PREACHED: OL,
1Ø THE THRUST OF OUR STUDY…
A. Toward
the elders
B. But to deal
only with scrutinizing leadership and not taking a careful look at followship
is to neglect our total task.
2Ø THE INTRICATE BALANCE…
A. Just as the human body, has an intricate
balance that maintains proper function, so it is with the spiritual body, the
church.
1. Eph
4:11,12. “And he gave the apostles…”
V 16. “…speaking the truth in
Christ, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
from whom…”
a. Each of us has a function—leader and
follower!
1) Must be a proper cooperation
between each member of Christ’s body the church!
B. Of course, a great deal of the credit is
due leadership when a church carries on her work with joy and unity!
1. CLEON LYLES: “When a congregation lives
harmoniously with few publicly known problems, it is not because none have
existed, but evidence of the leadership of elders who are capable of solving
problems quietly and efficiently.”
C. THE
INTRICATE BALANCE:
1. Elders who qualify and function -
2. Members who are willing to fulfill their
responsibilities to the elders -
3Ø VITAL OBSERVATIONS ABOUT LEADER-
SHIP AND FOLLOWSHIP…
A. Followship begins with discipleship—being
a follower of Christ!
1. We follow his spirit of suffering
servanthood -
a. I
Peter 2:21-23. “For to this you have been called…”
B. True leadership begins with the ability to follow -
1. Peter, Andrew, James and John:
a. Matt
2. Elders must remember that they must follow
the wisdom of the eldership, and that they are subject themselves to the elders
as are the other members!
C. We are all leaders in some things and
followers in others -
D. Many good works fail because the leader
has no followers -
1. Pray and meditate long and hard before you
stop following!
2. STORY OF THE ELDER WHO DIED AND WENT TO
HEAVE:
a. He didn’t see many of his flock there and
asked why:
1) “You weren’t leading a flock of sheep,
but struggling with a pack of wolves.”
Acts
4Ø WHAT WE OWE THE ELDERS…
A. RESPECT
1. We should respect the office or position.
2. I
Thessalonians 5:12,13. “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor
among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and esteem them very
highly for their work.
a. SEB. “Because of their work,
treat them with the greatest honor in love…”
3. Parents must teach their children the
right attitude toward elders.
a. Teach them who elders are and what is
their work and our responsibility to follow their leadership!
1) An attitude of rebellion and constant
criticism will only promote another generation of rebels.
B. OBEDIENCE
1. Heb
13:17,18. “Obey your leaders and…”
a. Joy and groaning on the part of both!
b. We tell our children the benefit of obedience;
we need to learn the same!
1) Remember! Your children will follow your
example of rebellion and willfulness, even to the point of disrespect for you
and your instruction!
C. IMITATION
A. Heb
13:7. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.
Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
1. I
Peter 5:5. “…not domineering those under your charge, but being
examples to the flock.”
a. The fact that he mentions the “Chief
Shepherd” in the next verse intimates elders have one that they are to imitate
as well!
1) Of course, Jesus is the ultimate example
for us all.
B. But
there is a mutual obligation!
1. The members are to follow the conduct and
faith of the elder, but the elder must have a way of life and a level of faith
that is worthy of emulation!
a. Paul spoke of this mutual obligation:
1) I
Tim 5:17. “Let the elders who rule well be considered
worthy of double honor…”