“The Work & Role of an Elder {Part III}”

The work of an elder is to…

I. Take Heed to Self (Acts 20:28).

A. The term translated “take heed” means “to turns one’s attention to.” Paul is making it clear to the elders that it was necessary for them to look first to their selves and then the congregation.

B. Elders must make a close examination of self in several ways (2 Cor. 13:5, 2 Jn. 8).

1. They must check their own faithfulness (Rev. 2:10, Lk. 9:23, 1 Pet. 2:21).

2. They must keep a constant check on their manner of life (1 Jn. 1:7, Matt. 7:13-14).

3. They must be blameless (willing and ready to repent, Lk. 13:3, Acts 3:19).

4. They must continue to meet the qualifications of an elder or they are no longer an elder in the eyes of God (1 Tim. 3, Titus 1).

C. The perils of elders not taking to heed to self.

1. They loose their example (1 Tim. 4:12).

2. The congregation suffers for lack of leadership (Prov. 29:18).

3. God’s anger is against them (Ezek. 34:2-10).

4. Souls are lost (James 5:20).

II. Take Heed to All the Flock (Acts 20:28-31).

A. The elder who would serve well will turn his attention to leading God’s people.

1. Notice Paul did not say turn your attention to budgets, buildings, or programs.

2. An elder’s attention must be turned to the spiritual well being of the flock.

B. Elders are to make sure the congregation is fed (Acts 20:28).

1. Elders are required to see to it that the congregation receives a healthy, spiritual diet (1 Pet. 2:2. 2 Pet. 3:18).

2. Elders must make sure the Bible is upheld and taught from the pulpit and in classes (2 Tim. 4:2, 1 Pet. 4:11,1 Tim. 4:15-16).

3. They must make sure they know what is being taught in the classes (error creeps in slowly).

4. Elders must make sure false doctrine is exposed (Titus 1:10-11).

5. Elders themselves should teach and convict (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9).

C. Elders must make sure the congregation is led.

1. Shepherds do not drive their sheep, they lead them and the sheep follow.

2. Elders are not to say to the congregation, “Here is the work, get after it.” But rather, “here is the work, follow!”

3. Elders can lead by example (1 Peter 5:3).

4. Elders can also lead by the word of God (Ps. 25:5).

D. Elders must make sure that the congregation is overseen.

1. The word overseen literally means “to keep a close watch on or upon.”

2. This teaches us that elders must know the members and have an interest in them.

3. Elders ought to be the one who most often visit in member’s homes, who go to the hospital, and who are there in times of crisis (James 5:14ff).

4. An elder must know the spiritual condition of the members if he can properly oversee them!!

E. Elders must make sure the church is watched (Acts 20:31, Heb. 13:17).

1. Elders must watch for wolves among the congregation (Acts 20:28-31).

2. Elders must watch for members who may be falling away (Ps. 1:1-3, Matt. 24:13).

3. Elders need to watch for people who may be receptive to the gospel (Mk. 16:15).

Conclusion: Truly, the work of an elder is a “good work” (1 Tim. 3:1).

1. However, it is a very, very serious work as well.

2. Remember, an elder must not only give an account to himself but for all that he watches over.