1. THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURAL ELDERS Heb 13:7-17 Scripture Reading: Heb 13:7-17

2. Introduction As we continue our study of elders we have come to the question of what authority they may or may not have This morning we will address their authority from three key areas The Source of their authority The nature of their authority The scope of their authority

3. The source of the elder’s authority Is it from themselves? Are they the final authority, subject to no one? They are subject to and answer to Christ Mt 28:18 “ 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Eph 1:22-23 “ 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Col 1:18 “ 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”

4. The source of the elder’s authority Is it from the congregation Is the local church a democracy? No! Can the congregation say, “We placed him in the office, we don’t like his decisions, we can take him right back out!” No! The Holy Spirit appointed this elder Acts 20:28 “ 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

5. The source of the elder’s authority Is it from the preacher? Do the elders need to consult the preacher for approval of their decisions? No! Titus was told to appoint elders in every church Tit 1:5 “ 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—” Does this infer elders are subject to the preacher? No! The Preacher is to preach, even to the elders 2 Tim 4:2,5 “ 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching… 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” Elders are to have the oversight and rule well, therefor the preacher is subject to them Acts 20:28 “ 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 1 Tim 5:17 “ 17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”

6. The source of the elder’s authority Is it from Christ? Does the eldership have its authority from the “Head”? Yes! Christ has all authority in the Church…if authority is given, it must be from Him Col 1:18 “ 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Authority of elders is the authority of Christ Rebellion against scriptural elders is rebellion against Christ Rejection of God’s leaders brings one under condemnation

7. The nature of the elder’s authority It is not a one man dictatorship Decisions made must be made by the entire eldership Every NT example has a plurality of elders (More than one) Acts 11:30 “ 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Phil 1:1 “1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops [a] and deacons:”a 1 Thes 5:12-13 “ 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”

8. The nature of the elder’s authority Two areas in which authority is administered Divine rule: the making of laws Human judgment: deciding how to actin practice of already established law Do Elders function in both areas? No! Elders can not make any law for the church…this right belongs exclusively to Christ Jam 1:25 “ 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” Jam 4:12a “ 12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy…”

9. The nature of the elder’s authority In matters of human judgment and decisions concerning the church and its course of action, elders exercise authority in the local church Examples of these decisions Meeting time for worship: cannot change the day authorized by God but can set time of day as it is not specified by God Who will preach: Cannot choose an unsound preacher, but the specific choice of a sound preacher is made by the elders Who will teach bible classes Bible class material used When and who to have for Gospel meetings

10. The nature of the elder’s authority Some misconceptions about the authority of elders An elder can only rule in word and not in action 1 Pet 5:3b “being examples to the flock;” This is false Heb 13:7 “ 7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.” Elders have no authority outside the assembly (False) Heb 13:17 “ 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” If this were true sins such as adultery, lying, drunkenness, hatred etc., couldn’t be disciplined unless they occurred in the assembly

11. The scope of the elder’s authority Members of the local church must obey God’s rule and submit to the eldership 1 Tim 5:17 “ 17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” Heb 13:17 “ 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” The eldership must rule according to God’s Word Tit 1:9 “ 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.” Heb 13:7 “ 7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.”

12. The scope of the elder’s authority Authority demands responsibility…what are the elder’s responsibilities? Maintain an orderly worship and make sure necessary tools available Direct the teaching program: Classes, teachers, materials Can offer outside support to preachers at other locations but must be make sure Truth is being taught Phil 4:16-17 “ 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” Pray and watch out for the flock Jam 5:14 “ 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Initiate discipline 1 Thes 5:12 “ 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,” Direct deacons in their work

13. The scope of the elder’s authority The limit of the authority 1 Pet 5:2 “ 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;” The autonomy of the local church must be respected Autonomy: right of self-government; and independent body No local eldership has the right to oversee or rule over the affairs of any other local church under any circumstances

14. Conclusion There is wisdom in doing things God’s way We will always encounter difficulty and strife if we attempt to alter God’s design Let us simply follow God’s plan in regards to The source of the elder’s authority The nature of the elder’s authority The scope of the elder’s authority