A Study About Elders - Desire | Words Of Truth
Words Of Truth

Words Of Truth


"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

A Study About Elders
Desire


I. Introduction:

A. Terms that synonymously apply to elders…

  1. Elders [“…among the Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches)” (Strong’s # 4245) (Acts 20:17).
  2. Bishop [“…overseership, office, charge, the office of an elder” (Strongs # 1984)] (I Timothy 3:1).
  3. Pastors [“shepherd” (Strong’s # 4166) (Ephesians 4:11).
  4. Presbytery [“… body of elders” (Strong’s # 4244)] (I Timothy 4:14).
  5. Overseers [“…elder or overseer of the church” (Strong’s # 1985)] (Acts 20:28).
  6. Steward “[“a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer…” (Strong’s # 3623)] (Titus 1:7).
B. We are going to be talking about men whom are appointed to a position of authority (Hebrews 13:7).

  1. What does one’s desires tell us (Proverbs 11:23 and Matthew 5:6)?
  2. What happens when men abuse their authority (Micah 3:1-12)?

II. Body: In This Lesson, We Will Discuss The Desire Of A Man To Take On The Role Of A Shepherd (I Timothy 3:1).

A. The desire to be an elder should not be for material gain (I Peter 5:2).

  1. Elders are going to be trusted with the Lord’s money (Acts 11:27-30).
  2. Elders can be supported financially (I Timothy 5:17-18).
  3. Thus, they will be in charge of the very funds they are authorized to be supported from. Hasn’t that been a problem in the past (John 12:1-6)?
  4. What often motivates false teachers (II Peter 2:1-3)?
B. The man desiring to serve as an elder should not be looking to exercise dominion over the saints (I Peter 5:3).

  1. Authority should not be given to one who desires to lord over others (Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 24:45-51, Mark 10:35-45, and II Corinthians 1:23-24).
  2. Does this man just want to have the preeminence (III John 1:9-11)?
C. If the desire is right, the work of an elder is good (I Peter 5:1-2)?

  1. What is to be expected (Acts 15:1-23 and Acts 20:28; 31)?
  2. In a context about spiritual gifts, we find the office of an elder is one set to the service of the saints (Ephesians 4:7-13; cf. I Corinthians 13:8-13).

III. Conclusion: For those men whom desire to serve as an elder, remember the weight of that office (Hebrews 13:17).