God's Plan for Church Leadership (Titus 1:5-9)
Pastor Darren Jones
Titus • Sermon • Submitted
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· 39 viewsCentral Truth: God’s plan for church leadership involves a plurality of men called elders who meet certain qualifications and share in the responsibility of overseeing, shepherding, and serving the local church.
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Welcome: Good morning to you - the Bride of Christ.
Pastoral Prayer: As we prepare to hear from God through His word this morning, let us first call out to Him in prayer. With every head bowed and every eye closed, meditate on these words of the shepherd David as we seek the Lord’s favor. Let us pray.
Psalm 23 (NASB95)
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Announce Text: Please take your bibles this morning and turn to Titus chapter one. Titus chapter one. We will pick up where we left off last week with verse five. If you are using a pew bible, you can find our text on page 1193.
Series Intro: For those of you who were not here last week, you should know that we just began a new series in Paul’s Epistle to Titus. In our study of the Pastoral Epistles, we recently finished 1 Timothy and moved on to Titus since that is the order in which Paul penned these letters. 2 Timothy is actually the very last letter Paul that would write before his martyrdom in Rome. Titus was written soon after 1 Timothy - and so that will be the focus of our study for the next couple months.
Read Text: Now, with that said, let us read today’s text. Titus, chapter one, beginning now in verse five.
Titus 1:5–9 (NASB95)
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,
8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,
9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
Sermon Intro: Pastor Bruce Larson, in his book Wind and Fire, points out some interesting facts about sandhill cranes: “These large birds, who fly great distances across continents, have three remarkable qualities. First, they rotate leadership. No one bird stays out in front all the time. Second, they choose leaders who can handle turbulence. And then, all during the time one bird is leading, the rest are honking their affirmation. That’s not a bad model for the church. Certainly we need leaders who can handle turbulence and who are aware that leadership ought to be shared. But most of all, we need a church where our leaders are provided encouragement.”
In our passage today, Paul is going to outline for Timothy God’s plan for church leadership. Now, I want to begin with two disclaimers. First, I am going to say some things today that some of you may not like. Please understand that if I say or teach anything this morning that is not straight from this Book, you come see me after the service and rebuke me for it and I will be sure to make amends and correct myself. But if what I say comes expositorily and exegetically from this Book, then please know that it is not me with whom you are angry or in disagreement with - its God.
Second, don’t think that just because our passage today is about church leadership that there is nothing here for you to apply. Every single requirement for eldership that we will examine this morning is required of every Christian who would seek to reach spiritual maturity. As I go through these qualifications today. I am going to show you that Scripture asks the same things of all Christians that it asks of elders.
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Now, with that said, notice if you would the central truth of our text this morning:
Central Truth: God’s plan for church leadership involves a plurality of men called elders who meet certain qualifications and share in the responsibility of overseeing, shepherding, and serving the local church.
Transition to Sermon: Our text today can be divided into two main points. First, in verse five, we see the command to appoint elders, and in verses 6-9, we see the qualifications for those elders. So, first, I want you to notice the command to appoint elders.
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I. The Command to Appoint Elders (1:5).
Paul, under divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, sets forth two undeniable realities in his command to Titus to appoint elders in the churches of Crete. First, he highlights the fact that...
1. Christ uses elders to bring order to His church (1:5a).
Titus 1:5 (NASB95)
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
For this reason: The Greek literally says, “On account of this....”
I left you in Crete: The Book of Acts ends with Paul imprisoned in Rome on a sort of house arrest. However, if you study a timeline of his life, he was evidently released from his first imprisonment - mostly likely because no one could come up with any credible charges against him. From there, it is believed that he travels to Crete, leaving Titus behind, and then to Ephesus, where he leaves Timothy behind. He then heads to the Province of Macedonia, probably either the city of Corinth or Nicopolis, where he writes both 1 Timothy and Titus. So, he leaves Titus at Crete for two reasons. The first is to set in order what remains.
that you would set in order what remains:
set in order: epidiorthoo (epi-dior-tho) means “to set something right after it appears broken.” We get our English term orthodontist (one straightens crooked teeth) or orthopedist (one who sets broken bones) from this word.
The use of the middle voice is "reflexive" and implies that Titus himself is personally involved in the process, and not merely giving orders to others. Titus, like an "spiritual" orthodontist or orthopedist is to set right again what was still in a defective state - the churches on the island of Crete.
