Leaders in the Lord’s Church (1): The Work of Elders The New Testament Church 2017

Leaders in the lord’s church Ephesians 5:11 Elders part of a mature congregation – Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:5, Acts 20:17 Every congregation should be working toward appointing (more) qualified elders Plurality – Acts 20:17, 1 Peter 5:1, Acts 14:23, etc. Limited to the local work – same passages

The Work of Elders It is a good work – 1 Timothy 3:1 Elders – πρεσβύτερος, presbyteros – can refer to aged – 1 Timothy 5:1-2, 1 Peter 5:5 Here, a reference to one who is mature, with the wisdom to lead. Not a novice – 1 Timothy 3:6 This is needed in the work they are called upon to do.

The Work of Elders Bishop – 1 Timothy 3:1, Philippians 1:1, etc. ἐπίσκοπος, episkopos – an overseer. One with the responsibility to oversee a work, to ensure it is done correctly. They oversee the affairs of a local congregation Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2 serve as overseers.

Pastor (shepherd) – 1 Peter 5:2, Acts 20:28 The Work of Elders Pastor (shepherd) – 1 Peter 5:2, Acts 20:28 ποιμαίνω, poimainō – a shepherd, one who tends sheep. Elders lead the flock in many ways

The Work of Elders In NO text is there a distinction in using these terms! Acts 20:17 - From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church… 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.

The Work of Elders In NO text is there a distinction in using these terms! 1 Peter 5:1-2, The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, …

An entrusted servant of Christ. The Work of Elders Steward – Titus 1:7 An entrusted servant of Christ.

They lead by example – 1 Peter 5:3 This is NOT the only way they lead! The Work of Elders They lead by example – 1 Peter 5:3 This is NOT the only way they lead! Having proven themselves, their faith is worthy of following – Hebrews 13:7

They teach and see to it that the flock is adequately taught – The Work of Elders They teach and see to it that the flock is adequately taught – 1 Timothy 3:2 – able to teach Ephesians 4:11-12 Titus 1:9, holding fast the faithful word, with sound doctrine able to exhort and convict.

They watch for your souls Hebrews 13:7, 17 The Work of Elders They watch for your souls Hebrews 13:7, 17 Acts 20:27-31, to the Ephesian elders

The Work of Elders They pray for us James 5:14

The Work of Elders They shepherd the flock. Shepherds: Lead by getting in front (examples) See that the flock is properly fed and cared for Tend to the wounded and sick – Galatians 6:1, James 5:19-20, Acts 20:35 Protect the flock – Acts 20:29-31 Keep track of the flock – Hebrews 13:7 (cf. John 10:14)

The Work of Elders is NOT: Far too many today misunderstand what their work is. Many expect them to do everything except what they are called upon to do!

The Work of Elders is NOT: An apostle – they have no legislative authority (to make laws, write scripture). They merely enforce and implement God’s law! Maintenance foreman Your personal repairman, etc. Your personal financial advisor, (certified) marriage counselor, or your piggy bank

The Work of Elders is NOT: An escort or errand boy – Galatians 5:13 Appointed to micromanage your life – 1 Peter 5:3 Here to relieve YOUR spiritual responsibilities! Including going to a sinning brother – Matthew 18:15, James 5:19, etc.

The Work of Elders is NOT: The one to blame for your spiritual failures! The one to blame when you are practicing error (either individually or congregationally) NOTE: We do follow their example when it is sound Hebrews 13:7 But when they are in error, we ought to go to them – 1 Timothy 5:19-20 – but be SURE!

The Work of Elders is NOT: Observation: Often, the elders will help you with your struggles, both physically and spiritually, because they want to and can. BUT, they are not to be unduly taken advantage of! Galatians 5:13

Not all can attain to this work! The standard is high (next week) However, as we seek to follow God’s pattern, it is the SAFE way to ensure that we are faithful to Him!

May those appointed to lead us strive to do so as He desires!