WIVES OF ELDERS AND DEACONS

Introduction:
   1. Genesis 2:18-22. Woman created to be a help-meet to man.
   2. Husband-Wife relationship.  Ephesians 5:22-25.
   3. Wife of an elder is to be an example.
   4. Holy Spirit gives qualifications for wives of elders and
      deacons.

  I. GRAVE:
     1. Prudent; sound judgment; dignified.
     2. Capable of conducting ones self wisely.
     3. Same requirement as elders and deacons.

 II. NOT SLANDERERS:
     1. One who is able to control their speech.
     2. Not a busy-body. (cf. 1 Timothy 5:13).
     3. Does not indulge in idle gossip.
     4. James 3:5; 1 Peter 3:10. All Christians must use care in
        the use of the tongue, especially wives of elders and
        deacons.
     5. The elder's wife may be privileged to information not
        readily known by the whole congregation. That which is
        confidential must be kept confidential.

III. TEMPERATE:
     1. "Sober."  Similar to "grave."
     2. Self-control, watchful over her actions.
     3. Using moderation in all things.
     4. Morally fit; chaste.


 IV. FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS:
     1. Trustworthy in all respects.
     2. Faithful to God, to her husband, to her home, to her
        children, to the family of God.
     3. Titus 2:1, 3-5.  How important.
     4. Again, wives of elders and deacons may be involved in
        information not available to all members. In these matters,
        extreme care must be used to be trustworthy and faithful.

Conclusion
   1. Wives of elders and deacons must be discreet.
   2. She will work with her husband in his responsibilities toward
      the church. "A help-meet."
   3. Proverbs 31.
   4. God's ways are always beautiful.

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