What remains: leipo (lay-poe) would be better translated as “what is lacking.” The word refers to “that which is found wanting or unfinished”
The beginning of verse five literally is saying, “I left you in Crete on the account of brokenness of the churches there. They have no clear or qualified leadership to lead them out of this mess. So I want you Titus to find some qualified men to help you get these churches to a place of healing and maturity. In a real sense, Christ is saying to Titus, “Find Me some men I can use to bring order to My church!” Christ uses elders to bring order to His church! That is why Peter tells the elders of the churches scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia this is 1 Peter 5:1-2.
1 Peter 5:1-2 (NASB95)
1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight ...
The verb “oversight” used here in 1 Peter 2 comes from the Greek term episkopeo, meaning “to accept responsibility to care for someone.” And the verb “shepherd” literally means “to lead and care for someone or something!” Here, that “someone” is the flock of God - the Bride of Christ also called the church.
Now, not only does Paul highlight that Christ uses elders to bring order to His church, he also points out that...
2. Elders are to lead the church within a plurality (1:5b).
Titus 1:5 (NASB95)
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
Paul tells Titus that a major part of his mission on Crete will be to go to these churches and help them select men capable and qualified to serve in the office of an elder. He says that these elders are to be appointed.
Appoint: kathistemi (kha-thi-stay-me) is a military term that means “to put someone in charge of something.” In fact, that is exactly how Christ uses this same Greek term in His famous sermon known as the Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24:46-47. When speaking of His future Second Coming, Jesus says this of those who are faithful and alert at His return.
Matthew 24:46–47 (NASB95)
46 “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 47 “Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
So, Paul tells Timothy to put certain men in charge of the churches. And he calls these men elders.
Elders: Now, I want to spend a little time on this word, not only because of its importance, but because there are actually four interchangeable Greek terms in the NT that all refer to this same office of elder. They are all used interchangeably.
Elder (presbyteros): Now, this term “elder” comes from the Greek term presbyteros. We get our English word “Presbyter” from it. In this context, it does not refer to someone in their senior years as it does in our day. This use of the word has nothing to do with age. The word, as it is used, here literally means “an official” or “one who holds an office of leadership.”
Pastor/Shepherd (poimen): As I noted for you earlier, poimen means “to lead.” It can be used literally to refer to a sheep-herder or figuratively to refer a shepherd of men. This word is translated in the NASB as shepherd 17 times in the NT and once as “pastor.”
Overseer (episkopos): This word is translated as “Bishop” in the KJV. A believer who is set apart from those in the church for the purpose of watching over, nurturing, and caring for the needs of those in the church.
Leader (hegoumenois): (hay-gay-oh-mai) means to serve in a supervisory position.
We see the word “pastor” used in Ephesians 4:11.
Ephesians 4:11 (NASB95)
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors (poimen) and teachers,
We see the word “leaders” used in Hebrews 13:17.
Hebrews 13:17 (NASB95)
17 Obey your leaders (hegoumenois) and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.
Now, you might say, “Well that all fine and dandy preacher, but how do you know that these terms are interchangeable in the NT? I know because three of them can be found used interchangeably in a single passage!
1 Peter 5:1–2 (NASB95)
1 Therefore, I exhort the elders (presbyteros) among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd (poimen) the flock of God among you, exercising oversight (episkopos) not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;
If that doesn’t prove to you that these words all refer to the same office of a Pastor/Elder then I don’t know what will! The fact is this: Elders are to the lead the church. But not only that, they are to lead the church within a plurality! Notice what the text says!
appoint elder{S} in every city: Paul doesn’t say “appoint AN ELDER in every city.” He says “elders” - plural! You can see this truth all over the NT!
Acts 14:23 (NASB95)
23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 20:17 (NASB95)
17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.
James 5:14 (NASB95)
14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;
Every local assembly of believers that call themself a biblical NT church should have a plurality of biblically qualified men to shepherd and lead that church. Look, democracy works great for our nation’s government, and an executive board is fine for a corporation, but that is not how God calls his Bride to be led. Baptist are notorious for their fights and church splits that occur so frequently because they have a single elder, the pastor, along with a board of deacons, along with numerous committees and councils, along with church business meetings all fighting for leadership. When you give every single member of a local autonomous church an equal vote on matters of the church, then you will inevitably have some carnal and immature Christians along with some mature Christians, along with some who may not even truly be saved, but merely profess to be, operating a spiritual entity.
