know, I am confident, that through the sanctifying work of The Spirit I am being transformed into the image of your Son and that the longer I live the more I will mature and grow in grace. Because of this, I take hope in the expectation of my life glorifying you ever more as that sanctification takes place. Oh dear Lord! For that day to come quickly! For it grieves me that I bring shame to your name. It grieves me that I tell the world I am of you and yet act so sinfully. Transform my hard heart into clay and mold me as you will my God. I cheerfully commit myself to you and your causes Lord and pray that you will use me as you wish. Comfort my heart, for it is weary Lord; and yet I know, that only you can sustain me in this wretched life until I am home with you dear Lord.

Part of my burden Lord is that I look upon the church today and I have become scared for her. She is in shambles Lord. The men in her ranks are weak and placid, her doctrines are decaying and putrid and she is becoming more secular by the day. Lord I fear that there are more tares than wheat right now filling the pews in your churches. I fear that your wrath will be poured out any day now and the church will forgo the peace and prosperity she has enjoyed for these last few centuries. We have turned our eyes away from you. We have committed whoredom, taken idols into our ranks, we have blasphemed your name, we have disregarded your laws, and we have left our first love. Lord, I pray that you would be longsuffering yet. Withhold your fierce anger and show us mercy still my God. View us through the righteousness of Your Son and reconcile us to you yet again Lord; because of what Christ has accomplished and for the sake of your people I pray that this will be so Lord.

Reform us yet again Father. Call us back to you. Raise men within the church that are worthy to lead the people on that journey. Our Elders have grown cold and are unqualified in far too many churches. Your people are apathetic and unknowledgeable. We are stricken by fear of failure and reliance on self; we have become men-pleasers and have become a people of inaction. Stir our hearts again my Lord, invigorate us to strive for you and your truth and your glory. Our hope is in you Lord, not in ourselves. We are told that even when we are faithless you are faithful for you cannot deny yourself. Oh! How I know this to be true! How fervently I long for it to be seen amongst your people.

I love you Lord and I cannot bear the pain that is caused by an honest evaluation of your church today. Heresy abounds and is met not only with indifference but actually advocated Lord. It rips my heart to pieces that more people don’t see this and stand on guard against it. What am I to do Lord? What are we to do Lord? I know I am not the only one. Can we sit idly by and watch your beloved bride be assaulted day after day after day? Yet I feel powerless to affect change and I know that it must come from you dear Lord. So Lord I pray with all of my heart that you will wipe these tears from the cheeks of your saints and comfort us and give us a renewed vigor and piety among your people lest the devil should devour us. He is within our ranks Lord and he loves to subvert the truth. Abba Father! Protect us from the devil, protect us from ourselves, lead us back to you and restore to us the joy of our salvation.

I pray this to you in the holy name of your Son Jesus Christ, amen.

A Study on the Biblical Qualifications for Elders

This is another study that my Dad, Randy Wyatt, has composed concerning the biblical qualifications for elders in the church. This is undoubtedly an area that has fallen into error as can be attested to by virtually anyone alive within the church today. Samuel Miller in his book on the office of ruling elder says this,

"That we make so little of [the office of elder], compared with what we might do, and ought to do, does really appear to me one of the deepest defficiencies of our beloved church. That reform in this respect is desirable, is to express but half the truth. It is necessary; it is vital. [Reform] must begin with the teachers and the rulers of the church themselves."

Let us refocus on the actual qulaifications for this office and place godly men in these positions while deposing of those that do not serve well, it is our biblical imperative... nothing else matters. But, if we continue to allow it to exist as it has we can be reasonably confident that error will continue to abound and that our beloved church will continue to decline.

Note: The reference numbers for the greek is exclusively from Strong's.

If you would like to read about this office and the need and qualifications for it, as well as the biblical and historical evidence that supports the use of it, I suggest the brilliant book aforementioned by Samuel Miller entitled "The Ruling Elder" and it can be purchased by clicking on the following link: Monergism.com - The Ruling Elder

1 Tim. 3:1 –

True: (pistos; 4103) Trustworthy; faithful
• Worthy to be believed; true; observant of and steadfast to one’s trust.

Note: highly visible; honorable; that which invokes trust. Same word used in Tit. 1:6 of the believing child. One is taking an office, occupation, ministry and the other is the character of the individual.

Desire: (oregomai; 3713) to stretch oneself; to reach out after; to long for.

Note: Lust in a good sense. This is the longing of the soul, a deep-seated desire, not a fleeting fancy.

Office of a Bishop: (episkope; 1984) the office of superintendent.
• Root word, to select or inspect.

