Sermon on Elders in the Church – The Elders That Lead Us

1. We always see a plurality of elders.

1) Acts 14:23 “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”

2) Acts 15 — That along with the apostles, there was a plurality of elders in the church at Jerusalem.

3) Acts 20:17 — There was a plurality in the church at Ephesus.

4) Titus 1:5 — Titus was to appoint elders (plural) in every city.

5) James 5:14 — The sick are to call for the elders (plural) of the church.

6) Only time we don’t see a plurality is when the scriptures discuss qualifications.

2. The eldership may exercise authority over a local congregation.

1) Notice in Acts 20:17 that the Ephesian elders were called to Paul.

2) He exhorted them in 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

3) We notice that they had certain responsibilities.

4) But that their responsibilities were limited only to the church at Ephesus.

5) We see from Hebrews 13:7, 17 that the members are to obey those that rule over them. This indicates authority.

3. The eldership is the highest office on earth of the local congregation.

1) The only higher office in the New Testament is the office of apostle.

2) The qualifications for the office of apostles were listed in Acts 1:22.

3) Since there are no more apostles living upon the earth, the eldership is the highest office.

4. That this office was to continue is seen from the instruction that Paul gives both Timothy and Titus in perpetuating the office.

1) 1 Timothy 3:15 — Timothy was being instructed on how men ought to behave in the church. Part of this instruction was the qualification of elders.

2) 2 Timothy 2:2 — “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

3) Titus 1:5 ” For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”

1. The eldership is to feed the church of God.

1) Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

2) Titus 1:9 ” Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

3) 1 Peter 5:2, 3 “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

2. The eldership is to guard the flock against false teachers.

1) Acts 20:29-31 “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

2) Titus 1:10, 11 “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”

3) Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

3. The eldership is to oversee the activities of the congregation.

1) This is implied in the term “episcopos” which means “overseer.”

2) Overseeing involves assigning duties to deacons.

3) Overseeing involves monitoring and making decisions regarding the financial situation.

4) Overseeing involves understanding, supporting, and approving the activities of the congregation.

5) Overseeing means providing an example of behavior for the congregation to imitate. 1 Peter 5:3

6) Overseeing means being a servant to God and the congregation. Titus 1:7 “as a steward of God.”

4. Finally, in this sermon on elders in the church we note:

1. Quintessential Christian

1) It has been said that there are only two qualifications for the office of the elder that do not apply to all Christians.

2) These two qualifications are: husband of one wife and believing children.

3) In essence this implies that an elder is one who really is the IDEAL or quintessential Christian.

4) And this he must be IF he is to be an example to the believers.

5) What about desire of the office? Says, “IF” a man desire–not necessarily a qualification.

2. Family Considerations

1) Husband of one wife — Not married to many wives or multiple times. Also a prerequisite for a family.

2) Ruling well his own house — refers not just to children, but to wife as well.

3) Believing Children — Children who are faithful to God and his word at the point of qualification.

4) Children in Subjection — At the point of qualification the children are respectful and obedient.

3. The Qualifications (as compiled by H. Leo Boles and reported by James D. Cox).

1) Devoutness or Reverence for God — “Blameless,” “Of good behavior,” “an example of believers in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

2) Intelligence and ability — “Apt to teach.”

3) Knowledge of the truth — “Able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers.”

4) Steadfastness in the faith — “Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught.”

5) Executive Ability — “One that ruleth well his own house; for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” “Having faithful children,” “having children that believe.”

6) Good Reputation — “Of good report of them that are without.”

7) Mature Years — Implied in the statements, “One that ruleth well his own house; having his children in subjection with all gravity,” “having children that believe.”

8) Not a recent convert — “Not a novice.”

9) Capacity for Prayer — “The elders of the church, let them pray over him” (James 5:14).

10) Sobriety — “Sober,” “Not given to wine,” “no brawler.”

11) Generosity — “Not covetous,” “given to hospitality,” “Not given to filthy lucre.”

12) Temperance and prudence — “Not self-willed,” “Temperate,” “blameless.”

13) Gravity and love of justice — “With all gravity,” “just.”

14) Patience and gentleness — “No striker,” “not soon angry,” “gentle unto all men.”

15) Carefulness as to his associates — “A lover of good men.”