Now please understand, I am not saying that I do not believe in congregationalism. Congregationalism is biblical too. I believe that the Bible teaches what is called “Elder-led congregationalism.” I do not believe in what is called an “Elder-ruled church.” Elder are not to rule without any accountability to the congregation at all. That is tyranny! The church should be the ones who affirm the authority of their elders. Churches should still have times when they meet together as a congregation to discuss important matters involving the direction of the church. These family meetings are important. The elders should be careful to keep the church informed on matters related to mission, ministry, finances, and expansion. The church should always get a say in the important things. However, when a church has to vote on every little move it makes, it hinders the mission and ministry of that church.
No, Paul says appoint elders in every city. But then notice what he says: As I directed you.
as I directed you: diatasso (dia-tah-so) literally means, "all the way through (thoroughly) arrange" and thus means to give (detailed) instructions as to what must be done. The word diatasso conveys the idea of “an order issued with full authority, one that takes into consideration all that is necessary to be factored in to executing the command.
The fact is that Christ commands that a plurality of elders lead and bring order to His church. This is not suggested, it is commanded in Scripture by God and with all apostolic authority.
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So that is the command Paul gives Timothy to appoint elders. Let us turn our attention now to the qualifications of those elders.
II. The Qualifications of Elders (1:6-9).
As Paul lays out for Titus the qualities of an elder, he does so under three very important realms. First, when it comes to an elder,...
1. He must be above reproach in his home life (1:6).
Titus 1:6 (NASB95)
6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
...namely: If you have a NASB in front of you, you might notice that the word “namely” is in italics. This is done by the translators to let the modern reader know that although there is no Greek word in the original text that renders as “namely,” it is heavily implied. So, they add it to help smooth out the reading.
Above Reproach: anenkletos (ah-nayn-klay-tos) is a word that refers to someone who is free from accusation or reproach. It is rendered elsewhere in the NT as blameless. But please understand, this word does not suggest that an elder is sinless or perfect. Only One Man has ever walk this earth who was without sin - the God-man Jesus Christ. In fact, the Apostle John records in 1st John 1:10.
1 John 1:10 (NASB95)
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
It instead refers to a man of impeccable character. A man without a closet full of skeletons!
Pastor John MacArthur nicely qualifies this requirement by reminding us that "Paul is not speaking of sinless perfection but is declaring that leaders of Christ’s church must have no sinful defect in their lives that could justly call their virtue, their righteousness, or their godliness into question and indict them. There must be nothing in their lives to disqualify them as models of moral and spiritual character for believers under their care to emulate."
Indeed, elders should model blamelessness before the flock because believers are also called to be above reproach! When exhorting Timothy to preach biblical principles to his church in Ephesus, Paul tells him this in 1 Timothy 5:17.
1 Timothy 5:7 (NASB95)
7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.
Every follower of Christ should strive to be above accusation from the world so that they are able to provide a strong witness to the unbelieving. The next requirement of an elder is that he is the husband of one wife.
the husband of one wife: Now, this requirement tells who two things. First, the Greek literally says, “a one-woman man” or “a man of one woman.” What that means is that an elder is not to be one who has experienced divorce. Of course, the call to abstain from divorce is asked of all believers. In Matthew 19 Jesus says...
Matthew 19:4–6 (NASB95)
4 ....“Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
Now, I do believe the Bible provides three exceptions. But, I must mention that while I do believe that God provides these three exceptions, I also believe He would rather see no divorce at all. God HATES divorce! However, here are the three biblical exceptions to the prohibition of divorce.
1. I believe the Bible teaches that a man may still serve as an elder if he is divorced prior to his conversion. While I think that this is a rare exception, the Bible does teach that things change when a man is born again. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says...
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB95)
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
2. The second exception for an elder to have experienced divorce is when it is due to adultery.
Matthew 5:32 (NASB95)
32 but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
3. Third and finally, I believe the Bible teaches that those men who remarry after the death of their first wife still qualify for eldership.
1 Corinthians 7:39 (NASB95)
39 A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
Obviously this principle goes for men as well as women.
Now, before we move on from the subject of divorce, I think it is important that I remind those of you who have experienced the pain of divorce that it in no way makes you a second class Christian. Being divorced doesn't mean that you cannot lead a ministry and serve God in many wonderful ways.
