The Work of an Elder You’re in, now what?

What Work Does an Elder Do? Involved in caring for the church – Ac 11:29, 30 Involved in settling disputes – Ac 15 Shepherding the church – Ac 20:28-32 – Pay attention to themselves - 28 – Pay attention to the flock – 28 – Care for the church – 28 – Be careful you don’t fall away – 29, 30 – Be alert – 32 – Commended to the Word – 32 Visit and pray – James 5:14

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4 Verse 1: Preliminary info – Peter was exhorting the elders – Peter was an apostle and an elder – He was a witness to Christ’s suffering – He will be a partaker in the glory to be revealed

Chiasm: X I got up this morning, got dressed, and drove into town. I worked hard all day, returned home, put on my PJs and went to bed (A) I got up this morning – (B) got dressed (C) drove into town – (D) I worked hard all day (C) returned home – (B) put on my PJs (A) Went to bed

Chiasm: X The point: the main point or focal point shows the basis of what the writer is trying to communicate PS 76:1 "In Judah God is known, His name is Great in Israel" (A) In Judah – (B) God is known – (B) His name is great (A) In Israel

Chiasm: X Used often in the OT Peter is writing to "the dispersion"; Jewish Christians spread out in the world - 1:1 Peter uses this literary style to draw attention to the value and reward of the work that elders do 1 Peter 5:1-4 Peter writes using a Chiasm to drive the point home

Chiasm: X 1 Peter 5:1-4 (A) Partaker of the glory that will be revealed – (B)Shepherd the flock among you (C) Serving as overseers – (D) not by compulsion, but willingly – (D) not for dishonest gain, but eagerly (C) nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock – (B) When the Chief Shepherd appears (A) you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4 Shepherd the Flock – 2 – This is an imperative command – If an elder won’t lead and “shepherd” should he still be a shepherd? Why? Serving as overseers – 2 – Literally: exercise oversight; manage; oversee; direct – The elders shepherd by overseeing what is going on. – Can elders delegate? Do they need to make ALL the decisions?

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4 Not under Compulsion – 2 – Lit: by force – Who is the one being forced? – How could one be forced to serve as an elder? – How could an elder be forceful towards members? Willingly – 2 – Lit: voluntarily, willingly, enthusiastically – Heb 13:17 – Why should an elder serve willingly?

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4 Not for dishonest gain, but eagerly – 2 – Elders were to be free from the love of money – 1 Tim 3:3; 5:18, etc. – Implies elders were to be generous, but also implies that they were being paid for their work. – Why would it be important to have elders who didn’t view “shepherding” as “just another paycheck”?

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4 Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you – 3 – Lords: domineering; a ruler; to master; subdue – The elders are leaders who must prod the cattle, but not whip them into shape – Not “convert or die” – Mt 10:42, 43 – An elder is NOT the police of the church – But, it is a position of authority and leadership. – Elders are “entrusted” with the church

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4 But Being examples to the flock – 3 – This is the best way to lead! – Verb tense suggests the elders continually becomes the kind of person people look up to and want to follow. – Examples (Ensamples – KJV) Type; pattern; stamp That is, the elders are the transcript for the play of life – Phil 3:17; 1 Thess 1:7; Heb 13:7

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4 When the Chief Shepherd appears… – Refers to Christ – 2:25; Heb 13:20; John 10:11 – No one knows when he will appear, so be ready – 1 Thess 5:1, 2 – Elders are shepherds, but Jesus is the Chief Shepherd!

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4 You will received the crown (STEPHANOS) of glory that does not fade away – It is a heavenly crown – 1 Cor 9:25 There are 2 crowns: – Stephanos – made of leaves, branches; one crown for the victor – Diadem – a ruler’s crown, made of gold, jewels and sparkling – Rev 19:12 – Christians (elders) don’t “rule” the church; Christ does – 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 20:6 – We can run the race and get the unfading crown! Will you?