Mike Mazzalongo

#5 – The Work of an Elder

Elders…

• Exercise leadership

• Are men

• Have general and specific qualifications

Elder Qualifications Are…

• Eternal but not impossible

• Subjective in nature

• Blueprint for growth

The Bible Teaches Us By…

• Direct command

Be on guard for yourselves and for 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 know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;- Acts 20:28-29

and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. - Acts 20:30-31

And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

- Acts 20:32

I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me.

- Acts 20:33-34

In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

- Acts 20:35

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,

- I Peter 5:1

shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.- I Peter 5:2-3

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

- I Peter 5:4

Crowns

• Incorruptible crowns – I Cor. 9:25• Crown of rejoicing – I Thess. 2:19• Crown of righteousness – II Tim.

4:8• Crown of life – James 1:2• Crown of twelve stars – Rev. 12:1• Golden crown – Rev. 14:14

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders;

- I Peter 5:5a

Bible Teaches By:

• Direct Command

• Example

N. T. passages showing elders doing their work:

• Oversaw collection of funds – Acts 11:29

• Resolved disputes – Acts 15:2

• Advised workers – 21:18

• Appointed Preachers – I Tim. 4:14

• Teach – I Tim. 3:2; 5:17

• Comfort & Pray for the sick – James 5:14

Bible Teaches By:

• Direct Command• Example

• Necessary Inference

Necessary inference is a conclusion required by a set of

facts.

Necessary Conclusions Regarding Elders:

A.Served in groups – Acts 14:23

A. Served in groups – Acts 14:23

B. Appointed by Apostles or evangelists (Preachers) – Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5

Necessary Conclusions Regarding Elders:

Next Lesson:

Elders’ Wives