Note: this is more than a job; it is a life changing event. This is someone who makes important choices, inspects, scrutinizes, for the purpose of being found worthy to serve others as our overseer or pastor.

Desires: (epithumeo; 1937) to set the heart upon, long for; desire.
• Undeterred longing to accomplish what one sets out to be; will not be persuaded to change his mind; man of courage and determination.

Good: (kalos; 2570) Valuable; virtuous; worthy; beneficial.
• Expresses as a harmonious completeness, balance and proportion.

Note: Done correctly, by the right person, it is a very harmonious balanced result.

Work: (ergon; 2041) to work, toil; labor.

Note: This is not for the weak or lazy. This is a continuous hard labor.

1 Tim. 3:2 –

Bishop: (episkopos; 1985) Officer of the church; a preacher’ teacher as opposed to a ruling elder, which may not be a pastor but still could be a teacher.

Blameless: (anepileptos; 423) Inculpable; not arrested; not able to be rebuked.
• Slightly different in definition from that used in Tit. 1:6 – no stain of character.

Note: Same intent, the unquestionable integrity of the individual.

Husband of one wife: same as Tit. 1:6

Note: in these days polygamy was acceptable, divorce was easy, temple prostitution and extra marital affairs a way of life. The office required men not stained by worldly lust and immoral passions. Today pornography would be among the list.

Vigilant: (nephaleos; 3524) sober; circumspect.
• Thoughtful, serious, one who considers every aspect of a situation before drawing a conclusion.

Note: No quick decisions made which have the draw back of not having all the facts.

Sober: (sophron; 4998) sound in mind; self-controlled.
• One who shuns evil because it is evil; not because anyone sees it or cares, but plainly because God sees it and cares.
• Same word used in Tit. 1:8.

Note: personal character goes well beyond what anyone sees. This is a mature, transforming of the soul to where they are repulsed by evil and no longer entertain elementary or common impulses to sin.

Of a good behavior: (kosmios; 2887) modest; orderly.
• This word describes a man whose life is beautiful and in whose character is harmoniously blended and integrated.

Note: a person who inspires a sense of calm and confidence in what they believe and what they do.

Given to hospitality: (philoxenos; 5382) a positive natural desire towards others in general, strangers in particular.
• Same word as Tit. 1:8

Note: genuinely enjoys others.

Apt to teach: (didaktikos; 1317) instructive; a good communicator; one able and willing to teach.
• This involves an aptitude and ability to instruct by words as well as actions.

Note: not a “know-it-all” but someone who in general conversation or in the performance of his ministry offers sound teaching and advice.

1 Tim. 3:3 –

Not given to wine: (paroinos; from oinos – wine, and para – to stay close to; 3943)
• Same as Tit. 1:7. Someone with an addictive personality; no self-control.
• Also used of the altered state of mind produced by an over indulgence. If a person exhibits a lack of mental control, they’re irrational and disconnected in thoughts, like that of a drunk.

Note: leadership demands clear thinking, deductive, insightful thought. Irrational, emotional people make bad decisions.

No striker: Same as Tit. 1:7.

Note: This person uses physical and verbal intimidation to control others and resolve disputes.

Not greedy of filthy lucre: same as Tit. 1:7

Note: this person cannot be someone who would use their position to increase their wealth. Being a pastor is not to be a “get rich quick” type of occupation.

Patient: (epieikes; 1933) appropriate; mild; gentle; moderate.
• Proportionate in level and application.

Note: used of the law, where strict application may be an injustice. Rigid, unwavering adherence to general rules, it can be misapplied if the individuals goal is not to uplift, encourage, and correct, but only to enforce.

Not a brawler: (amachos; 269) peaceable; disinclined to fight.
• Not “peace at any price”, but peace out of a gentle spirit inclined to resolve issues.

Note: an elder must always be the nucleus of sound and reasonable judgments, not aggressive, not easily offended. Always promoting righteousness, in thought, word and deed, not a compromiser and only interested in the truth.

Not covetous: (aphilarguros; 866) materialistic; free from the love of money.
• Not attracted to or motivated by material gain as a source of one’s happiness.

Note: a Christian leader’s desires must go far beyond material wants. His life is to be focused on heavenly riches. Their priorities must be in proper proportions.

1 Tim. 3:4 –

Rules: (proistemi; 4291) to stand before; to preside over.
• One who sets the tone; one who has control.

Note: the personality of the home reflects the leadership of the man.

Well: (kalos; 2573) good; honest; beneficial.

