A Congregation’s Relationship to Elders

Introduction:

We need to study the eldership. We need to understand & practice scripture teaching on this subject. Elders are an important part of what Jesus has provided for the health of the local church. Elders watch for our souls. We need to understand they are there to help us, guide us, and instruct us.

I.      Elders in the New Testament Period.

A.     Eph. 4:11-12 – eldership is a divine provision for a real need.

1.     Congregations in the NT were supplied with elders. Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:5

2.     Those in this position of oversight were known as elders; overseers; and shepherds.

B.     During the New Testament period, we see some important characteristics of the office of the eldership:

1.     1 Tim. 3:2 – male; Phil. 1:1 – a plurality of elders

2.     Acts 20:17 – elders were co-equal 1 Peter 5:2 – their oversight was limited

II.     Elders and Congregations Have Responsibilities to Each Other.

A.     Any relationship involves mutual responsibilities.

1.     Brethren & elders have the right to expect certain things of each other.

2.     The roles were NEVER intended to be adversarial.

III.   1 Thess. 5:12 - We must know our elders.

A.     We should know them by the lives they live and the truth they advocate.

1.     When a congregation fails in its duty to know the elders, their work becomes impossible.

B.     5:12 - “Know” or “appreciate” involves more than just being acquainted.

1.     Greek wording suggests that we need to “have regard (for them), cherish, and pay attention (to them.)”

IV.   1 Thess. 5:13 – We must esteem the elders very highly in love.

A.     There is no higher honor bestowed upon a man than that of an elder.

1.     “Esteem” them: the church should consider the elders as leaders & rulers; to have the authority.

B.     They should be esteemed “very highly.”

C.     This should be done “in love.”

1.     Elders should love the church and their work.  Christians should love the elders & respect them for their work.

V.    Heb. 13:17 – we are to be submissive to them.

A.     We must be in subjection to their wishes – to let their decisions prevail over ours.

1.     We should be willing to give way, yield, to yield to their authority and admonition. It involves an attitude. An attitude that desires to obey.

VI.   Heb. 13:7 – we are to remember and imitate the elders.

A.     We are to imitate their life. Think of their qualifications in 1 Tim. 3 & Titus 1.

1.     These qualifications are essential to make the elders a good example to follow.

B.     If we refuse to imitate the righteous faith of qualified elders we sin against God.

VII. Js. 5:14 – We need to call on the elders when in need.

A.     There is a principle found in this verse….calling on them when we are in need.

B.     Sometimes we fear on calling them out of fear of criticism or rejection of their needs.

Conclusion:

A.     This lesson has not been meant to be exhaustive. But it does cover some needs and suggestions that our congregation needs to be challenged on.

B.    How is your relationship with the elders? How is your relationship with Christ?