Introduction: 1. Within the organization of the church there is an office that fills a particular role called elders. 2. These men possess certain character, leadership, family, reputation, and service to the Lord (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). 3. Peter, in light of coming persecution, speaks to elders and reminds them of certain facts. 4. 1 Pet. 5:1-5a. I. Responsibilities of elders. (verses 2, 3). It is all about the sheep. A. Feed the flock. 1. Sheep give milk, wool, lambs, and meat. A shepherd is responsible to the sheep. He is to inspect the field where the sheep graze. 2. Today elders are responsible to the congregation. They tend it. They are the spiritual leaders. They provide discipline (1 Thes. 5:12b; 1 Cor. 5:13; 2 Thes. 3:6). He knows the flock (Jn. 10:14). B. Oversee the congregation. 1. Elders have authority (1 Tim. 5:17). 2. Today elders. They are to guard against false doctrine (Titus 1:9; Acts 20:20-31; Rom. 16:17, 18; Heb. 13:17). They are involved in the spiritual needs of the congregation (Mt. 25:36). C. Examples to the flock. 1. They are a pattern (1 Tim. 4:14; 1 Thes. 1:7). 2. Today elders are before the flock. They lead by word and deed. Showing the way by what they do. II. Reason for leading well (verse 4). A. Promise to all-the Lord will return (1 Thes. 2:19; 2 Pet. 3:10; Titus 2:12). He will bring his reward with them. B. Elders will give an account of themselves and the flock over which they watch. C. Elders serve the Lord and the congregation in order that they might receive the unfading reward of heaven. No one can and will escape the judgment that is to come. III. Response of the congregation to the elders (verse 5a). A. Follow their leadership (1 Thes. 5:12, 13; Heb. 13:7, 17). They have the authority that God has given them. Their responsibility calls upon them to lead the congregation in the way that it should go. The congregation responds to the elders leadership by falling in line with the decisions that are made and submitting to their rule within the outline that God has made for the church. B. Know the elders. C. Respect/esteem them (1 Thes. 5:12, 13). Esteem-consider, account, think. D. Be cautious about criticizing elders (1 Tim. 5:19). >receive-entertain, accusation-charge. Protect the reputation of an elder among the congregation and in the public. Conclusion: 1. A congregation is dependent upon its elders as they show the way home.
Entered on 6/1/2008
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