Note: those around good leaders benefit from their involvement in their lives.

Children: (teknon; 5043) biological offspring, giving prominence to the fact of birth.

Subjection: (hupotage; 5292) subordinate to; under the control of another; obedient to another’s authority.

Gravity: (semnotes; 4587) honesty; reverence; dignity; respect.

Note: these children are in the house under their father’s roof, under his authority. While in that home, do they obey out of fear and trepidation or with respect and reverence for the position in which the father holds?

Contrast Tit. 1:6, these children are grown and on their own and reflect the relationship they had with their father while in the home and now either live godly wholesome lives, or that of a reprobate order.

In the early church, the norm was an older man with older children. Most of these requirements are gauged towards older men. Respect for their advice can be compromised by the actions of wayward children.

1 Tim. 3:5 –

Church: (ekklesia; 1577) congregation; assembly; local church.

God: (theos; 2316) supreme; eternal; deity.

Note: elders and bishops have no small task when it comes to their responsibilities. They are shepherds of the assembly put together by God Almighty Himself!

Novice: (neophutos; 3504) newly planted; recent convert.
• Recently converted to Christianity or new to the church.
• Newly instructed or recently showing signs of real growth and understanding.

Note: any form of newness, no matter the education level or enthusiasm, or even real growth, would disqualify this man. Maturity takes time and trials to really work into the soul the solid spiritual maturity required of an elder.

Lifted up with pride: (tuphoo; 5187) proud; high minded; conceited; enveloped with smoke.
• To be drunk with pride, with a heart lifted up not only against man but against God also.

Note: unable to handle the honor and authority of the position and the responsibility and the respectability of this position within the body; they become self-absorbed, conceited and prideful.

Condemnation: (krima; 2917) the function or effect; judgment against.
• To be adjudged or sentenced against.
• The execution of judgment (Jas. 3:1).

Note: you are doing the individual a disservice to place them in such an exulted position without proper maturity, knowledge, spiritual growth necessary to continue their walk and administer leadership without failing.

Devil: (diabolos; 1228) Satan; false accuser; slanderer.

Note: Lucifer lost his exulted position by the judgment by the judgment of God because he became proud and exulted himself and influenced others to follow his example.

1 Tim. 3:7 –

Good: (kalos; 2570) beneficial; worthy; honest.
• Balance; harmony; completeness.

Report: (marturia; 3141) record; evidence; testimony.

Without: (exothen; 1855) external or outside of.
• People outside this person’s normal circle (i.e. work, other believers, neighbors).

Note: this man’s testimony and integrity were not even in question to those outside the church. He did not lead a double life, one way around believers and another elsewhere.

Fall into reproach: (oneidismos; 3680) defamed; chided; tainted; disgraced.
• Aorist tense, subjunctive mood: meaning at some point in time, if his testimony is not really what it appears to be, he will fail.

Note: high profile people must not have hidden lives. They are under too much scrutiny, they cannot live a lie forever, and someone will discover their sin sooner or later and expose it, to their disgrace and the dishonor of God.

Snare of the devil: this is his desire, to let people think they are getting away with something until the time is right and he can ruin them for good and maybe others also who trusted them.

Conclusion:

When we place men in such important positions, ignoring the truth of the scripture and relying on tradition, we injure the church and the individual. The church for centuries has placed young men in this position of great importance almost exclusively due to their education level. In the process, we have also chosen to weaken the other half of the equation, the ruling elder. If the church is to continue to promote on education, it must become hard line on age as well, maturity and spiritual wisdom of ruling elders to assist the young pastors by mentoring them, giving them a firm foundation to stay within the scriptural boundaries of correctness. There will always be exceptions to the rule, but they should not be the norm. Without the wisdom of the aged we cannot stay strong and well grounded.

Mortification of Sin

I was speaking with a friend not too long ago and we were discussing the low view of sin that the modern church has perhaps been guilty of; which, in my opinion, is one of the great faults of our beloved church. As part of the discussion I mentioned that mortification of sin should always be at the forefront of our thought and that we must, in humble reliance on the Spirit, learn to recognize how intensely sinful we are. We must see the struggle as Paul did in Romans 7, as Martin Luther did as he struggled to understand the doctrine of grace, and as the Puritans did. For the Puritans this was an area that was included in every aspect of their lives. They believed and understood that mortification of sin leads to pious living and we glorify God in so doing. Mortification of sin is the natural result of Sanctification. So then we must desire and strive for this with vigor always.

