Ezra 7:10

I. PREPARE OUR OWN SELVES:A. Set Own Heart (Pr. 4:23; 23:7; Mt. 15:17-20;

2 Tim. 3:16f).

B. Do it ourselves (James 1:21-25; Dt. 29:29).C. Teach others (Ezra 7:10).

1. Deep self-examination.2. Understanding of what spiritual soundness & maturity is.

3. Understanding of what it takes to grow.

We Need To Grow Up Spiritually. (1 Cor. 13:11; 16:13-14)

II. MEMBERS CHOOSE QUALIFIED MEN:A. Names of qualified men (Acts 6:3, 5).

B. Give members time to talk with these

men (Acts 6:5; 1 Tim. 5:22).C. Verify names, willingness & discuss any scriptural objections (1 Tim. 3:1, etc). (cf. 1 Tim. 5:19-21; Titus 3:10)

D. If no scriptural objections to 2+ men,

then appoint them (Act 6:5-6).

III. ONCE THERE ARE ELDERS:

A. Members continue their part (Eph. 4:16).

B. Continue teaching on elders & to elders

(Act 20:27-28).C. Continue working for more elders.

1. More may become qualified.2. Current ones may cease to server (due to

health, move, sin, etc).

IV. TEST OURSELVES:A. Let us do a trial run on this, even if we do not have anyone qualified now.

B. Study the qualifications (1 Tim. 3, Titus 1).

C. When we run through the process of appointing men as elders – we will have a better view of what is needed and what to do.

1. Have lessons on elders.2. Consider men with potential.

3. Discuss what is needed among us.

LET US PREPARE OURSELVES (2 Pet. 3:18)!