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