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Growth in size must be commensurate with growth in spiritual maturity. There is more to this requirement than just organizational stuff. This is the fourth passage that has referred to multiple elders. . These are encouragements, but the verse does not help us understand the meaning of he word. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses. The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter. destroyed for lack of knowledge. Teachers who are false, or do not know the Scripture, or are not diligent in their responsibilities, blunt the growth of their congregations. . The apostles may have involved, and probably did involve, the church in selecting the elders. The deacons should then be selected under the direction of the elders (Acts 6). If elders believe the Holy Spirit desires like mindedness and works amongst elders for unity, as suggested in Acts 15:22-28, 1 Corinthians 1:10: and Philippians 2:2, then disagreements should suggest that the timing is not right the Holy Spirit has not adequately prepared the fellow elders for the decision. Intimacy comes when we search for Jesus with all of our hearts. Others say that it means that the elder cannot be a divorced man. Without this conviction how can he survive under the burdens of the ministry? Without doctrine we are tossed here and there (Ephesians 4:14) and without love we are in sin (James 2:8-9). It is the passion for God that God develops in a man. He did not force the word to mean popular election in one verse and appoint in another. God is interested in growing believers who know and love Him (I John 2:14-16). Vol. The elder is respectable. Organizational matters were second. 1974. , p. 105. The idea of a correct way of reasoning implies that the elder is able to take facts and reach a wise conclusion. Each local church should select a plurality of each category of leader. What is typically missing is a solid extensive knowledge of the Bible, and it is evidenced in our seminary graduates and churches. Louw and Nida. The Role of the Preacher This lesson compares the many modern views of the minister to the Biblical description of the role, qualifications and work of a local evangelist. Why? However, help is found from Philo, who reveals that the word means skillful in teaching.[16]Other significant authors agree, including W. F. Arndt[17], John Calvin[18], Colin Brown et al[19], Danker and Bauer[20], and Thayer. D. Edmond Hiebert. It is written to other elders who reside in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. In that passage, Timothy is encouraged to do a number of things, including . The people nominated the deacons, and the apostles put the deacons in charge (). Regardless of viewpoint, we will see that the biblical evidence weighs in favor of greater responsibility for the leadership and a supportive congregation. They may participate in meetings, contribute to policy development, and provide This is the first in a series of marks of spiritual maturity that are absolutely necessary for a group of elders to work together and make decisions. 1 Peter 5:1-3 (NASB). It is enough for the disciple that he become as his teacher, and a slave as his master. 31. But during Jesus time, this Koine Greek word had a different meaning. What makes the church distinct from the world is Jesus Christ. He seeks unity of purpose and mind. This incredible passage is a wonderful summary of the New Testament teaching about elders. Being an elder can be very lonely, even when among elders. 4:2; Titus 1:9). I Peter 5:3 warns elders to not be lording it over the congregation. These qualifications are extremely important, since this is one of his two responsibilities as an elder. Theological Lexicon of the New Testament. Gods greatest desire is that after you believe in Him, you will earnestly desire a very close and deep relationship with Him. Though greatest in one sense, in another he is to be servant of all.[32]. This is probably the most important passage regarding a pattern for the selection of elders in the New Testament. That would imply these elders are really entitled to it. So my soul pants for You, O God. The marks of spiritual maturity are given in both 1 Timothy and Titus. Elders are to be safeguarded from having to answer accusations unless there is corroborating evidence. God is not looking for perfect men, but men whose pattern of life evidences the marks of godly, spiritual maturity. This is required for his major responsibility. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB). The pattern of spiritual maturity is outlined in 1 John 2:14-16. Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and consider the result of their conduct, imitate their faith . He must strive to equip the saints to minister to each other and to keep their primary loyalty centered on Christ. While this is a very important issue, it is not as important as the decline of spiritual maturity in the lives of many leaders and pastors. He is a growth shepherd who works to mature all Christians and to shepherd a select number into future shepherd-leaders. The question that must be asked is, To what absolute standard are the qualifications to be applied? The answer is given in Acts 6. His life is not centered on money. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB). The verse indicates that the funds were going to the elders. To be honored and respected both biblical injunctions is highly satisfying psychologically. This point is made in 1 Peter 5:1-2 where Peter speaking to the elders, encourages them to pastor (shepherd) the flock. We forget that the one great reason underneath all missionary enterprise is not first the elevation of the people, nor the education of the people, nor their needs, but first and foremost the command of Jesus Christ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.