My friend then shared that it has been suggested to him that to get a more appropriate perspective and conviction of personal sin we might pray from the Westminster Larger Catechism and their treatment of The Ten Commandments. Since then I have been doing so and it is quite humbling to see what sins are being shown to me. Some I have already known and some I quite frankly have not. As a result of the humbling blessing this has been, I wanted to pass it on in the hopes that others may try this too. Perhaps it will help you to achieve a more vigilant focus on sin in your life and a desire to mortify it to the glory of God.

Here is a link to CRTA and the online version of the Westminster Larger Catechism if you do not have it. The question and answers you are concerned with are #100-#149 (which you will find a link to if you scroll just a little bit down).
CRTA - Westminster Larger Catechism
 
I pray this will be a blessing to you all.

Grow in Grace and Make Progress in Piety

Here is an excerpt from Archibald Alexander's book "Thoughts on Religious Experience". It is an excellent book and this excerpt is especially sweet to the soul that longs to be conformed to the image of his Savior.

"We shall here present some practical directions how to grow in grace and make progress in piety.

1. Set it down as a certainty that this object will never be attained without vigorous continued effort; and it must not only be desired and sought—but must be considered more important than all other pursuits, and be pursued in preference to everything else which claims your attention.

2. While you determine to be assiduous in the use of the appointed means of sanctification, you must have it deeply fixed in your mind that nothing can be effected in this work without the aid of the Divine Spirit. "Paul may plant and Apollos water—but it is God who gives the increase." (1 Cor 3:6-7) The direction of the old divines is good: "use the means as vigorously as if you were to be saved by your own efforts, and yet trust as entirely to the grace of God as if you made use of no means whatever".

3. Be much in the perusal of the Holy Scriptures, and strive to obtain clear and consistent views of the plan of redemption. Learn to contemplate the truth in its true nature, simply, devoutly, and long at a time, that you may receive on your soul the impression which it is calculated to make. Avoid curious and abstruse speculations respecting things unrevealed, and do not indulge a spirit of controversy. Many lose the benefit of the good impression which the truth is calculated to make, because they do not view it simply in its own nature—but as related to some dispute, or as bearing on some other point. As when a man would receive the genuine impression which a beautiful landscape is adapted to make, he must not be turned aside by minute inquiries respecting the botanical character of the plants, the value of the timber, or the fertility of the soil; but he must place his mind in the attitude of receiving the impression which the combined view of the objects before him will naturally produce on the taste.

In such cases the effect is not produced by any exertion of the intellect; all such active striving is unfavorable, except in bringing the mind to its proper state. When the impression is most perfect, we feel as if we were mere passive recipients of the effect. To this there is a striking analogy in the way in which the mind is impressed with divine truth. It is not the critic, the speculative or polemic theologian, who is most likely to receive the right impression—but the humble, simple-hearted, contemplative Christian. It is necessary to study the Scriptures critically, and to defend the truth against opposers; but the most learned critic and the most profound theologian must learn to sit at the feet of Jesus in the spirit of a child, or they are not likely to be edified by their studies.

4. Pray constantly and fervently for the influences of the Holy Spirit. No blessing is so particularly and emphatically promised in answer to prayer as this; and if you would receive this divine gift, to be in you as a well of water springing up to everlasting life, you must not only pray—but you must watch against everything in your heart or life which has a tendency to grieve the Spirit of God. Of what use is it to pray, if you indulge evil thoughts and imaginations almost without control? or if you give way to the evil passions of anger, pride and avarice, or bridle not your tongue from evil speaking? Learn to be conscientious; that is, obey the dictates of your conscience uniformly. Many are conscientious in some things and not in others; they listen to the monitor within when it directs to important duties; but in smaller matters they often disregard the voice of conscience, and follow present inclination. Such people cannot grow in grace.

5. Take more time for praying to "the Father who sees in secret", (Matt 6:6,18) and for looking into the state of your soul. Redeem an hour daily from sleep if you cannot obtain it otherwise. As the soul's concerns are apt to get out of order, and more time is needed for thorough self-examination than an hour a day, set apart, not periodically but as your necessities require, days of fasting and humiliation before God. On these occasions, deal faithfully with yourself. Be in earnest to search out all your secret sins and to repent of them. Renew your covenant with God, and form holy resolutions of amendment in the strength of divine grace. If you find, upon examination, that you have been living in any sinful indulgence, probe the corrupting wound to the core; confess your fault before God, and do not rest until you have had an application of the blood of sprinkling. You need not ask why you do not grow, while there is such an ulcer festering within you. Here, it is to be feared, is the root of the evil. Sins indulged are not thoroughly repented of and forsaken; or the conscience has not been purged effectually, and the wound still festers. Come to "the fountain opened for the washing away of sin and uncleanness". (Zech 13:1) Bring your case to the great Physician.

