THE WORK OF ELDERS

SCRIPTURE PRINCIPLES FOR THE BELIEVER

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for

correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may

be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

SCRIPTURE PRINCIPLES FOR THE BELIEVER

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of

Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some

who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the

one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If

anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

 (Galatians 1:6-9, ESV)

SCRIPTURE PRINCIPLES FOR THE BELIEVER

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write

appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.  (Jude 1:3, ESV)

They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to

destroy.” (Galatians 1:23, ESV)

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the

faith, (Philippians 1:25, ESV)

The Man Above Reproach• Husband of one wife• Temperate, • Prudent• Respectable• Hospitable• Able to teach• Not addicted to wine• Not pugnacious• Gentle, Uncontentious• Free from love of money• Manages household well• Not a new convert• Good reputation outside

• Husband of one wife• Children who believe

• C. not accused of dissipation or rebellion

• Not self-willed• Not quick tempered

• Not addicted to wine• Not pugnacious

• Not fond of sordid gain• Hospitable, self-controlled

• Loving what is good• Sensible, just, devout• Holding fast the word

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the

flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made

you overseers, to care for the church of

God, which he obtained with his own

blood.  (Acts 20:28, ESV)

That they take heed to themselves.

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the

flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made

you overseers, to care for the church of

God, which he obtained with his own

blood.  (Acts 20:28, ESV)

That they take heed to all the flock.

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

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, ESV)

That they be guided by the word of God

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

…not domineering over those in your charge,

but being examples to the flock.

(1 Peter 5:3, ESV)

That they be good examples

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

… shepherd the flock of God that is among you,

exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would

have you; not for shameful gain, but

eagerly;. (1 Peter 5:2, ESV)

That they take the oversight

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy

of double honor, especially those who

labor in preaching and teaching. 

(1 Timothy 5:17, ESV)

That they rule well

I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself

first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up

what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who

want to and puts them out of the church. (3 John 1:9-10, ESV)

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising

oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have

you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;  (1 Peter 5:2, ESV)

• 12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among

you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

(1 Thess. 5:12, ESV)

That they shepherd the flock

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will

come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from

among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted

things, to draw away the disciples after them.

(Acts 20:29-30, ESV)

That they are careful of self and false teachers

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be

able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke

those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty

talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They

must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by

teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.

• (Titus 1:9-11, ESV)

That they silence vain talkers and those causing division

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

The apostles and the elders were gathered together to

consider this matter. 

(Acts 15:6, ESV)

That they settle disputes in the church

What can be expected of biblical leaders?

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.

(James 5:14, ESV)

That they pray for the sick, physically or spiritually

Are these things important?

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I

also received: that Christ died for our sins in

accordance with the Scriptures, that he was

buried, that he was raised on the third day in

accordance with the Scriptures, 

(1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV)

• Elders are part of doing all things decently and in order

• So that the church might carry on its responsibility in evangelism, edification, and benevolence