Feeding and Leading a Family 1 Timothy 3:1-7

The Local Church “The local church is an identifiable community of regenerated believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. In obedience to Scripture, they gather regularly under the authority of qualified leadership for worship, preaching and teaching, and to observe the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The local church is unified by the Holy Spirit, disciplined for holiness, and equipped to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment as Jesus’ representatives to the world, for the glory of God, and their eternal joy.”

Our Culture of Rebellion “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.” -Declaration of Independence “Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.” -Denis Diderot

Our Culture Meets Scripture “Obey your leaders and submit to them…” -Hebrews 13:17

Who Are These Leaders? Πρεσβυτέρους “Elder”: One who has spiritual maturity. Ποιμάνατε “Pastor”: One who carries responsibility. ἐπισκοποῦντες “Overseer” One who has authority

Elders in the Old Testament The term translated “elder” was used to describe leaders in Israel, Egypt, Midian, Moab, and Gibeon. In the Old Testament, God’s people were led by elders. Their particular function is mentioned 130 times throughout the Old Testament

Elders in the New Testament Priest: Ministry of intercession and mediation on behalf of God’s people. Scribes: Experts in interpreting the Mosaic law and its application Elders: Practical oversight of day to day spirituality by the laity.

The Old Covenant Fulfilled “For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second…In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:7, 13

The Progression from Apostles to Elders “Apostles” are referred to earlier in Acts as those who lead the church (4:35, 5:18, 6:2) As we move further into Acts we begin to see “Apostles and Elders” referred to as the leaders of local churches (15:4, 15:6, 15:22) Toward the end of Acts, the Elders remain as the leaders of local churches (20:17, 21:18)

Elders are Disciplined Men “Sober minded, self controlled” (2) “not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (3) “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (7)

Elders are Family Men “the husband of one wife” (2) “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity, keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” (5)

Elders are Sociable Men “respectable, hospitable.” (2) “Moreover, he must be well-thought of by outsiders…” (7

Elders are Bible Men “able to teach” (2)

Do Elders Have to be Men? 1. The leadership pattern in the church mirrors the pattern God has established for the home.

Do Elders Have to be Men? The leadership pattern in the church mirrors the pattern God has established for the home. This pattern frees women to do what only women can do.

Do Elders Have to be Men? The leadership pattern in the church mirrors the pattern God has established for the home. This pattern frees women to do what only women can do. This pattern places the ultimate responsibility where it belongs.

Can women…… Teach? (Acts 18:24-26) YES! Preach? (1 Corinthians 11:5) YES! Lead as Deacons? (Romans 16:1, 1 Timothy 3:11) YES! Lead as Missionaries? (Romans 16:7) YES! Lead Men within the body? (Acts 18:24-26, 1 Corinthians 11:5, Romans 16:1, 1 Timothy 3:11) YES!

Why Character is Most Important Leaders replicate who they are. The bride of Christ deserves the best.

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