Sunday, September 10, 2017 am
NT CHURCH 2017 (26)
Elders 5 - Our Responsibility toward Our Elders
This year we are examining the NT church.
The past several weeks we have been addressing leaders,
specifically the elders. We
have discussed their work and responsibility, the importance of it, and
the high standard of qualifications they need to be appointed and as
they serve. Today, we want
to conclude our study of the elders by noting our responsibilities as
the flock to our elders.
This will be followed up by a brief study of the work of deacons,
and then the evangelist and his work.
Far too often today, brethren are quick
to jump to conclusions AGAINST some decision the elders have made
without considering their work and responsibilities.
Such is wrong and clearly condemned in scripture as we shall see.
Our responsibilities toward the elders include:
a.
As we
proceed we shall see that the respect they are to receive is at a higher
standard than others.
b.
BUT,
realizing they are Christians, EVERY command that we have toward one
another as brethren applies to them equally.
c.
For
example: We are to love one another!
That includes our elders
We are seek unity – that includes our elders
We are to govern our tongues and attitudes toward one another – that
includes our elders.
The attributes of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Gal. 6:1-2, etc. apply to them
as well.
a.
1 Thess.
5:12, “And we urge you brethren,
to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and
admonish you.” The word
recognize is translated as “know” (KJV & ASV) and “appreciate” (NASU).
It is a word that means to see with perception. (cf. WS Dictionary of
NT)
Vine’s suggests a fullness of knowledge.
b.
Jesus in
describing Himself as the Good Shepherd (a pattern for pastors to
consider – cf. 1 Pet. 5:1-5) said, “I
am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
(John 10:14). See also vs.
1-5 where He noted His sheep knew His voice.
c.
The point
being we need to get to know our elders personally.
The better we know them, the better we understand their
decisions.
a.
1 Thess.
5:13, “and to esteem them very
highly in love for their work’s sake.”
Hebrews 13:7 tells us to remember them and to consider the outcome of
their conduct.
1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of
double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”
b.
The idea
of esteem is to render great respect to them.
When Paul spoke to Timothy of double honor what did he mean?
First, the context addresses supporting financially the “full
time” elder (such as the elder/evangelist).
But the second is just plain “honor” - respect, esteem (Vine’s)
c.
Respect is
demonstrated in a number of ways – how you talk to them, how you talk
ABOUT them to others, your attitude toward them, your demeanor around
them, and how you respond to their instructions.
d.
When we
consider the work they have taken upon themselves for us, it becomes
clear they are worthy of and are to be treated with high esteem.
a.
Hebrews
13:17 says, “Obey those who rule
over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls as those
who must give account.”
1 Timothy 5:17 notes that they
“rule well” meaning they have charge.
b.
We must
clearly understand that the scriptural government of the church is not a
democracy where everyone votes and majority rule always prevails.
God has appointed elders to RULE over the flock.
c.
In this
one verse we find both obey and submit.
They are words that imply we have a responsibility to YIELD to
the decisions of our elders.
Whether it be a command to do something (i.e. faithfully attend) or to
not do things which are deemed sinful or unwise, we are to YIELD to
their decisions.
d.
This verse
also demonstrates that their office is more than that of a mere
figurehead.
e.
As we examine their character and
that we have put ourselves under their leadership, we must TRUST them in
their decisions. This is not
always easy to do, especially when they make a decision we don’t like or
“choose the other side”.
f.
Note: Grammatically both verbs
(obey and submit) are in the present tense which means ongoing action,
i.e. keep on obeying those who rule over you; continue to be submissive
to them. Incidentally their watching out for our souls is the same tense
of verb.
g.
Of course,
such submission and obedience is predicated upon their respect for God’s
word (cf. Acts 5:29).
a.
Hebrews 13:17 continues, “Obey
those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your
souls as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not
with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
b.
Accepting
the responsibility of elder is burdensome within itself.
Even when things are progressing smoothly, it’s a difficult work.
But we know that in time, every eldership is going to face unruly
members or threats to the soundness of a congregation.
These times can be stressful and heart breaking.
OUR job is to NOT make matters any worse!
c.
We do this
by continuing to submit and obey.
We do this by honoring and defending them.
Even if they make mistakes (and they will) we treat them with
love and kindness. We behave
ourselves and try to not burden them any further so that they can deal
with whatever it is they are facing.
d.
NOTE the
warning at the end of this verse.
If you cause grief, THE LORD SAYS, ‘That will be unprofitable for
you.”
a.
Heb. 13:7
says, “Whose faith follow”.
1 Peter 5:3 says that as they shepherd the flock it is, “not as being
lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock…”
b.
