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The Work of the Eldership #1

Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon Outlines

INTRODUCTION:

A. The concept of spiritual shepherds over the flock of God did not originate in the New Testament

1. That was a role the priests and prophets played in the Mosaic age, and some of them did not take their work seriously

2. Jeremiah 23:1-4

3. Ezekiel 34:1-10

4. Jesus alluded to this work and its abuse during His earthly ministry, when, in speaking of the shepherd, He said – John 10:3-5, 11-12

5. From these passages, we learn that the Lord expected His shepherds to do the following:

a. Keep the flock together in fellowship with God – leading them in the paths of righteousness

b. Attend to the spiritual needs of the flock with kindness and gentleness

c. Feed the flock

d. Strengthen the weak and attend to the sick

e. Find and restore those who have wandered away and those who are lost

f. Protect the sheep from evil influences that would harm or destroy them

g. Lead – not drive – the sheep. The good shepherd is personally acquainted with each sheep, is able to call each by name, and the sheep know his voice and follow.

B. In this lesson, and the one following, we will discuss the God-given work of the eldership – their responsibilities as shepherds of the Lord’s flock.

1. In lesson 1 will explore the responsibilities of the eldership by given attention to the names given to this office.

2. In lesson 2 we will look at specific passages that point out an elders responsibilities.

DISCUSSION:

A. PRESBUTEROS

1. This Greek word is translated most times as “elder,” but once as “presbytery” (1 Tim. 4:14).

a. Presbuteros is translated as “elder” 67 times, and 16 of those times it has reference the office of the eldership

b. The translation “presbytery” (1 Tim. 4:14) is used with reference to a combined group of elders over a local congregation

2. Elders are those who are older in age, older in the faith and spiritually mature.

a. There are valid reasons why the Lord chose those who are older to be shepherds entrusted with oversight.

b. Those who are older generally have more endurance, experience, knowledge, maturity, seasoning, self-control, wisdom and wise counsel than those who are younger.

3. The responsibilities carried in the meaning of presbuteros are:

a. To give wise counsel

1) Marriage

2) Child rearing

3) Various spiritual concerns

b. To be a father figure to the young

1) Leviticus 19:32

2) Proverbs 16:31

3) Proverbs 20:29

c. To be a mighty oak of strength in difficult times

1) Be stabilizing influence

2) Give strength and encouragement

B. EPISKOPOS

1. This Greek word is found 5 times in our New Testaments and is translated as “overseer” and/or “bishop” and each time has reference to the eldership, except in 1 Peter 2:25 -where Peter refers to Christ as our overseer or bishop

2. The idea behind the term episkopos is:

a. To look out for

b. To visit

c. To organize and govern

3. An episkopos then, is a man charged with the duty of:

a. Insuring that all things are done in accordance with God’s will

b. Watching over the welfare of the souls of the local congregation

c. Overseeing the overall work of the local congregation –

1) Overseeing, but delegating also

2) An overseers main focus is the spiritual needs of the people

4. Also, caught up in the meaning of episkopos is that of a guardian – to take care of, to look out for

C. POIMEN

1. This is the most descriptive term in giving us information concerning the work and responsibilities of an elder.

2. Poimen is and can be translated as shepherd, pastor, tend and feed.

a. Acts 20:28 – “feed” or shepherd the church of the Lord

b. 1 Peter 5:2 – “tend” or shepherd the flock of God

3. Understanding what a shepherd did in biblical times will help us to understand to work of elders

4. A shepherd in a local congregation, then is a:

a. Ruler

1) An ancient shepherd would or take charge of the well -being of his flock

2) New Testament shepherds are to see to the well-being of the local congregation

b. Guide

1) In biblical times shepherds would guide its flock in the right direction

2) Elders, then, are to guide in the paths of righteousness

c. Protector

1) A shepherd in Palestine would protect the sheep from wild animals that would kill and harm them

2) Elders must protect the church from error and evil

d. Companion

1) Shepherds were with the flock from day to day

2) People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care

f. Feeder

1) Shepherds in ancient times made sure the sheep had what they need to grow

2) Elders must make sure that the flock of God is being provided the proper nourishment

CONCLUSION:

A. There is great Great GREAT responsibility associated with being an elder.

1. Hebrews 13:17

2. Being an elder is serious business

B. Invitation