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ELDERS & THE CHURCH

ELDERS & THE CHURCH. God’s Wisdom in Church Organization. Not like the organizations of men Matt. 20:25-28; 1 Corinthians 12:28 Very simple Philippians 1:1 elders & deacons Each church autonomous & independent of other congregations 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 14:23 DEACONS

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ELDERS & THE CHURCH

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  1. ELDERS & THE CHURCH

  2. God’s Wisdom in Church Organization • Not like the organizations of men Matt. 20:25-28; 1 Corinthians 12:28 • Very simple Philippians 1:1 elders & deacons • Each church autonomous & independent of other congregations 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 14:23 DEACONS • Deacons are servants Acts 6:1-4 “serve tables” • Their focus is on details and logistics so elders can focus on spiritual leadership Acts 6:4

  3. Qualities of Deacons • Deacons are servants Acts 6:1-4 “serve tables” verb form ofdeacon 1. Good reputation trusted character 2. Full of the Holy Spirit spiritual character 3. Full of wisdom competentfor the function • 1 Timothy 3:8-13 • Likewise(see verses 1-7!) 1. Reverent (respected for being respectable) • Not double-tongued a must for honest dealing

  4. Qualities of Deacons • Not given to much wine impairs judgment • Not greedy for money source of all kinds of evil 2. Holding the mystery of faith with a pure conscience (integrity based on Christ-like principles in His word) Qualification of Deacons • First tested, then found blameless v.10 3. How tested v.11-12 behavior of wives v.11,ruling children and house wellv.12 • Tested Character+TestedCompetence=Confidenceof others

  5. Church Organization ELDERS • Acts 20:17,28 elders are told to pastor the church of the Lord over which the Holy Spirit made them overseers 1 Peter 5:1-3 • Focus on spiritual leadership • Take care of the church of God 1 Tim. 3:5, Luke 10:34-35 like a shepherd • James 5:13-16 visitthe sick Matt. 25:36-43 • Looking diligently so none fall away Heb. 12:14 • Bishop literally means overseer

  6. Qualification of Elders • Deaconsfirst tested (v.10) in the home (v.11-12) as the bishops (likewise—v.8) • Character found blameless (v.10)provencharacterandproven competence as an effective manager of the home • Elders must be proven as successful spiritual guides of their families • Independently godly children • Everyone (even outsiders) must see he is an effective spiritual leader and blameless (v.7)

  7. Relationship of Elders to the Church 1 Peter 5:1-4 • Older man more experienced, wise, trusted • Overseer watches out for what is needed Hebrews 12:12-17 • Shepherd provides what is needed • Spiritual food, spiritual guidance, spiritual protection Psalm 23 • They watch over our souls Heb. 13:17 • They rule over us we are to obey & submit • Everyone will be happier and blessed

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