0074 Praise The Lord

What Elders Wish The Church Knew About Elders Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for 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.

Being an elder is not an easy job, but rather is a job that places one in a position of responsibility for another person’s soul (Hebrews 13:17). Knowing this truth speaks volumes about the men who serve as elders for they must first “desire” the work (1 Timothy 3:1). Our need for understanding promotes unity. (Matthew 12:25) In the interest of unity, let’s examine what elders wish the church knew about elders. Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. 1 Tim 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do Matt 12:25 And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, " Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.

Elders Wish The Church Would Give Them The Benefit Of The Doubt –The church has recognized them as mature men of wisdom and good judgment. (1 Timothy 3:1-7) –Be slow to jump to conclusions about the elders and protect them when others do (1 Timothy 5:19). –Elders are often privy to facts that will never see the light of day. –If these men are unworthy of our trust, when we don’t always understand their decisions, then we should not have appointed them elders in the first place. 1 Tim 3:1-7 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil 1 Tim 5:19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.

Elders Wish The Church Would Give Them The Benefit Of The Doubt. Elders Wish The Church Would Recognize They Are Not The Opposition –Too often, churches develop an “us” -vs- “them” mentality. –Such an attitude will destroy the church (1 st Cor 12:25). –Their advice and correction should be heeded (Hebrews 13:17). 1 Cor 12:25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Elders Wish The Church Would Give Them The Benefit Of The Doubt. Elders Wish The Church Would Recognize They Are Not The Opposition Elders Wish The Church Would Recognize That Responsibility For Faithfulness Is A Two-Way Street –Elders certainly have an obligation to know and shepherd the flock (1 Peter 5:1-4; John 10:14). –The church has just as much responsibility toward the elders (1 Thess. 5:12-13; John 10:4). –The larger the church, the greater the responsibility is upon the elders and the church. 1 Peter 5:1-4 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me 1 Thess 5:12-13 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another John 10:4 When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice

Elders Wish The Church Would Give Them The Benefit Of The Doubt. Elders Wish The Church Would Recognize They Are Not The Opposition Elders Wish The Church Would Recognize That Responsibility For Faithfulness Is A Two-Way Street Elders Wish The Church Knew What Their Job Is –The term “bishop/overseer” is inclusive of decision making, but an elder’s role is much broader than just decision making. –(Ezekiel 34:1-4). –Being an elder gives these men the right to get involved in your “personal life.” Ezek 34:1-4 Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? 3 "You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. 4 "Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them

Psalm 142:4 –Look to the right and see; For there is no one who regards me; There is no escape for me; No one cares for my soul. –The elders are there keeping watch over our soul!! –Know your responsibility