6. Cultivate and exercise brotherly love more than you have been accustomed to do. Christ is displeased with many of His professed followers, because they are so cold and indifferent to His members on earth, and because they do so little to comfort and encourage them; and with some, because they are a stumbling block to the weak of the flock, their conversation and conduct not being edifying—but the contrary. Perhaps these disciples are poor and in the lower walks of life, and therefore you overlook them as beneath you. And thus would you have treated Christ Himself, had you lived in His time; for He took His station among the poor and afflicted; and He will resent a neglect of His poor saints with more displeasure than He would of the rich. Perhaps they do not belong to your party or sect, and you are only concerned to build up your own denomination. Remember how Christ condescended to treat the sinful woman of Samaria, and the poor woman of Canaan, and remember what account He has given of the last judgment, when He will assume to Himself all that has been done, or neglected to be done, to His humble followers. There should be more Christian conversation and friendly fellowship between the followers of Christ. In former days, "those who feared the Lord spoke often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written for those who feared the Lord and thought upon his name." (Mal 3:16)

7. If you are in good earnest to make greater progress in piety, you must do more than you have done for the promotion of God's glory and of Christ's kingdom on earth. You must enter with livelier, deeper feeling into all the plans which the Church has adopted to advance these objects. You must give more than you have done. It is a shame to think how small a portion of their gains some professors devote to the Lord. Instead of being a tithe, it is hardly equal to the single sheaf of first fruits. If you have nothing to give, labor to get something. Sit up at night and try to make something, for Christ has need of it. Sell a corner of your land and throw the money into the treasury of the Lord. In primitive times many sold houses and lands and laid the whole at the apostles' feet. Do not be afraid of making yourself poor by giving to the Lord or to His poor. His word is better than any bond, and He says, "I will repay it." (Philem 19) Cast your bread on the waters, and after many days you will find it again. Send the Bible—send missionaries—send tracts to the perishing heathen.

8. Practice self-denial every day. Lay a wholesome restraint upon your appetites. Be not conformed to this world. Let your dress, your house, your furniture, be plain and simple, as becomes a Christian. Avoid vain parade and show in everything. Govern your family with discretion. Forgive and pray for your enemies. Have little to do with party politics. Carry on your business on sober, judicious principles. Keep clear of speculation and suretyships. Live peaceably with all men as much as in you lies. Be much in spontaneous prayer. Keep your heart with all diligence. Try to turn to spiritual profit every event which occurs, and be fervently thankful for all mercies.

9. For your more rapid growth in grace, some of you will be cast into the furnace of affliction. Sickness, bereavement, bad conduct of children and relatives, loss of property or of reputation, may come upon you unexpectedly and press heavily on you. In these trying circumstances, exercise patience and fortitude. Be more solicitous to have the affliction sanctified, than removed. Glorify God while in the fire of adversity. That faith which is most tried is commonly most pure and precious. Learn from Christ how you ought to suffer. Let perfect submission to the will of God be aimed at. Never indulge a murmuring or discontented spirit. Repose with confidence on the promises. Commit all your cares to God. Make known your requests to Him by prayer and supplication. Let go your too eager grasp of the world. Become familiar with death and the grave. Wait patiently until your eternal change comes; but desire not to live a day longer than may be for the glory of God."

I have this book and I would readily reccommend that all of you buy it too. But if you have not the means or the desire to do so right now you may read it for free by clicking on the following link at Grace Gems.

Strangers (a poem)

I am a stranger in this land,
I have no place to go,
This world does not love me,
Of this I surely know.

Yet a family has been sent with me
And care for me they do,
Waiting to be beckoned home,
To spend eternity, Lord, with You.

And oh what faith we have,
That in You we persevere,
Until that day has finally come
And Your radiant face is clear.

So come Lord Jesus!
Relieve us from our pain;
Heaven is where we long to be
To forever praise your name.

New Book Recommendation

This is a new book that has been published by a dear friend of my family's and the man the Lord used to lead me to Christ, Dr. Louis Hill. Dr. Hill is a genuinely brilliant man, very reformed and, most importantly, he is an extremely godly man which is the testimony of all who know him. I just got the book today and I cannot wait to read it. His other book "Faith Is" is also a great book and worth your time to read and buy. I have been told he is preparing at least three more for publication so read these first two now.

Follow the link to amazon.com by clicking below:
Seven Foolish Questions by Dr. Louis Hill