Now, The second thing this requirement of being a one-woman man reminds us is that the office of an elder is to be restricted to men. If you can tell me how a woman can be the husband of one wife then I will tell you how she can be an elder. Not only that, but two of the main responsibilities of an elder is to teach and exercise authority. However, Paul tells young Pastor Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:12 says...
1 Timothy 2:12 (NASB95)
12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man...
It is not that woman are not competent enough to lead or teach, it is simply that God has given men and women different roles to fulfill, both in the home and the church. Men and women have been given different gifts and capabilities by the Lord to be used to serve Him and His church. Ask any elder for a list of those who had the biggest influence in their life and I guarantee that list will be full of godly and capable women! I certainly know mine is!
Next, Paul says that an elder who has children will have children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion:
Children who believe: The word translated here as “believe,” is the Greek term pistos. And while this word can mean “believe,” it also means “faithful,” which contextually would fit here better than the word “believe.” While God often uses parents to bring their children to saving faith, genuine belief is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit. When the Bible says that an elders children must be faithful, it means faithful to the teaching and discipline of their father.
Not accused of dissipation or rebellion:
Dissipation: This word refers to someone who has abandon themselves to reckless behavior. Luke’s Gospel uses this same word to describe the prodigal son who had given himself to “loose living.” The word “loose living” is the same Greek word rendered here as “dissipation.”
Rebellion: This word refers to someone who “refuses to fall in line or be governed.” It is a child that refuses to be subject to the will of their father. And elder should be able to govern his own household if he wants to govern the church. 1 Timothy 3:4-5 says...
1 Timothy 3:4–5 (NASB95)
4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),
What Titus 1:6 is telling us is that for a man to meet the biblical qualifications of an elder, he must be above reproach in his home life! The minister needs integrity in his family life. Look , I may be able to put on a good show and fool some of you for a few hours one or two days a week, but there is no fooling my wife and children! Spiritual leadership begins in the home. If a pastor cannot even lead the people in his home, he has no business leading those in his church. In many ways, the home is a microcosm of the church. If an elder cannot live the Christian life faithfully before his family and lead in his home, then don’t let him become an elder who will export his poor leadership into the church! A qualified elder must be above reproach in his home life!
Second, when it comes to an elder, ...
2. He must be above reproach in his personal life (1:7-8).
Titus 1:7–8 (NASB95)
7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,
7 For the overseer: Again, this word is episkopos. It is one of those interchangeable words for a pastor which highlights his responsibility to oversee the congregation that God has placed him over. It is one of the two offices still active in the church today - the other of course being that of a deacon. This is why when Paul writes his opening words to the church at Philippi, he says...
Philippians 1:1 (NASB95)
1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:
Must be: These words “must be” come from a single word in Greek that speaks of something that is necessary.
Above Reproach: anenkletos (ah-nayn-klay-tos) is a word that refers to someone who is free from accusation or reproach
as God’s steward: (oikonomos) is literally the manager or superintendent of a household or estate. Of course the “estate” referenced here is the local church.
Here in Titus 1:7-8, Paul is going to provide a running list of eleven qualifications of an elder. While we don’t have time this morning to dive too deeply into each of these, I do want to run through them quickly to explain what they mean. First, Paul gives five qualities in the negative form.
not self-willed: The word literally means, “self-pleasing.” It refers to a man who obstinately maintains his own opinion or asserts his own rights and does not care about the rights, feelings, and interests of others
not quick-tempered: This refers to a person who is not easily inflamed. Someone who is not prone to lose his temper at any little insult or offense. A man not inclined to anger or hot-headedness.
not addicted to wine: This is a reminder that an elder cannot be someone addicted to alcohol - or any substance on earth for that matter!
not pugnacious: The Greek word rendered here as “not pugnacious” literally means “not a striker.” It means that the elder is not given to violence. Figuratively, it refers to someone who is not contentious and quarrelsome.
not fond of sordid gain: This refers to a man who seeks riches at any means possible, regardless of how disgraceful it may be.
Having given the qualities of an elder from verses 7 and 8 in the negative form, Paul now gives us six positive requirements of an elder.
8 but hospitable: philoxenos (phil-oaks-in-nos) This rather interesting word refers to a person who is a friend to strangers. It describes one who is given to the generous, welcoming, and cordial reception of visitors, guests or strangers. It means to give practical help to anyone who is in need (friend or stranger, believer or unbeliever).
loving what is good: Negatively, this is someone who does not fill his mind with all the violent and sensual garbage this world has to offer (especially through his television set)! Positively, someone who loves what is good is the one who practices Philippians 4:8.
