Leaders in the Church (6) Elders (5) What are our responsibilities to elders? New Testament Church 2017

Treat them like Christians They (too) are Christians first As Christians, we must remember every command concerning how we treat each other. We love and care for one another We seek for unity We govern our tongues and attitudes toward one another 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Galatians 6:1-2, etc.

Recognize them 1 Thessalonians 5:12, recognize those who labor among you. Recognize (know – KJV, appreciate – NASB) To see with perception, or a fullness of knowledge (Vine’s) Jesus was known by His sheep (John 10:14, 1-5; cf. 1 Peter 5:1-5) Get to know them personally, to better understand their decision making process.

Esteem them highly Esteem means to regard with great respect. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 we esteem them highly in love for their work’s sake. Esteem means to regard with great respect. Hebrews 13:7, we follow their faith, considering the outcome of their conduct 1 Timothy 5:17, be counted worthy of double honor. “Double honor”, when appropriate support them financially, AND with the esteem we just noted.

Esteem them highly How do we talk to them? How do we talk about them? 1 Thessalonians 5:13 How do we esteem them highly? How do we talk to them? How do we talk about them? What is our attitude toward them? How do we respond to their instructions? Considering their qualifications and work, they deserve proper treatment.

Submitting (obeying) them Hebrews 13:17, obey and be submissive. 1 Timothy 5:17, because they “rule well” they are esteemed and counted worthy. Scriptural church government is NOT a democracy! We yield to their decisions

Submitting (obeying) them Why do we yield to them? Hebrews 13:17, because they watch out for our souls, as those who must give an account. Being qualified and appointed, we need to trust their decisions EVEN when it is unpleasant or we don’t understand (sometimes we may not even have all the facts, but they do).

Submitting (obeying) them Note: “Obey” and “Submit” are both present tense verbs (as is “watch”). Of course, they must be obeying God in their decisions (cf. Acts 5:29)

Make their jobs pleasurable Hebrews 13:17, don’t cause them grief! Serving as an elder is not always easy. AT times it is burdensome. They have to deal with the rebellious, sinful and weak, as well as wolves in our midst (cf. Acts 20:28-30) WE should not make matters worse for them! Note the warning from God, “that would be unprofitable for you”

Follow their example Hebrews 13:7, whose faith follow. 1 Peter 5:3, they are examples to the flock 2 Thessalonians 3:9, even Paul, as an apostle, preferred to lead by example over compulsion. It is always better to lead by example. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way” (John C. Maxwell)

Defend them 1 Timothy 5:19, do not receive an accusation against them unless you have witnesses. We should not be looking for trouble with our leaders. Learn to give the benefit of the doubt. (1 Corinthians 13:5-7). Stand up for and defend them

Defend them NEVER criticize them before unbelievers (or your children). Again, treat them like Christians (cf. Matthew 7:12) Matthew 7:1-5, John 7:24, judge them righteously

Defend them Before you choose to criticize them ask: 1) Am I a hypocrite in this? 2) What if every member treated them like I do? 3) Am I more than an “armchair critic”? 4) Do I know what I’m talking about? 5) Am I aware of how much easier it is to make decisions in hindsight? 6) Am I being fair and just in my criticism?

Approach them with respect 1 Timothy 5:19-20, do not receive an accusation… 1 Timothy 5:20, there are times for rebuke. Consider Peter (Galatians 2:11-14, 1 Peter 5:1) Godly men would want to be corrected BUT, again, let it be done in love and respect – cf. 1 Timothy 5:1, as a father. 1 Peter 5:5 – with humility

Call on them when in need James 5:14-15 Like EVERY Christian, they are not to be unduly taken advantage of. But being mature and caring Christians, they will help in whatever way they can. Avail yourselves of their wisdom, etc.

Call on them when in need James 5:14-15 Godly elders will: 1) Pray for you 2) Give you spiritual advice 3) Give you their wisdom in other matters (when appropriate) 4) Visit and encourage you 5) Help you resolve differences with one another.

Help them Considering their sacrifices and what they are doing for you and the flock: Pray for them Honor them as discussed Encourage them and thank them Communicate with them Grow spiritually Do your share of the work Act like a Christian!

Is our conduct toward our leaders as God wants it to be? New Testament Church 2017