Royce P. Bell MV Church, SB (Appoint Art Maddox) Overseeing the Flock The Heart of Divine Discipline

1 Peter 5:1-5 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God;

...and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. ~ 1 Peter 5:1-5 ~

Overseeing the Flock: What? Obligation to exercise oversight –The word (Gr. exousia, authority) is never applied to overseers, but it is inherent in the scope of their obligation of oversight Accountability for exercising over- sight in a shepherdic fashion –Not under compulsion, nor Lords... –As watchful examples who lead the flock

Exercise Oversight: How? Directly, Personally –By exemplary life and personal, moral influence –Certain specific obligations of oversight cannot be delegated: Able to teach, exhort, refute “call for the elders of the church” (James 5:14)

Delegation –Provisioning ministry of the word, cf. Acts 6:2, “it is not desirable …to neglect the word” Relation of preacher to elders, and elders to preacher is a tenuous one, for each is a Divine “check” against abuse in the other, cf. 1 Timothy 5: 19:21, “do not receive…rebuke…maintain without bias…do not share in the sins of others” –Appointing qualified teachers –Surrendering “micromanagement” to deacons –Expecting obedient submission in others

“Passing the torch…” –By careful attention to exemplary oversight, so that younger men will see the benefit of service –By pro-active molding of the several qualifications in those with desire and capability Some do not have the desire --- must they serve? Others do not have the mental, emotional, or spiritual ability --- should they serve? –By regular introduction of new, qualified men who will join in oversight obligations

Oversight in the Qualifications 1 Timothy 3:1-7 –Several spiritual qualifications, including temperance, prudence, respectability, gentleness –Several practical qualifications: Not a money-lover Good manager of family, children An established, mature saint Good reputation outside the church

Titus 1:5-9 –Similar/equivalent spiritual qualifications, such as not reproachable, not self-willed or quickly angered, lover of good, sensible, just, devout –Similar/equivalent practical qualifications: Believing children…not relation to “keeping child- ren under control with all dignity…” –The design of the qualification is to SEE the ability of the man to exercise moral influence (1) in the home, (2) in the church Holding the faithful word, able to exhort in the word and refute false teachers

Duties of the Overseen 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (text, vr. 5) –Self-submission to those in oversight –Mutual humility (among both over- seers and the overseen)

This is a Special Day Of acknowledging the spiritual and personal qualifications of one who desires to serve Of continuing our history of faithfulness, even as we chart new territory and fresh ideas Of “passing the torch” Of insuring our future