Elders: Be Faithful to Build Christ's Church -- Zac Poonen -- March 26, 2022
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/elders-be-faithful-to-build-christs-church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
Elders are accountable to the Lord for how they shepherd the church, which requires focusing on an inner circle of committed believers rather than trying to manage the entire growing congregation. True eldership is characterized by humble service, viewing the role as more like that of a servant or caretaker than an honor. Furthermore, elders must cultivate self-judgment daily and exercise supernatural discernment to help others, remembering that judging others is not their role.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Giving an account to the LordElders have the serious responsibility of watching over souls and will one day give an account to the Lord.
The principle of inner circlesJust as Jesus spent more time with smaller, more committed circles of disciples, elders should primarily focus on an inner circle who will take responsibility for others.
Judging ourselves dailyIf we judge ourselves rightly and examine our personal and family lives, we will not be judged by the Lord in the final day.
Servants and toilet cleanersEldership is not about honor or position, but about humble service like changing spiritual diapers and cleaning up messes.
Discernment versus condemnationInstead of condemning people, elders must seek supernatural discernment to help others the way a skilled doctor diagnoses a patient.
The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsomeA servant of the Lord must be gentle, patient when wronged, and correct opponents in the hope that God will grant them repentance from the devil's snare.
Rescuing the sheep instead of scoldingLike David attacking the lion rather than scolding the lamb, we must recognize when people are held captive by the devil and help them rather than fight them.
Recognizing our own fleshWe must remember that even the worst sinners share the same flesh as us, and any difference is solely due to the grace of God.
The new and living way through the veilThe rent veil represents the flesh of Jesus, giving us bold access into the most holy place through a daily walk of self-denial.Hebrews 10:19–20
Denying yourself every dayJesus commanded us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, which is the foundational requirement for following Him.
Gifts do not prove spiritual maturityA powerful preaching gift or anointing does not prove personal holiness, as even a backslider can possess gifts that God does not take back.
Maintaining a sensitive conscienceA true walk with the Lord is evidenced by a sensitive conscience that quickly apologizes and deals with sin without delay.
Old covenant fading glory versus new covenant transformationUnlike Moses who covered his fading glory with a veil, we look at the glory of the Lord with an unveiled face and are transformed into His likeness.2 Corinthians 3:10–18
The mystery of godlinessThe mystery of godliness is understood through divine revelation rather than mere study, seeing how Jesus came in the flesh and kept His spirit pure.
The autobiography of JesusJesus' entire life was defined by refusing to do His own will and instead doing the will of His Father in heaven.John 6:38
Building a diverse body of ChristGod enriches His church by bringing together people of different nationalities, races, and income levels into one unified body.
