1. The Authority of Elders

2. The Authority of Elders is God-given!
The Holy Spirit makes elders, shepherds or overseers (Acts 20:28)
When the Israelites objected to the authority exercised by Moses and Aaron, they were objecting to God’s authority (Numbers 16:3, 11)

3. The Authority of Elders…
Not as “lords over” the flock (1 Peter 5:1-3)
The word translated “lords over” means…
“to lord against, that is, control, subjugate, exercise dominion over be lord over, overcome.” (Strong)
“to bring under one’s power…to subdue, master, to hold in subjection, to be master of, exercise lordship over” (Thayer)
Note its use in Matthew 20:25-26; Mark 10:42-43; Luke 22:25-26, Acts 19:14-16.
It implies gaining domination by force!

4. The Authority of Elders…
Involves “rule”
Elders are to “rule well” (1 Timothy 5:17)
Elders are to “rule over” (Hebrews 13:17)
Members are to “obey” and “be submissive”
Is like that of Shepherds (1 Peter 5:2-4; Acts 20:28-29; Psalm 23)
Is that of an Overseer or Superintendent (1 Peter 5:2)
Extends to both physical and spiritual matters (James 5:14; Acts 15:6; 11:29-30)

5. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you Hebrews 13:17