1. The Authority of Elders 1 Peter 5:1-4

2. Leadership Provided by God In the home, society, and church Must not ignore His plan

3. Elders Departure involved the scope of the elders’ authority Need to know both the nature and scope of their authority

4. General Facts Source –Not self-derived (Titus 1:7) –Not derived from the preacher of the congregation –From Christ (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18) –Must be respected (Numbers 12:9, 10)

5. General Facts Nature –Vested in the group, not any individual elder –Do not legislate (James 4:12) –Make sure His will is carried out –Have authority beyond their example (Hebrews 13:17)

6. General Facts Scope –Begins and ends with a local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1, 2) –Responsible for the authorized work of the church –Accountable to God (Hebrews 13:7)

7. Specific Duties Oversee the work –They are overseers (Gk.- presbuteros) (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12) –Exercise oversight, not “lord it over” the church (1 Peter 5:2, 3) –Members to submit (Hebrews 13:17) –They rule meaning “be at the head of” (1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7, 17)

8. Specific Duties Shepherd the flock –Used by both Paul and Peter (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2) –Shepherd (Gk. poimaino) –Involves feeding, guiding, and guarding the flock (Acts 20:28, 29) –Not mere hirelings (John 10:12; 1 Timothy 3:3)

9. Specific Duties Be on the alert –Shepherds had to be aware constantly –Elders are to be aware (Acts 20:31) –Face the enemies (Acts 20:32) –Stop the mouths of troublemakers (Titus 1:9-13)

10. Conclusion This is God’s plan We must follow it