2 Thess.
3:9, speaking of Paul and those with him (so it appeals primarily to
Apostles) he notes things which they could have compelled of the
brethren in Thessalonica, but he makes this point, “not
because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of
how you should follow us.”
c.
It is
ALWAYS better to lead by example first.
When elders are submitting to God’s will, their example is worthy
of imitation.
John Maxwell, a denominational preacher and business leader, has done
extensive study on leadership in the Bible (and in business) (some of
which I would not agree) did say, “A
leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
That is descriptive of the example of an elder.
a.
1 Timothy
5:19 says, “Do not receive an
accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.”
Paul is pretty dogmatic about this.
b.
I am
convinced that we should not be looking for trouble with our leaders.
In other words, we should not be putting them under a microscope
to find things wrong so that we can criticize them.
c.
In
esteeming them highly and in making their job pleasurable it is implied
we ought to stand up for them and defend them.
d.
Remember
our first point – treat them like Christians.
That means we don’t gossip about them, don’t ever complain
about them to those outside the body (or inside the body for that
matter), we don’t strive over words or undue criticisms against them.
We in love, “bear all things, believe all things, hope all things
and endure all things” (1 Cor. 13:7)
Friends, the Lord’s church and our leaders could sure use a
little “benefit of the doubt” when we weigh their decisions.
e.
One gospel
preacher in addressing our duties to elders noted that we must judge
them fairly!
Keep Matthew 7:2-5 and John 7:24 in mind here.
This IS proper application of this these texts – looking at their
motives, exacting standards that we ourselves refuse to submit to, etc.
If you feel the urge to criticize your elders, ask yourself a few
questions first.
1) Am I being a hypocrite in
this? I.e. am I doing my job
within the congregation?
2) If every member of the
congregation treated our elders the way I do, how difficult would I be
making their work?
3) Am I anything more than an
armchair critic, or a Monday-morning quarterback?
4) Do I know what I am talking
about? Do I have all the
facts? Am I giving the
benefit of the doubt?
5) Am I aware of how much easier
it is to make judgments with hindsight?
When dealing with a volatile, stressful situation do I ever wish
that I had done something different when it is over with?
6) Have I sought to walk in his
shoes before passing judgment?
7) Am I being fair and just in my
criticisms?
a.
This is a
follow-up to our previous point.
Maybe you see a need to go to the elders.
Perhaps they have done something that must be addressed (being
human and imperfect).
Maybe they didn’t handle a situation the way you wanted.
b.
The Bible speaks of times elders
are to be rebuked and exhorted, 1 Timothy 5:20 says, “Those
who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all.”
This is in a context dealing with elders.
Sometimes they need to be rebuked by the preacher or some member
with a concern. (Consider Peter the apostle being rebuked for hypocrisy
by Paul – Gal. 2:11-14).
IF they are godly men they would WANT YOU to come to them with
your spiritual concerns for them.
c.
BUT, in so
doing we still need LOVE! We
still need respect and honor for the person.
Consider 1 Tim. 5:1-2, “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort
him as a father, younger men as brothers,…”
Certainly they are as “an older man” hence the term “elder”.
Show due respect!
See also 1 Peter 5:5-6 dealing with those older than you and
submitting to them in humility.
a.
Jas. 5:14-15, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and
let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will
raise him up…”
b.
While we
need to understand they are NOT to be taken unduly advantage of, because
of their love and maturity they are there for you!
They are you shepherds and they realize it.
Take advantage of their abilities (but not of them).
c.
Godly
elders can and will:
i.
Pray for
you (like every Christian)
ii.
Give you
spiritual advice – usually they are some of the brightest and wisest in
the congregation. Yes
they can give you directions on how to not sin with your money, marriage
advice from the Bible, understanding of some passage of scripture, help
dealing with struggles and problems, etc.
They WANT to do this for you!
They love you!
iii.
Visit and
encourage you
iv.
Help you
resolve differences with others (but not by setting aside Matt. 18).
a.
Considering everything they will sacrifice and have done for you, what
are some things you can do for them?
b.
You should
pray for them
c.
You should
honor them as we have discussed.
d.
You should
encourage them and thank them for their work’s sake.
e.
You should
communicate with them – keep them informed of what they need to know
(like when you are not going to be here).
f.
Grow
spiritually and strive toward maturity.
Perhaps you are considering being an elder one day.
If so, that would be tremendous help for them.
g.
Do your
share in the congregation (Eph. 4:16).
Ask them if there is anything you can do to help them and do what
you can to help them.
h.
Finally,
act like a Christian! If you
do this, they won’t have any problems with you.
And quite frankly, your eternal destiny depends on it!
And thus we can see our responsibilities toward the elders.
May we, as the Lord’s church seek to understand and fulfill our
role toward them. Thank God
for the elder’s we have and the church here.