Biblical Eldership – God’s Government
Part Two

Introduction: Review

1. Jesus is the absolute Head over the church.

Ephesians 1:22-23

22  And He put all [things] under His feet, and gave Him [to be] head over all [things] to the church,    
23  which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. 

2. Jesus’ delegated authority – Ephesians 4:11

11 And He Himself gave some [to be] apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 

3. Three Greek words that describe the role of an elder.

4. Four areas in teaching – exhortation, counsel, admonition, revelation

5. Purpose of eldership

Question:

When most Christians hear of church elders, what do they think of?

The Shepherd Elder is characterized by:

Intimacy
Tenderness
Concern
Skill
Hard work
Suffering
Love

Acts 20:28

28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 

I Peter 5:2

2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 

Four major categories characterized in Scripture based on the imagery of the Shepherding Elder’s role.

1. Protect the flock – from false teachers

Acts 20:17

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 

Acts 20:28-31

28  "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.    
29  "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.    
30  "Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.    
31  "Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

2. Feed the flock – central emphasis of NT ministry

Titus 1:9

9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. 

1 Timothy 3:2

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 

3. Lead the flock

Titus 1:7

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 

4. Care for the flock

James 5:14

14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 

Acts 20:35

35 "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " 

Conclusion:

Part 3

Qualifications and appointing of an elder
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