Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Reasons For Such A Lesson… Ê Because this work can be a “heavy burden” to bear at times Emphasis on “work”…not “title” 1 Tim 3:1 An inspired apostle needed encouragement 1 Cor 2:3 Acts 18:9-10 cp. 17:4, 12, 34 If an inspired apostle needed this, do we not think uninspired elders need uplifting at times? Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Reasons For Such A Lesson… Ë Because there can be tremendous “expectations” with this job Some sports teams constantly live under such a “microscope” because of unreasonable fans Likewise, some brethren at times may have “unfair expectations” of an eldership Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Reasons For Such A Lesson… Ë Because there can be tremendous “expectations” with this job Some may “expect” elders to have… …the wisdom of Solomon 1 Kings 3 …the patience of Job Job …the tireless energy of Paul 2 Cor 11:23-28 Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Reasons For Such A Lesson… Ë Because there can be tremendous “expectations” with this job We must not forget that fallible men serve as our shepherds We must also not forget the sacrifices they and their families make Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Encouragement You’ll Need & Find… Ê You are “stewards” of something eternal Emphasized in 1 Pet 5 An exhortation from a “fellow elder” v. 1 You serve “willingly” Ù not by constraint v. 2 You serve “eagerly” Ù not for some gain v. 2 You realize your position as examples Ù not as “lords” v. 3 Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Encouragement You’ll Need & Find… Ë Your work is relationship-based Emphasized in Jn 10 Your labors do not concern raw materials in some manufacturing process, nor the computation of facts & figures Your efforts concern people made in the image of God and their eternal souls Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Encouragement You’ll Need & Find… Ë Your work is relationship-based Emphasized in Jn 10 You are not a “thief” trying to sneak in and harm the flock vv. 1-5, 10 You are known by the sheep…even your voice You are not a “hireling” who doesn’t care even if the flock is in danger vv Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Encouragement You’ll Need & Find… Ë Your work is relationship-based Emphasized in Jn 10 This is why you serve…because you love your flock, wanting what is best for them You are willing to sacrifice and be spent for their good, their welfare Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Encouragement You’ll Need & Find… Ì There is “honor” in serving as an elder Emphasized in 1 Tim 5:17 The context = those whom the local church may support from the treasury Widows indeed vv Elders in their labors v. 17 Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Encouragement You’ll Need & Find… Ì There is “honor” in serving as an elder Emphasized in 1 Tim 5:17 “Double honor” indicates 2 ways to be honored Financial support in laboring as an elder The “honor” (veneration, respect) you deserve The work you do, though at times may seem thankless, is of the highest honor in the kingdom Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Contributions The Flock Can Make… Ê We need to do our part Heb 13:17 We need to “obey” (submit to their leadership) We need to remember “they watch for our souls” “To be sleepless” The shepherd will go without sleep to watch, protect the flock He will also no doubt suffer “sleepless nights” Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Contributions The Flock Can Make… Ê We need to do our part Heb 13:17 Our behavior needs to be such that our shepherds’ watch is “joyous, not grievous” When we do not do right, elders are grieved This is no small matter…it will not be “profitable” for us at judgment Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

The Contributions The Flock Can Make… Ë We need to show them our sincere appreciation for all they do 1 Thess 5:12-13 Saints need to “esteem” elders highly “in love for their work’s sake” No one likes to be taken for granted Make it a point to personally thank these men for their toilsome labors & long hours for your good Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

Some Closing Thoughts… Not just focusing on giving thanks for the fact that we have elders Emphasizing the kind of elders we have We have 6 good and godly shepherds Some shepherds lead their flocks astray cp. Acts 20:28-30 Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

Some Closing Thoughts… Good shepherds smell like sheep They spend time with the flock…in and among them on a continual basis while being busy about their pastoral duties (tending, feeding, providing, protecting, nurturing) Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep

Some Closing Thoughts… Jesus, the Good Shepherd, invites you into His flock Jn 10 He has laid down His life for you v. 15 He wants you to brought into His fold v. 16 Will you come to Him…let Him be your Shepherd? Biblical Exhortations For Elders & Their Sheep