Introduction to elders (part 2)
Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that doeth justly, that seeketh truth (Jer. 5:1).
AS WE GO THROUGH LIFE THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE ALSO MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR A CERTAIN MAN, WOMAN, CHILD, OR EVEN GROUP OF PEOPLE.
1) When a congregation is looking for men to elders, what type of men are they seeking?
2) Men familiar with the Bible.
i) In 1 Tim. 3:6 Paul – not a “novice.”
ii) Titus (Tit. 1:9) – an elder is to “hold the faithful word.”
iii) An elder also (Tit. 1:9) needs to have the ability to “exhort in sound doctrine.”
iv) Same verse – elders are to “convict gainsayers.”
3) Any man who serves as an elder needs to be well versed in the Scriptures because of their work.
4) Elders should be people who are familiar with the Scriptures, but this is also true of every Christian.
5) 1 Pet. 3:15 – “sanctify Christ in your hearts.”
6) Paul told the Philippians (Phil. 1:16-17) he was “set” for the defense of the gospel.
7) In verses like Acts 22:1 we have examples of Christians making a “defense” of the faith.
ELDERS ARE INTERESTED IN CONTINUED GROWTH.
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Jesus – the “sons of this world” (the unsaved) can be wiser than the people of God.
Elders should have some idea about what the world is like and act accordingly.
Doctrine does not and cannot change, but the optional matters in Christianity may need to be modified.
1 Chron. 12:32 refers to men – warriors associated with David – who “understood the times.”
1) Peter spoke about “elders” in the last chapter of his book (1 Pet. 5).
2) I also find it interesting that before getting to this passage Peter spoke about the “brotherhood.”
3) 1 Pet. 2:17 says, “love the brotherhood.”
4) Ideally elders will know some things about other congregations – the church around the world.
STRENGTH, COURAGE AND PRAYER.
1) In Mt. 10:28 the Lord said to His people, “Do not be afraid.”
2) This instruction is good and right for every Christian, and especially for elders.
3) God is looking for men to serve as elders.
4) Let’s be sure we work to make this process as successful as possible.
