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ELDER HONOR. I Timothy 5:17-20. 7/10/22. #16.
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
1. An honored position
a. Elders are to be highly esteemed
a1. If a man who appointed to be an elder meets the qualification, he is honorable
a2. As with prophets, apostles, pastors, and deacons, elders hold a high position appointed by God
b. Elders are teachers, protectors, disciplinarians, restorers, and mentors
c. Paul mentions a special class of mentors
a1. Those who minister in Word and doctrine
a2. Full time workers, doing the job of pastor’s and teachers
a3. Worth being properly paid for their ministering to saints unto God (Deuteronomy 25:4)
d. Not all elders were full time workers
e. Hebrews 13:7-17 elders must give an account for those in the church body they serve
2. The work of an elder
a. The elder has five basic jobs
a1. To be a model of Christian integrity
a2. To study and teach the Word of God
a3. To protect the flock against error
a4. To correct those who stray from faith
a5. To implement church discipline when necessary (for restoration)
b. The elders act as guardians or gate keepers
a1. Ezekiel 3 serve the role as watchmen
a2. There are ever subtle errors that creep into a church (must guard against them)
c. Acts 20 Paul warned the elders that wolves will come among them to ravish the flock
a1. Not all men who appear to be holy, are holy (must guard against influence)
a2. Temptation in high positions are great (pride, seducing doctrines, factions…)
a3. Many churches have been ruined by men in leadership controlling all
d. Elders face many challenges: apathy among believers, rebellion, accusations, and rivalries
e. An effective elder = a man of prayer, study, wisdom, grace, faith, and teaching
a1. He instructs, ministers, and visits
a2. With other elders he makes important decisions for the church
3. Protect your elders
a. Accusations against elders take 2 or 3 witnesses
a1. Elders are easily accused by the jealous and vindictive
a2. Start 1 step up from Matthew 18:15-18
b. Elders who are found guilty of sin must be publically rebuked, for it is public sin
a1. II Samuel 12 David was publically chastised
a2. Galatians 2 Paul confronted Peter before all
a3. I Corinthians 5 there is a deterrence to others in public accountability
c. Responsibility and accountability = go together
a1. Luke 12:48 a higher standard for leaders
a2. Leaders can strengthen or destroy
Key verse: Hebrews 13:7-17
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. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.