<< Previous | Index | Next >>"SHEPHERDS OF THE FLOCK" Their Work And Responsibility INTRODUCTION 1. In our previous study we... a. Reviewed the New Testament pattern of church organization b. Defined the words used to describe those who serve as elders c. Emphasized the importance of developing and having elders in a local congregation 2. In this study, we direct our attention to the work and responsibility of elders... a. That we might we appreciate those who serve b. That we might better understand the need for certain qualifications [In 1Ti 3:1, we are told that the work of an elder (bishop) is "good". What that work entails can be gleaned by turning to Paul's comments to the Ephesian elders in Ac 20:28-32...] I. TO BE SHEPHERDS OF THE CHURCH A. TAKING HEED TO THEMSELVES... 1. Their example and faithfulness - Ac 20:28a 2. Elders need to be as concerned about their own spiritual development as they are for those under their care B. TAKING HEED TO THE FLOCK... 1. By watching over them (as overseers, i.e., bishops) - Ac 20:28b a. The flock is precious in God's sight b. Having been purchased by the blood of His Son! 2. By feeding them (as shepherds, i.e., pastors) - Ac 20:28c a. To shepherd means to feed, to nourish b. Thus the qualification to be able to teach - 1Ti 3:2 3. By watching out for trouble - Ac 20:29-31 a. Trouble from without ("savage wolves") b. Trouble from within ("among yourselves") C. DEPENDING UPON GOD AND HIS WORD... 1. The first implies much prayer - Ac 20:32 2. The latter implies much study - Ac 20:32 [We turn next to Paul's instructions to the church at Thessalonica in 1Th 5:12-14...] II. TO BE IN CHARGE AND GIVE INSTRUCTION A. THEIR LABOR INVOLVES AUTHORITY... 1. Though not mentioned by name, elders are the only ones who are "over" us (serving as overseers) - Ac 20:28 2. Their authority is limited to that which is "in the Lord" - 1Th 5:12a 3. Their authority pertains to the Lord's will and work a. Contrast with the "discipling" concept of some b. Where the "discipler" assumes authority in all matters B. THEIR LABOR INVOLVES ADMONITION... 1. Warning those who are unruly - 1Th 5:12b,14 2. Comforting the fainthearted, upholding the weak, with patience - 1Th 5:14 3. Such labor requires knowledge of God's will, and wisdom to use it properly! [Then we note what Paul wrote to Timothy...] III. TO BE A TEACHER AND RULER A. ABLE TO TEACH... 1. One of the qualifications of a bishop (elder) - 1Ti 3:2 2. Such is necessary if he is going to be able to fulfill his tasks 3. This may not require eloquence, but certainly knowledge - cf. 2Co 11:6 B. ABLE TO RULE OTHERS WELL... 1. Not just to rule, but to rule well - 1Ti 3:4-5; 5:17 2. To rule in a way that others submit with reverence a. Implies an example inspiring others to follow b. Implies an example which instills confidence in others [To Titus, another evangelist, we find Paul requiring elders...] IV. TO BE A STUDENT AND TEACHER A. A DILIGENT STUDENT... 1. He "holds fast" what he has been taught - Tit 1:9 2. He retains its, does not forget it, and properly applies it 3. Not possible, unless he continues with diligent study B. AN EFFECTIVE TEACHER... 1. Able to use the Word to exhort and encourage the brethren - Ti 1:9 2. Able to use the Word to convict those who contradict, to show the error where it exists [We find similar responsibilities described in the epistle to the Hebrews...] V. TO BE A RULER AND SOUL WATCHER A. ONE WHO RULES OVER OTHERS... 1. Though elders are not mentioned by name, they are the ones who rule - He 13:17; cf. 1Ti 3:4-5; 5:17 2. They must do so properly, as we shall see shortly B. ONE WHO WATCHES OUT FOR OUR SOULS... 1. A clear reference to the elders who oversee the flock - cf. Ac 20:28 2. An awesome responsibility, for they must give an account - He 13:17 a. This may shy some men away from serving as elders b. But don't forget the parable of the talents! [Finally, we note what Peter, himself an elder, had to say about the work and responsibility of elders...] VI. TO BE A SHEPHERD WHO OVERSEES AND LEADS A. SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK... 1. By overseeing - 1Pe 5:2 2. Doing so willingly, eagerly - 1Pe 5:2 B. LEADING BY EXAMPLE... 1. Not as "lords", i.e., lording their authority over the flock - 1Pe 5:3 2. But by being examples that inspire those they lead and feed - 1Pe 5:3 CONCLUSION 1. We might summarize by concluding... a. The responsibility of elders is to oversee the flock, both leading and guarding the sheep b. The work of elders is accomplished by teaching and providing examples for the sheep to follow 2. Hopefully, this helps us to understand... a. Why Paul calls it "a good work" b. Why the qualifications in 1Ti 3:1-7 and Tit 1:5-9 are what they are c. Why we should highly esteem those who serve as elders Our next study will begin examining the qualifications of elders...<< Previous | Index | Next >>
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