ELDERS, THE OFFICE
Introduction:
1. God's arrangement for those who are His children to function as
a unit is through the local congregation.
2. There is to be elders over each congregation. Each congregation
is to be autonomous.
3. Deacons, evangelists and members working under the elders.
4. In this lesson: The Office of the Eldership.
I. THE TERMS USED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:
1. The term "elder" originally used to denote those of greater
age and consequently, experience.
2. Later the idea of age became merged to dignity and
experience.
(a) Luke 15:25 -- used to denote seniority.
(b) Matt. 16:21; Acts 4:;5 -- Jewish elders of Synagogue.
(c) Acts 14:23; 20:17; Titus 1:5 -- Those appointed in local
churches to exercise the oversight.
3. Three words used interchangeably with reference to the same
group of men:
(1) The words are not synonymous, but interchangeable.
(2) Each word represents some particular phase of the work.
(3) No distinction in rank or office suggested by the words.
(a) (presbuteros) -- Translated by two English words,
"elder" and "presbyter." The word suggests an older
man, hence refers to age and experience. Acts 14:23;
1 Tim. 5:1, 17; Titus 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1.
(b) (episkopos) -- Translated by two English words,
"bishop" and "overseer." The word suggests super-
vision, direction and oversight, hence refers to
function. Acts 20:28; Titus 1:7; 1 Tim. 3:1; Phil.
1:1.
(c) (poimen) -- Translated by two English words, "pastor"
and "shepherd." The words suggest nurture, feeding
and teaching, hence refers to tender care and
compassion. Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:25; 5:2. ("Tend...")
4. You will note in Acts 20:17, 28, the different words being
used with reference to the same men: Elders, bishops, to
feed. Also, in Titus 1:5-7 -- "appoint elders...for the
bishop...."
II. THE OFFICE OF AN ELDER:
1. No office that man can hold that ever begins to measure up to
this office. A most important obligation -- oversight of
God's people. Men of greater age and experience, not a
"novice." The greatest honor that can be bestowed upon mortal
man. Yet, it is more than an honor.
2. All men in the church should have aspirations to become an
elder, an overseer of God's family.
3. Young men should begin NOW to prepare, those who are older
should strive to become qualified and serve.
III. THE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY OF AN ELDERSHIP:
1. Acts 20:28 -- "Feed the flock...," the church.
(a) Perhaps of all work, none is more important than this.
(b) To assist members to grow spiritually in service to God.
(c) God provides the food, spiritual milk, stronger meat.
(d) "Apt to teach" reason for this particular requirement.
(e) They are responsible for what is taught to the
congregation. The preacher and teachers are under their
oversight.
2. Acts 20:29-31 -- Guard the flock from false teachers:
(a) Keeping out false teaching, those who would cause
division or lead away the younger members. From without
and from within.
3. 1 Peter 5:2 -- Tend the flock; shepherd the flock.
(a) The church is a flock, Christ the chief shepherd and the
elders shepherding under His control.
(b) As shepherd feeds flock and protects them from wolves,
bears, thieves and robbers. So, must elders care for the
church. HOW TENDER!!! LOVING CARE!!!
4. 1 Tim. 5:17 -- To rule the church. Heb. 13:17; 24.
(a) Every entity needs authority: family, school, nation, the
church.
(b) Elders are to rule the church in somewhat the same
manner, that a kind, tactful, yet firm and watchful
father rules the family.
(c) 1 Pet. 5:3 -- "Not to lord over God's heritage..." This
rule must be under the authority of God's Word. Elders
are not "ruling Lords," in the common sense, but to be
examples, shepherds, etc.
NOTE: Congregation is not to blindly follow eldership.
Following Christ must come first -- Acts 5:29.
Some contend, "Whatever the elders decide, we must
obey." NOT SO!!! 1 Tim. 5:19-20. Each person is
responsible for his own deeds, own soul.
5. Heb. 13:17 -- "Watching in behalf of souls...."
(a) Responsible for the spiritual condition of the members.
(b) Active, constant, watch care over each individual.
(c) Working WITH each member, keeping each reminded of their
responsibility.
6. Titus 1:9 -- "Holding the faithful word...able to exhort...."
(a) Able to convict the gainsayers, false teachers.
(b) Thus, a knowledge of God's Word is essential, necessary.
7. As we study the QUALIFICATIONS of an elder, much of this will
be stressed.
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