“The Work & Role of Elders” {Part II}
Introduction:
A. “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Tim. 3:1). Our Bishops have asked me to discuss the work and role of an elder for the next several weeks.
B. The greatest work a man could ever undertake is the work of shepherding God’s people (Ps. 23; 1 Tim. 5:17).
C. But, with the joy of shepherding also comes an awesome responsibility that only eternity will determine (Heb. 13:17).
D. If our Bishops are going to serve well, we must understand the work of an elder.
E. In the religious world there is much confusion over the work of an elder:
1. Business Men Mentality.
2. Dictatorship Government.
3. Financial Guardians.
4. Preacher’s Boss.
F. This morning we are going to continue to look at Scriptural Church Government and the work of elders.
I. What the
Bible does teach about Church Government.
A. Church government is SIMPLE.
1. Phil. 1:1 “…To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.”
2. Organization on the congregational level consists of…
a. All the Saints (members).
b. Bishops (elders).
c. Deacons.
B. Church Government is DEFINED.
1. In the New Testament the six English words that we use for elders come from three Greek Words.
a. “Presbuteros”—Translated as “elder, presbyter”. The Greek word means governed by elders.
b. “Episokopos”—Translated as “Bishop, or overseer”. The Greek word means governed by bishops.
c. “Poimen”—Translated as “Pastor, Shepherd”. The Greek word implies leadership.
2. The religious world has mistakenly taught that the office of a pastor, bishop and elder are the same office. However the New Testament uses these words interchangeably of the same office.
a. In Acts 20:17 Paul summons the Ephesian Elders (from presbuteros) but nine verses later he referred to the same men as “bishops” (from episkopos).
b. In 1 Peter 5:1 Peter says “the elders who are among you I exhort” (from presbuteros). 1 Peter 5:2 Peter notes “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you” (from poimen). And, in 1 Peter 5:2 he says “Serving as overseers” (from episkopos). All three words are used to apply to one office.
C. Church Government is a PLURALITY.
1. Acts 11:30- “This they also did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Saul.
2. Acts 14:23- “So when they had appointed elders in every church.
3. Acts 20:17- “From Miletus he sent to
4. Titus 1:5- “appoint elders in every city.”
5. In every context where the office of Shepherd is mentioned it is a plurality.
C. Church Government is AUTHORITATIVE.
1. Christ has all authority in matters of doctrine (Col. 1:18; Matt. 28:18, Eph. 1:21-23).
2. However, in matters of expediency and practicality elders have all authority (1 Tim. 5:17, Heb. 13:17).
3. Elders have no authority in matters of the faith (Ps. 119:89, 2 Pet. 1:3).