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

The Words Reflect the Work Elder (presbuteros) – “older man”; head of the family – In Patriarchal times, they were the leaders and heads of their families – Ex 3:16, 18; 4:29-31; 18:12; 19:7 – Moses’ time, they represented the people – Ex 24:1 Involved in symbolic events – Lev 4:15 Atoned for sin – Dt 21:1-9 Rejected God as their king – 1 Sam 9:4-7 Worthy woman’s husband was sitting with the elders of the land – Prov 31:23

The Words Reflect the Work Elder (presbuteros) – “older man”; head of the family – In Patriarchal times, they were the leaders and heads of their families – Ex 3:16, 18; 4:29-31; 18:12; 19:7 – Moses’ time, they represented the people – Ex 24:1 Traditions of the elders were a law bound on the people – Mt 15:2

Elders in Christianity The term elder took on a new meaning We first see elders in Acts 11:30 – We don’t know how or when they become elders, but that they are elders Paul and Barnabus involved in appointing elders in the Gentile churches – Ac 14:23 Elders helped settle church problems – Ac 15:4, 6, 22 There were elders in the church in Ephesus – Ac 20:17

The Words Reflect the Work Elder – presbuteros – Older – Representative; ruler – 1 Tim 5:17 Overseer, Bishop – episkopos – Manager, bishop, overseer – Describes their (overseeing) nature of their work – Vine Pastor – poimen – Meaning shepherd – 1 Pet 5:2

The Words Reflect the Work Shepherd – John 10:1-6; – Enters by the door – Sheep hear his voice – 3 – Calls the sheep by name – 3 – Leads them – 4 – Gives his life for them – 11 – Cares for them – 13 – Knows the sheep – 14 – Sheep should know the shepherd

Application: Do I respect the age & wisdom of the elders? Am I helping the elders to manage and oversee the church? Am I manageable? Am I trying to get to know the elders? Do I let them get to know me? Am I willing to follow the leadership of the elders?