God intended only for good men to be elders. “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (Heb 13:7) . But, why do we have elders? “In His infinite wisdom, God provided elders for His church.” The Resurrected Christ “Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Eph 4:11). “Pastor” and “elder” both refer to the same position (Acts 20; 1 Pet 5).

In His infinite wisdom God provided elders for His church, because error is a reality. Some pretend like error doesn’t exist. Jesus did not agree. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (Jn 14:15). Jesus told the church at Pergamos to repent of error (Rev 2:14-16).

In combatting error, Paul told Titus to appoint elders. “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you” (Tit 1:5). What was lacking in Crete? Elders who could combat error. An elder must hold “fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Tit 1:9). Notice also that Paul ties appointing elders to the silencing of those advocating error. Tit 1:10-11. The “for” at verse 10 ties the appointment of elders to the silencing of those teaching error.

In His infinite wisdom, God provided elders for His church to watch over the souls of Christians. From the dawn of humanity, sin has been very real and has destroyed countless lives. At baptism, we’re cleansed of our sin and we rise to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:1-4). But, we still struggle with sin.

God designed elders to help keep us on the straight and narrow way. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls” (Heb 13:17). “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). The word “shepherd” implies care, concern, gentle leading. In John 10, Jesus talks about the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd protects his sheep at the cost of his own life (v 11). The good shepherd knows his sheep (v 14). The good shepherd is known by the sheep (v 14).

In His infinite wisdom, God provided elders for His church to set examples for the flock. In Scripture, we see the power of example. Jesus and the Twelve. To the Ephesian elders Paul says, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak” (Acts 20:35). Elders are intended to be examples before the people of God. Look at the qualification of elders in 1 Tim 3 and Tit 1. Peter told elders to shepherd the flock of God not “as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet 5:3).

“In His infinite wisdom, God provided elders for His church.” How does that impact those of us who are not elders?

You need to make the elders’ role an easy one. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Heb 13:17). Two questions: What does that have to do with God’s infinite wisdom in the establishment of elders? How do we fulfill that command in light of God’s wisdom?

Spend considerable time in Scripture. One: Know the Book. Spend time in Scripture so that you know the will of Almighty God & elders will have no reason to correct you. The Bereans “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether” the things taught by Paul and Silas were true (Acts 17:11). A major purpose of Scripture is the setting forth of doctrinal truths. “I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15). “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine” (2 Tim 3:16). Spend considerable time in Scripture.

Two: You watch your life. What if we took careful control of our own lives and the elders were free to help others? “Each one shall bear his own load” (Gal 6:5). Paul had earlier said to bear each other’s burdens (v 2). The Greek words are different. “Burdens” (v 2): a large weight that you could not bear on your own in a million years. “Load” (v 5): a soldier’s backpack, something easily carried by yourself.

Take careful inventory of your life. We need to keep a close watch on our lives and our hearts so our elders are not overburdened. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine” (1 Tim 4:16). “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8). Take careful inventory of your life.

You need to look to the elders’ example. Scripture speaks of their example. What in their lives can you apply to your own?

You need to lift up your elders in prayer. The elders have a difficult role. What better way of encouraging them and helping them than taking their names to the very throne of God? Paul urged that prayers be made for kings and all those in authority that we might live quiet and peaceable lives (1 Tim 2:1-2). If we need to give time to pray for those who deal with matters of this world, how much more do we need to pray for those who deal with things of the eternal world! When was the last time you prayed for the elders?

Do you need our prayers this morning?