One of the requirements of the church office of elders is that the man must not have unruly children. “He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),” 1 Timothy 3:4-5.
Therefore, as elders, preachers, teachers, and even as parents, we want to manage our own households and our own congregations well. We do experience joy when we have confidence in our children and our congregations.
Just a few verses earlier in the same chapter as today’s Scripture, we read Paul’s statement to the Corinthians: “Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.” 2 Corinthians 7:4.
The Apostle John wrote: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4.
But, our confidence is not in our own ability to be good and faithful elders, preachers, teachers, and parents. Our confidence is in the Lord. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6. “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5.
Reformed doctrine, which pounds the table on the sovereign, unconditional, and unilateral work of God in salvation, most effectively builds up the faith of the children and the congregations, so they may have confidence in the Lord. And, Reformed doctrine, which pounds the table on the sovereign, unconditional, and unilateral work of God in salvation, most effectively builds up the faith of the elders, preachers, teachers, and parents, so that they may have confidence in the Lord that He will perfect the work in their children and their congregations and that He will strengthen and protect them from the evil one.
And thus, we may experience the joy of both confidence in the Lord and confidence in our children and congregations.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 