Post on 29-Jan-2016
transcript
CONCERNING ELDERS
The work
The qualifications
And what they are not
1 Peter 5:1-2
I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a
partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of
God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not
for shameful gain, but eagerly;
The Work of Elders
• Presbuteroi / elder
• Poimen / shepherd, pastor
• Not titles, but job descriptions
A shepherd, exercising
oversight would
lead, feed, rest,
protect, heal, and nurture, guided
by God’s will, not self, for the
crown of v. 4.
Acts 20:28-31Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has
made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my
departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and
from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw
away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that
for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
The Work of Elders
3 Works Given…
1. Guard yourselves
2. Guard the flock
3. Be on the alert
Episkopoi / overseer, bishop
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give
an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would
be of no advantage to you.
The Work of Elders
• He watches for souls
• As one who will give account
Shepherding is a serious job and not for everyone.
If the Job is NOT for Everyone,Who qualifies?
The Holy Spirit says it is the one who is…
1. Above reproach (nothing laid at his feet)
2. Husband of one wife
3. Temperate (moderate)
4. Prudent (wise)
5. Respectable (worthy of it)
6. Hospitable
7. Able to teach (without excuses !?1)
If the Job is NOT for Everyone,Who qualifies?
The Holy Spirit says it is the one who is…
7. Not addicted to wine
8. Or pugnacious
9. Gentle
10. Uncontentious
11. Free from the love of money
If the Job is NOT for Everyone,Who qualifies?
The Holy Spirit says it is the one who is…
12. Manages his household …well …with dignity
…has his children under control
13. Not a novice
14. Having a good reputation outside
If the Job is NOT for Everyone,Who qualifies?
The Holy Spirit says it is the one who is…
15. Having children who believe
16. Not self-willed
17. Not quick tempered
18. Hospitable
19. Loving what is good, lover of good men
If the Job is NOT for Everyone,Who qualifies?
The Holy Spirit says it is the one who is…
20. Sensible, i.e. reasonable, approachable
21. Just, i.e. fair
22. Devout
23. Self-controlled
24. Holding fast the faithful word
What Elders are Not…
1 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for
training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent,
equipped for every good work.
Elder is not an honorary label, title, or position of respect
What Elders are Not…
Matthew 20:25-26
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the
Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant
Lords, bosses, or chiefs giving orders
What Elders are Not…
Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the
Holy Spirit has made you overseers…
…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight…
Traveling shepherds - authority is in their own local flock
What Elders are Not…
1 Timothy 5:19-21
19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three
witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the
presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep
these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
Above correction
What Elders are Not…
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will
have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning,
for that would be of no advantage to you.
Free from accountability
Leadership is Always a Serious Job Because…• Souls are at stake
• You are watched as examples
• Power is corrupting
• It can be grieving
• Family leadership example is needed
But leadership can also be richly rewarding and satisfying.