QUALIFICATIONS

 

Every Netzarim congregation is required to have a Beit Din with three or more qualified men to lead and counsel according to Torah.  YHWH spoke to Moses through Yethro (Jethro) instructing how to qualify the judges of Israel:

 

"Moreover you shall provide out of all the people upright men, such as fear Elohim, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:"  Sh'mot 18:21

 

CHAYIL ENOSH

Upright Men (no wimps)

YA'RE YHWH

Fear YHWH

ENOSH EMET

Men of Truth

TSANE' BETSA

Hate Covetousness

 

     D'varim (Deuteronomy) YHWH instructs Moshe to add three more qualifications, bringing the list to seven.

 

"Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.  And you answered me, and said, The thing which you have spoken is good for us to do."  D'varim 1:13

 

CHAKAM

Wise

BINEY

Understanding

YADA

Acknowledged

 

     These seven qualities parallel the Seven Spirits of YHWH, as in Isaiah 11:2  "And the spirit of YHWH shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of YHWH" these seven attributes are balanced with each other as well as by the entire group of attributes together.

 

 

     Additional details are added in the Ketuvim Netzarim regarding the attributes or qualifications of leadership in Mashiyach.

 

"Deacons in like manner must be sober, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.  And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.  Women in like manner must be sober, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.  Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.  For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Mashiyach Yeshua."  1 Timothy 3:8-13

 

 

"If any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.  For the bishop must be blameless, as YHWH's steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;  but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlledholding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.  For there are many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake."  Titus 1:6-11

 

Blameless

Blameless does not of course mean that he has not made some mistakes along the way, but that he has been open for correction and repented of any trespasses unto YHWH or unto others.  To be blameless indicates the work of the Ruach HaKodesh which brings the fruits of the spirit to minister judgment, faith, and mercy to the soul.

 

Husband of one wife

Men who take the responsibility of leadership must not be the husband of more than one wife.  This also means if he has been married, divorced and remarried outside of a Beit Din he is disqualified to sit on a Beit Din.  A righteous divorce exonerates the innocent party for remarriage, the matter must be judged by a Beit Din to be recognized as a legitimate divorce.  Divorce and remarriage authorized by a pagan state without Netzarim witnesses disqualifies a man from sitting on the Beit Din.  If men who have been divorced and remarried sit on a Beit Din, the likelihood is that they will adopt their own values regarding divorce and remarriage, not YHWH's.  The Covenant of Marriage between a husband and wife is unto YHWH, those who have covenanted unto YHWH and entered into marriage do so for life.  If a man contributed to the failure of his marriage, he also contributed to his wife committing adultery if she remarried, he cannot sit on a Beit Din.

 

Not accused of riot or unruly

Men who are accused for excess or lack self control must not sit on a Beit Din.  Although pagan society may award men for this type of conduct it is most unbefitting for who walk in Mashiyach.  To even be accused of such activity indicates how malicious and contrary this activity is to the true Faith.  Accusations from the enemies of Yeshua and Torah certainly come against those in the household of Faith, but accusations of riotous living and unruly character must never be.

 

Having children that believe

YHWH raises up righteous offspring unto a righteous marriage.  "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6  Today many religious leaders neglect the training up of their children, some leaders only offer rituals in their homes, prayers, bible readings etc, but do not take the time to pray with their children and counsel them as individuals because they are too busy "ministering".  This of course is paganism, children are given by YHWH to be raised in Torah and counseled in the Ways of Mashiyach.  The fruits of a righteous or unrighteous man will be seen in his children.

 

Not self-willed

Not a one-man-show who refuses to be accountable to others.  Men are easily influenced by pagan society, it is easy to hold oneself to be the "measure of all things" over a congregation and want people to look up, respect and honor a man, just because he holds the position of Pastor or Rabbi.  The self willed man seeks veto power so he does not have to accountable for his own actions, he refuses to be "proven" or acknowledged among his peers but takes leadership by self-entitlement.  The self willed nature within leaders epitomizes false christo-pagan religious values.  Truth in this area cannot be reduced to theology or "productivity", just because a person is driven, always very busy, or has a huge vision doesn't make them a servant of YHWH.  The opposite of the self willed man is to always work toward a collective team effort, within a community raising up other leaders, rather than seeking a larger following for oneself.  One-Man-Shows are not of the Malchut Elohim, this can be seen with Moshe and all the men of YHWH who have gone before.

 

Not soon angry

Temperance indicates that one is under YHWH's authority and judgment so he is not quick to remedy the matter on his own terms.  He is willing to yield to the Ruach HaKodesh and await the discernment of the Ruach HaKodesh.  "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of Elohim."  James 1:19-20  An individual who habitually raises their voice and talks over others to get their way indicates he or she has not the wherewithal to properly communicate and lead others.  A leader is called to lead, which means to set the character and values of the meetings and discussions in a manner that is pleasing unto Mashiyach.

 

Not a brawler

Because there is a distinction made between a brawler and a striker we can conclude that a brawler is one who has a habit of trying to resolve matters with brawn not brains.  A brawler of course doesn't only apply to a physical brawl, but one who also has a propensity to fight or prove his one-up-man-ship.  In a marriage a couple can choose to bless, honor and respect YHWH, or they can strive with each other and pull different ways.  A brawler also seeks religious debates to show himself right and others wrong.  A righteous man is not so concerned about having theology as pure as the wind driven snow, but that his actions reflect Mashiyach within his own family and community of YHWH.

