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Elders must rule over their households.
In the modern world this is often offensive and rejected, but what does “rule” really mean.
It does not mean dominate, abuse, crush or enslave, yet it is a strong important term.
The clearest picture may be to think of one drawing clear lines of conduct with a ruler, laying out the rules. A father is to say: “in this family, we don’t lie. In this family, we speak the truth in love, in this family we are patient and kind.”
When it comes to training and disciplining horses, dogs, fleas, and children much can be achieved if there is clarity and faith. Fathers are to rule and disciple calmly, gently, and decisively. Consistency is key. If rules are unrealistic or not 100% consistently communicated and enforced then it amounts to abuse. When rules are clear and consistent and discipline is calm and instant and likewise consistent then first time obedience will be achieved in the first few years.
(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 1 Tim 3
Discipline without pain is impossible. No pain, no gain. How much pain? What type of pain? That can be varied. For healthy fathers with healthy boys a spank works wonders. Men are physical and both father and son understands the simplicity of a hiding intuitively. Healthy men take pride in the physicality and physical discipline is a mark of masculinity and honor. (abuse is obviously excluded).
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
” (Colossians 3:18–21, NKJV)
Christian Liberty in the Spirit is not Lawlessness
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
” (Romans 8:2–4, NKJV)
Qualifications of Elders
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
” (1 Timothy 3:1–7, NKJV)
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
” (Titus 1:5–11, NKJV)
Rule
Kanon κανών (lit. a level, ruler), (a) rule, regulation, Gal. 6:16; (b) a measured (defined) area, province.
Proistemi προίστημι: in intr. tenses, I take up a position (stand) in front: I take the lead, I rule; hence, c. gen. I lead, supervise, manage; also I practise, exercise a calling or profession.
Noun – the Rules
one of a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct or procedure within a particular area of activity
Verb – to Rule
exercise ultimate power or authority over (an area and its people).
pronounce authoritatively and legally to be the case.
