Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro: Continue in our series on the eldership with look at their role in the NT church.

It is important to understand their purpose before we can profitably consider their qualifications.

These are defined by the titles and the work.

Roles defined

Overseer – bishop – episkopos – – watchful for dangers – – yet not restricting open discussion – – against attacks from without and within – - yet, all have that duty – ;

A) Overseers – – watchful for dangers – – yet not restricting open discussion – – against attacks from without and within –

Yet, all have that duty – ;

Shepherd – pastor – poimen – – willing and able to teach the Bible – – but more than just feeding (teaching), it is tending to all needs – - Yet, so should all mature disciples – ; ;

A) Shepherd the flock – – willing and able to teach the Bible – – but more than just feeding (teaching), it is tending to all needs –

B) Yet, so should all mature disciples – ; ;

Caregiver – - yet, so should we all –

A) Pray for the sick –

B) Yet, so should we all –

Corrector – – these professed to know God, yet were seeking for fleshly gain; the greatest need for church discipline is not for those who have abandoned God and the local church, but for the active, yet divisive, members, but preachers also bear this duty – ; – as do all disciples – ;

A) Silence the rebellious – – these professed to know God, yet were seeking for fleshly gain; the greatest need for church discipline is not for those who have abandoned God and the local church, but for the active, yet divisive, members

B) Preachers also bear this duty – ; – as do all disciples – ;

What about decision-makers?

Certainly, they must make decisions to accomplish their work – ;

A) Certainly, they must make decisions to accomplish their work – ;

Yet in judgment matters (which are not settled by an express command in the Bible) they do so by involving the whole church and getting their approval – ; – and they are to subject themselves to the congregation also – – to think otherwise is “lording” (rule completely) – – they “rule” by example

Some have said that Christ rules in matter of law and elders rule in matters of opinion, I disagree – : – the rule of elders should not and cannot be compared to that of Christ – ; – they must seek consensus from the church, with full input from every concerned member

Role of the local church

Must agree to appointing the men, not necessarily that you believe they are the best – – but that they are qualified

Respect – – give them honor for the work they do in service to God and the flock even if you do not always agree with their judgment – – show them appreciation (pat on the back, etc.)

Obey (peitho – by persuasion) and submit (hupeiko – yield under) – ; – not giving them grief, but joy (ex.

taking or teaching a class they ask you to or supporting/participating in a work they ask the church to do, even if you do not agree that it is the best course)

Imperfect elders

All give “lip-service” to this concept, but do we understand the implications?

Elders have faults and will sin – – if one does not continue is sin, then do not rebuke them

They have reached a level of qualification, not perfection – all but husband of one wife are relative qualifications, not absolute (ex.

prudent – good judgment, not perfect; children under control – still made mistakes; able to teach – not necessarily the best teacher in the church), which means it is a matter of judgment as to whether someone is qualified

Should not refuse to approve someone unless you are certain they are not qualified, especially if most feel he is qualified

Speak to the men privately first if you have any doubts – – that will clear up most questions

Concl: Then what is unique about elders?

I believe it is that they have demonstrated themselves to be proficient in all these areas and are recognized as leaders.