THE BODY OF CHRIST
THE
ORDER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST – PART 8
The
Elders – Ensamples to the Flock
1 Peter 5:3
“nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but
being examples to the flock”
Elders –
are not to lord it over the Body of
Christ, but be an example or pattern to them. They are to lead the way
for others to follow; an example is part of ruling and the opposite of
lording over them!
John 10:4
“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before
them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”
Shepherds –
set an example for the sheep to follow, he leads them rather than drives
them. This is the point the Lord is making to the Pharisees, concerning a
legitimate shepherd. Jesus never led in a way that He did not tread. Elders
therefore, should always do what they expect others to do.
Elders –
by example do not rule out praying with and studying with those who have
demonstrated spiritual interests; however, they cannot dismiss their
responsibility as being charged with final decisions, based on the Lord’s
instruction.
Titus 1:9
“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.”
None other
in the Body of Christ has been
given this great responsibility, which in and of itself, establishes the
importance of this order in the Body
of Christ. Those congregations of God’s people where men attempt to do
this great work by consensus, even if they truly are attempting to give
Christ preeminence, inevitably run into problems (especially because the
untaught have the same voice as the taught). This is not the order that the
Lord intended for His Body!
Instead,
men of high character established by rigid qualifications are to be
appointed to this work, which in turn gives the sheep of the flock those by
whom they can imitate in faith as examples.
Hebrews 13:7
“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the
word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their
conduct.”
The
Elders – Areas for Elders to be Good Examples
A Good
Teacher:
Apt to
teach is one of the qualifications. This is to have the ability to function
in imparting knowledge to others both publicly and privately. Not only know
the subject, but how to teach the person is always critical (which is
something every Christian is to obtain!).
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be with grace,
seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
2 Timothy 2:24-26
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle
to all, able to teach, patient,
25
in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will
grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
26
and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of
the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
This is so
critical; it often determines the progress of the entire
Body of Christ!
Fathers:
since this is also one of the qualifications, it is also very important that
he lead in this as well. His children must respect him and be in complete
subjection to him. He must be an example of spiritual teaching and guidance
to them (Ephesians
6:1-4).
If he does
not have these qualities, how will he guide the Body of Christ?
1 Timothy 3:5
“(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house,
how will he take care of the church of God?)”
Husbands:
The Apostle Paul used the marriage relationship to describe the relationship
between the Lord and His Body. He is the Head of the Body –
Ephesians 5:23; He is the Savior of the Body –
Ephesians 5:23; He loved the Body as He loved Himself –
Ephesians 5:28. In turn the Body (wife) is in subjection to Him –
Ephesians 5:22-24; and she is to be holy and without spot or
blemish –
Ephesians 5:27.
In a
similar pattern, the elder is to be married to one wife and demonstrating;
both she and he, these qualities in their marriage as an example to the
flock (1
Timothy 3:2;
Titus 1:6).
A
Peacemaker:
A lover of
good, gentle, and not quarrelsome are qualifications (1
Timothy 3:3;
Titus 1:8). This will test one’s character, perhaps more than
anything will, to work with the quarrelsome, etc…
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.”
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live
peaceably with all men.”
Elders are
always looked to when trouble arises among brethren, to arbitrate and help
reach consensus by the word. Elders are to be men with experience in
judgment so they can counsel and always bring peace by the strength of the
word of God.
A Good
Neighbor:
A good
testimony from those who are outsiders is a qualification (1
Timothy 3:7). Hospitality is a trait so important to an elder, as
well as a good reputation. In our present age, indifference towards ones
fellow man is apparent everywhere. Elders should be a shining light in the
darkness of moral despair.
One who is
approachable, and genuinely concerned with the wellbeing of others; first
spiritually and then physically (something we all are to achieve, but they
are to be examples of!).
1 Timothy 2:1-4
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
2
for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
3
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4
who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Romans 12:9-18
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what
is evil. Cling to what is good.
10
Be
kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another;
11
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things,
but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all
men.
18
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to
all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Next: “Oversight!”