[33]. But there is an example of an ungodly man who is in control in 3 John. Chambers, Oswald, My Utmost For His Highest, Barbour and Company, Inc., 1935, p. 222. Unfortunately, many good Christian brothers and sisters are selected for leadership for the wrong reasons. When selecting elders it seems reasonable that among those elders who are qualified preference should be given to those who are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and doctrine. There is a preference in Gods view. Numbers 11:16-17 tells us that God commanded Moses to select . This follows the Mosaic command (Deuteronomy 17:6), which was reiterated by Christ (Matthew 18:16). This mark of spiritual maturity is required for the second area of responsibility that an elder has. Simply put, not just anyone can be an elder. Today most leadership meetings board meetings are consumed with administrative items. What do they do? We have already seen that deacons were to be full of the Holy Spirit. If this is a promise, why does it not occur in the lives of more Christians? They may be professionals, the social elite, charismatic, educated, church founding fathers or significant donors. We will see shortly that spiritually mature elders are foundational to a biblically-based, spirit-filled church. This does not mean that he never speaks up and on occasions may not be able to support a decision, but the pattern of his life is that he yields his rights.. These three terms are used interchangeably in the New Testament for the same individual elder, overseer and shepherd or pastor. The term elder refers to the man, and overseer and shepherd refer to his function. It is common in many societies and in the human nature not to respect leaders in the church (see Romans 13:1-2; 1 Peter 2::13-15; 5:5-6). How should we want that one to disciple or mentor us in spiritual things? This is a consistent pattern in Scripture. Is the pattern of his life truly godly? The Matthew passage is concerned with personal unconfessed, unrepentant sin and the Romans passage states that Gods criteria for condemning sinners will be the same that sinners use against others. Over the years, pastors have expressed concern and even wondered why believers in their church were spiritually immature. of the churches in the several cities.[12]. I love the statement in verse 14, And I will be found by you. He promises that we will find Him. But it is clear that after Israel left Egypt, God established His priesthood and defined its function and purpose primarily in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Thus says the LORD, Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, declares the LORD. . Those who do not labor hard are not worthy of double honor. Several things are immediately apparent: And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church . . Elders are pastors. 26. How could a young elder demonstrate that he is a one woman man and that he is a good shepherd in the home? The purpose of spiritual leadership is to lead, shepherd, oversee the flock, and to be examples of spiritual maturity. One man stepped down because it was not clear that his son was a Christian. An older man is not necessarily spiritually mature. The elders will eventually replace the apostles after the apostles go to be with Jesus in heaven. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; Because they are shepherd-leaders. The church should never recognize a man to serve in the role of an elder if he is not one already spiritually mature and functioning as one in some sense. First Timothy. There was not a two-thirds majority vote. First, the baton of leadership is being passed from the apostles to the elders. His children must believe, be submissive, and not be unruly (Titus 1:6). Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Elders shared some of the apostolic responsibilities (I Peter 5:1) but not all. Elders are to rule well and labor in word and teaching. Both apostles and elders could appoint elders. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Vol 4., pp. But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. It is not administration. This reaction to authority is currently evidenced by a desire for the absence of rules, constraints and responsibility; a permissive philosophy that looks for freedom in the pages of Scripture, freedom from authority and a thirst for control to prevent unjust events in our lives. He does not promote himself. They are servant-leaders. The elder must also have a holy life. It is important to note that the elders were grouped with the apostles as leaders. Deacons aid the unity of the church by attending to physical, administrative matters while the elders are focused on oversight over the entire congregation through their work of teaching, praying, shepherding and leading. Isaac Adams discusses the roles of elders and deacons in the church according to the Bible. Some have taught that each church had one elder and the term elders refers to the elders in a city. 1. Its function and responsibilities were exclusively religious, as indicated in Leviticus. Others are completely governed by a single influential individual. Elders Teach the Word of Christ in the Church. This implies that the accusation should not be allowed to tarnish his reputation. The motivation for an elders service is really tested when another elder has extraordinary success in the ministry. If he harbors jealousy, then his service is probably not unto the Lord. We are to honor some over others distinctions will exist among the elders. It does not give us an option. By strong, I mean missionaries who are strong in the Spirit because they know and love the scriptures, the Lord Himself and the doctrine of His gospel. All Rights Reserved. The letter, while available now to the entire church, was actually addressed to Timothy (1:2). That is the teaching of this passage. The elders and deacons are included, and no other category of leader is given. They may participate in meetings, contribute to policy development, and provide overall guidance and oversight. He was probably a very humble man. They were not clever men who did clever things. In still others, the biblical qualifications are considered to be unimportant by the very practices employed in the selection of leaders. The baton in the relay race was eventually handed-off by the apostles to the elders. This is the priority of growing godly disciples.. The ministry is one of responding to the needs of the flock. . Their flock, conditioned to such an approach, either dutifully attend each service and activity of the church and say amen! or they react against such unbiblical approaches and leave the church to find a more pleasant pasture in which to graze. The way to attain this height is to be your slave . But the Lord responds in verse 7, . The idea is carried to its climax. Live in peace with one another. 24. For now, we want to focus on the establishment of the elders ministry, their function, and the honor they should receive. 33. 2. The fruit of the Spirit includes patience. As a result the leadership came together with everyone else to listen to the discussion. 11:3-16 clearly presents the hierarchy: God, Christ, man, woman, which applies both to the church and the home. This occurs because lay leaders are usually expected to be involved in the life of the church to some degree with the pastor usually functioning as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

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