ELDERS

By David Riggs

Note: I preached this sermon by charts.  In other words, the charts
were my outline.

Chart #1
GREEK WORDS                          ENGLISH WORDS

Presbuteros                          Presbyter, Elder
One who is older, experienced, and wise exercises mature
judgment and leadership.
Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1

Episcopos                            Overseer, Bishop
One who looks over, superintends sees that things are done
rightly.
Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; Titus 1:7; 1 Tim. 3:1; Phil. 1:1

Poimen                               Pastor, Shepherd
                                     Tend, Feed
One who guards, tends, feeds sheep provides for the
spiritual welfare.
Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; Eph. 4:11

(Note: there are two passages which use all three terms of the
same men)

Chart #2
What is the Work of Elders?
                       
Elders are to take heed to themselves.  Acts 20:28
Elders are to oversee the church. Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; 1 Tim. 
3:2-5
Elders are to feed the flock.  Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; Eph. 4:11
Elders should seek to rule well.  1 Tim. 5:17; Rom. 12:5-8
Elders are to admonish us.  1 Thess. 5:11-12
Elders are stewards of God.  Titus 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:3
Elders are to watch for souls.  Heb. 13:17

Chart #3
"Pastors and Teachers"
(Ephesians 4:11)
                                        
"A single definite article in Greek links the two terms."  (Barth,
pp. 438-439)
              
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;..." (KJV)
              
"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as
evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,..." (NASV)
              
Pastors and teachers are the same office viewed from two different
aspects--shepherding and teaching.                       

Chart #4
What is the Responsibility of the Church to Elders?

To recognize and esteem them highly.  1 Thess. 5:12-13
Obey and submit.  Heb. 13:17
Receive the food and follow there example.  1 Pet. 5:1-3
Give double honor to those who rule well.  1 Tim. 5:17-18
Don't receive gossip against them.  1 Tim. 5:19
Use them.  James 5:14-15

Chart #5
The Need For Elders

Without elders a church is lacking in God's sight.
They are needed to more fully obey God.
It isn't good to have a flock without shepherds.
Discipline can be more capably handled.
Benevolence can be more proficiently administered.