Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders: Part 2
The New Testament outlines specific qualifications and responsibilities for elders in the church. Elders are called to oversee the congregation, labor diligently, steward the church, and provide leadership. They are tasked with caring for souls, managing the church's affairs, and guiding the flock in accordance with biblical principles.
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Lesson 13: Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders (Part 2)
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders III.The New Testament Gives Specific Responsibilities That Elders Must Fulfill in Their Work. H. Elders have the responsibility to the congregation to be overseers. 1. The Greek verb for oversee (episkopeo) is used once in the New Testament to refer to the work of elders in the church (1 Pet. 5:2). 2. The Greek noun for overseers (episkopos) is used four times in the New Testament to refer to elders of the church (Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1; Tit. 1:7). 3. As overseers, elders inherently have authority and responsibility in the local church. 4. An elder s primary oversight is of souls and of their eternal salvation. 5. An eldership s oversight also necessarily includes many responsibilities.
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders III.The New Testament Gives Specific Responsibilities That Elders Must Fulfill in Their Work. I. Elders have the responsibility to the congregation to labor. 1. A Greek word commonly used for labor (kopiao) is used three times in the New Testament in reference to the work of elders (Acts 20:35; 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Tim. 5:17). 2. Some first-century elders were able to labor in the word and doctrine (1 Tim. 5:17). 3. It is in the other two passages (Acts 20:35; 1 Thess. 5:12) where we find a fuller picture of an elder s labor. 4. When the Bible speaks about elders and their work (1 Thess. 5:13), it does not focus upon a business meeting but upon personal involvement in the lives of the members and laboring to help the souls in their care to reach heaven.
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders III.The New Testament Gives Specific Responsibilities That Elders Must Fulfill in Their Work. J. Elders have the responsibility to the congregation to steward. 1. The Greek word for steward literally means a house manager. 2. An elder in the Lord s church is a steward of God (Tit. 1:7). 3. While an elder s primary stewardship is for the souls in his care, essentially every aspect of the work of the local congregation is under his stewardship. 4. An elder has the responsibility to take care of the church of God (1 Tim. 3:5).
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders III.The New Testament Gives Specific Responsibilities That Elders Must Fulfill in Their Work. K. Elders have the responsibility to the congregation to lead. 1. The English word rule is used at least four times in New Testament passages regarding elders, and it comes from two different Greek words. 2. The Greek word for rule in Hebrews 13:17 (hegeomai) indicates being in a supervisory capacity as one who leads or guides. 3. Another Greek word for rule used for elders (proistemi) literally means to stand before or in front of, to rule over, to manage. 4. Elders are to lead, guide, direct, rule, manage and stand before the church. 5. Elders are responsible for leading the church in withdrawing of fellowship from wayward brethren (cf. 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; Matt. 18:15-18).
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders III.The New Testament Gives Specific Responsibilities That Elders Must Fulfill in Their Work. L. Elders have the responsibility to the congregation to pray. 1. The Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4), who is the Shepherd and Overseer of souls (1 Pet. 2:25), prayed for those under His charge (John 17:6-26). 2. If the Chief Shepherd and Overseer saw the urgency of such a practice, then under-shepherds and under-overseers in the church must pray for those under their charge! 3. In fact, Christians are instructed, Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him (Jas. 5:14). 4. Elders should spend much time in private prayer in their own homes and in group prayers with the eldership. M.In giving specific responsibilities to elders in the church, the Lord also addressed their motivation for serving (1 Pet. 5:2-3). N.Faithful shepherds of the Lord s church are promised blessings and rewards.
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders IV.The New Testament Teaches That Elders Have Authority Within the Local Congregation. A. Some have tried to deny that elders have authority in the local congregation, but such a claim is without Biblical foundation. B. When one surveys the qualifications that the Lord gives for elders, it is obvious that He has in mind for them to have a position of authority within a local congregation. C. When one surveys the responsibilities that the Lord gives to elders (watching, shepherding, overseeing, leading, etc.), it is obvious that He has in mind for these men to have a position of authority within a local congregation. D. In and of himself, one elder does not have any authority within or over a congregation. E. There is authority inherent within the eldership.
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders IV.The New Testament Teaches That Elders Have Authority Within the Local Congregation. F. All of this (and more) proves that the Lord Himself placed authority within the eldership. G. The authority that an eldership has is not the same authority that Jesus has. H. An eldership has authority underthe One who has all authority. I. While possessing authority within a local congregation, elders recognize that they are not to lord it over the flock (1 Pet. 5:2-3).
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders V. The New Testament Gives Specific Responsibilities of the Members Toward the Elders. A. There are some general responsibilities that members have toward the elders. B. There are some specific responsibilities that members have toward the elders. C. Members need to fulfill their responsibilities to the elders, just as much as the elders need to fulfill their responsibilities to the members. For, it is all to the Lord !
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Elders VI.There Is a Great Need in the Church Today. A. There is a great need for men who will look at the qualifications for elders and challenge themselves to meet each of those qualifications. B. There is a great need for men who will accept the responsibility and honor of serving the church as an elder. C. There is a great need for members who will honor, submit to and obey the elders.
