THE WORK OF ELDERS

SCRIPTURE PRINCIPLES FOR THE BELIEVER All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

SCRIPTURE PRINCIPLES FOR THE BELIEVER I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9, ESV)

SCRIPTURE PRINCIPLES FOR THE BELIEVER Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3, ESV) They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” (Galatians 1:23, ESV) Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, (Philippians 1:25, ESV)

The Man Above Reproach Husband of one wife Temperate, Prudent Respectable Hospitable Able to teach Not addicted to wine Not pugnacious Gentle, Uncontentious Free from love of money Manages household well Not a new convert Good reputation outside Husband of one wife Children who believe C. not accused of dissipation or rebellion Not self-willed Not quick tempered Not addicted to wine Not pugnacious Not fond of sordid gain Hospitable, self-controlled Loving what is good Sensible, just, devout Holding fast the word

What can be expected of biblical leaders? Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28, ESV) That they take heed to themselves.

What can be expected of biblical leaders? Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28, ESV) That they take heed to all the flock.

What can be expected of biblical leaders? And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32, ESV) That they be guided by the word of God

What can be expected of biblical leaders? …not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:3, ESV) That they be good examples

What can be expected of biblical leaders? … shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;. (1 Peter 5:2, ESV) That they take the oversight

What can be expected of biblical leaders? Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. (1 Timothy 5:17, ESV) That they rule well

I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. (3 John 1:9-10, ESV)

What can be expected of biblical leaders? shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; (1 Peter 5:2, ESV) 12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, (1 Thess. 5:12, ESV) That they shepherd the flock

What can be expected of biblical leaders? I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30, ESV) That they are careful of self and false teachers

What can be expected of biblical leaders? He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. (Titus 1:9-11, ESV) That they silence vain talkers and those causing division

What can be expected of biblical leaders? The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. (Acts 15:6, ESV) That they settle disputes in the church

What can be expected of biblical leaders? Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14, ESV) That they pray for the sick, physically or spiritually

Are these things important? For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV ) Elders are part of doing all things decently and in order So that the church might carry on its responsibility in evangelism, edification, and benevolence