Philippians 4:8 (NASB95)
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
sensible: comes from the Greek term sophron. For some reason, the NASB translates the same Greek word as prudent (in 1Tim 3:2). The word itself means to be of sound mind, especially in the sense of not being impulsive. The sensible man is not swayed to extremes by his fluctuating emotions. He doesn’t give in to impulses that would be sinful or harmful. He is level-headed, and he lives in light of his priorities and commitments.
just: Out of the 79 times this word is used in the NT it is translated as “righteous” 69 times. The Greek term is dikaios, and it means to be a person who is associated with doing what is right. Someone in in accordance with high standards of rectitude.
devout: To be devout means to be desirous of being holy and pleasing to God. It refers to practical holiness, being separate from sin and evil behavior.
self-controlled: The Greek word here is enkrates (en-kra-tace), and it refers to the individual who exercises restraint over his own impulses, emotions, appetites and desires. This particular Greek term is what is called a hapax legomenon, which means it is only used once in all of Scripture.
And so, what Paul is saying to Titus in verses 5-8, is, “Titus, be blameless in your home life. Titus, be blameless in your personal life.” I will remind you again that what he says to Titus he says to every mother’s child. He is just simply saying, “Titus, you are to be one that holds the standard personally and at home even if nobody else does.” Who you are when no one is looking is who you really are…and I will remind you that Christ is always watching over His children! Let us be personally who we are called to be!
This brings is to our third and final sub-point. In reference to the qualities of an elder, ...
3. He must be above reproach in his pastoral life (1:9).
Titus 1:9 (NASB95)
9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
First, the pastor/elder must be one who is… 9 holding fast the faithful word:
Holding fast: antechomai conveys the sense of cleaving to, strongly adhering to, or being devoted to something. It refers to having a strong attachment to something. Here, of course, that something is the faithful word - a reference to the word of God. Paul adds that this faithful word is in accordance with the teaching. This could be translated to say that the elder must be “devoted to the Scriptures in which he was taught!”
The elders primary responsibility as pastors is to cleave to the word of God. It is his sourcebook and sound standard of truth. It is the only words on which he may truly rely upon. But I will tell you, this is also true to every member of Christ’s church!
Paul tells the believers at Thessalonica:
2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NASB95)
15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
Now, we may ask why should the elder be so devoted to Bible? Well, Paul tells us plainly in the next line of Titus 1:9. He says: so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
so that: hina is a purpose statement explaining why the overseer needs to cling to the reliable Word of God. Paul gives us two good reasons.
he will be able to exhort in sound doctrine:
Able: dunamai means to have power. This is the word that we get our English word “dynamite” from. The faithful word has the power to enable the pastor to exhort in sound doctrine.
Exhort: parakaleo literally means to call someone alongside of oneself. Here, it carries the sense of urging or encouraging someone to uphold and obey sound doctrine.
Sound doctrine: Now, the word doctrine simply means “teaching.” However, the word “sound” is the Greek term hugiaino (hu-ghee-I-no) means to be in good health. We get our English word “hygiene” from it. The pastor must have the power to encourage God’s people to adhere to and obey healthy, biblical, doctrine. But that’s not all! The pastor/elder must be devoted to the faithful word so that he can...
refute those who contradict: The word “refute” here means to expose, reprove, and convict! When someone rises up from within or without the flock of God, the pastor/elder must have the power to expose the false teacher’s bad doctrine, reprimand them for it, and convict them of it’s heresy.
In the end, verse nine of Titus chapter one is telling us that an elder must be able to handle the word of God accurate with precise precision. He must use the Apostolic confession of God’s faithful word both as a medicine for unhealthy and a weapon that slays the teaching of those who would do harm to Christ’s bride.
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Conclusion: As we come to a close this morning, I am reminded three important truths from this passage of Scripture.
1. I am reminded that God’s design for the church to be led by elders is for the good of the congregation.
Hebrews 13:17 (NASB95)
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
2. I am reminded that what God asks of elders He ultimately asks of every Christian.
Hebrews 13:7 (NASB95)
7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
3. I am reminded that for one to see these character qualities manifest in their life, they must first enter the church through the door of Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 (NASB95)
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
Invitation: Preach the Gospel!!!
Let us Pray!!!