 

Not a striker

Any who try to resolve a conflict by striking another obviously shows they have no wherewithal to minister and reconcile conflict, instead they apply brute force, threats and fear.  A striker is one who puts himself in positions of compromise to begin with, then attempts to resolve issues unilaterally.  All resolution must be according to Matthew 18 where both parties to the conflict are judged, a striker shows himself refusing righteous judgment.  "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of Elohim."  James 1:19-20

 

Not greedy of filthy lucre

He indicates by his lifestyle and use of time, that Torah study and serving his community are priorities, rather than making material monuments to himself with which to impress carnally minded souls.  Displays of wealth and material riches is indicative of one who esteems "filthy lucre".  Many Pastors and Rabbis take leadership positions solely because of the draw of a steady guaranteed income and having respect of others, on the one hand while not necessarily "greedy" for materialism they trust in their religious organizations for financial support so much so that they knowingly teach against and compromise the truth so they will not loose their cash flow or pensions, so whether they are greedy for money or not, they compromise to make some "filthy lucre".

 

Given to hospitality

The standards of "hospitality" which Yeshua established are of a much higher standard than that of the world.  Yeshua said, "Give to every man that asks of you; and of him that takes away your goods ask them not again.  And as you would that men should do to you, do also unto them. For if you love them which love you, what grace have you? for sinners also love those that love them.  And if you do good to them which do good to you, what grace have you? for sinners also do even the same.  And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what grace have you? for sinners also lend to sinners , to receive as much again.  But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."  Luke 6:30-36  Yeshua teaches, "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,   And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever you spend more, when I come again, I will repay you."  Luke 10:33-35

 

Lover of Good

"He has shown thee, O man, what is good; and what YHWH requires of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy Elohim."  Micah 6:8

 

Sober minded

Regardless of what the world does, a leader must not live a common existence.  YHWH's chosen are always concerned for the Name of YHWH and his own good name and reputation among the Brethren, as a result a righteous man will deny himself and be sober minded.  When all others about him might do things, go to movies or listen to the worldly music and gossip, a sober minded man takes exception.  A sober minded man knows his reward is not from men, but from YHWH.

 

Tsadiq (Just or Righteous)

To be "just" means to be set-apart and Righteous.  The goal of Mashiyach is to establish a Kedoshim (Holy People), all "leaders" are ultimately responsible to YHWH for nurturing and developing the Mishpocha into a "Kedoshim".  Justice comes from YHWH, it is imperative that leaders walk in Torah each day, wear tzit tzit to remind themselves of who they are in Yeshua and observe Torah, delighting in the Shabbat, observing the Moedim and Kadosh Scriptures, rather than "fitting in" with the status quo.  "And that from a child you have known the Kadosh Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Mashiyach Yeshua.  All Scripture is given by inspiration of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of Elohim may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."  2 Timothy 3:15-17

 

Kadosh (Holy)

The calling for all souls who walk in Yeshua and observe Torah is to be a Kedoshim (Holy People) unto YHWH, therefore it is very unbefitting for a man in leadership not to be renown for this essential ingredient to our Faith.  "For I am YHWH that brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim: you shall therefore be Kadosh (Set-Apart holy), for I am Kadosh."  Vayikra (Leviticus) 11:45

 

Self Controlled

Disciplines thoughts, words and physical body.  Lack of self control shows areas of life that are out of control or excess is given to things that do not profit the spiritual man.  Lack of self control is seen by requiring weekly or daily entertainment or amusements, talking over others and gluttony (obesity) is clearly lack of self control.  Self controlled indicatives one has discernment of the Ruach, taking time to hear from YHWH and overcomes carnal desires that provide instant gratification for the flesh.

 

Holding to the Faithful Word

Always establishes the Word of YHWH as Authority for his life and decisions.  Those who hold to the Faithful Word will automatically expose religious traditions or generally acceptable standards that are not according to Truth.  Being centered on YHWH's Word helps a soul avoid the futile things of the pagans and not be bothered much by conspiracies against YHWH and His Mashiyach.

 

Be able to exhort in the sound doctrine

It follows that if one holds to the Faithful Word that he will be well equipped to exhort others with sound doctrine.  The resources needed to exhort others come through being discipled in the Ruach HaKodesh which comes through observance and experience in Torah.

 

Convict the gainsayers

The gainsayers speak against the Truth and against the values and qualities which YHWH's people ascribe to.  The gainsayers try to refute the truth and lower the righteous standards to become accepted and popular among men.  No one, not even Yeshua was able to convict all the gainsayers all of the time, however those who have ears to hear and eyes to see must be given the truth in a way that would convict them to stop living a lie.  "But sanctify YHWH Elohim in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Mashiyach.  For it is better, if the will of Elohim be so, that you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing."  1 Peter 3:15-17

 

Men who gamble or purchase lottery tickets are not qualified to sit on the Beit Din unless they refrain from such activity. 

 

Men who obtain ill gotten gain or make income by oppressing others do not qualify to sit on a Beit Din. 

 

Men who are in violation of any of Yeshua's Commandments cannot sit on a Beit Din. 

 

The attitude of each one on a Beit Din must be as a servant of YHWH and be helpful, loving, considerate and supportive toward each soul in the Body of Mashiyach.  Each man must be willing to fast and pray as he inquires of YHWH's Counsel and Judgment.  Each man must accept the decision of the majority vote or accept the casting of lots if necessary, in the Name of YHWH.  Each man must be transparent to the Beit Din in all personal matters, keep his vows, be of good reputation or he must voluntarily step down.  Each man must consider it a joyful honor to participate with a Beit Din and know that the Judgment belongs to YHWH, not the individuals who sit on the Beit Din.  Each decision is given through Righteousness, Faith and Mercy of Yeshua Mashiyach's halacha, as directed by the Ruach HaKodesh.

 

Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself, lest you also be tempted.  Bear with one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Mashiyach.  For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor.  For each man shall bear his own burden.  But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things.  Be not deceived; YHWH is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."  Galatians 6:1-7

 

 

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