The Responsibility and Honor of Elders - Santosh Poonen - January 29, 2012
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-responsibility-and-honor-of-elders River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message focuses on the responsibility and honor associated with eldership, drawing from 1 Timothy chapter 5. The speaker emphasizes that leadership principles must first be established within the church, as the judgment must begin at the household of God. He stresses that all believers have spheres of influence where these principles apply, urging accountability and integrity in leadership roles.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Understanding the world's pyramid scheme versus God's upside-down churchThe world organizes institutions like a pyramid where the person at the top has all the power and status, but God's church operates on the exact opposite principle.
How Jesus reached the highest placeJesus did not grasp at his equality with God, but instead emptied himself, became a servant, and humbled himself to the point of death on a cross.
Who is the greatest among disciples?While the disciples argued over who was the greatest, Jesus taught them that anyone who wants to be first must be the servant of all.Mark 9:33
The son of man came to serveJames and John sought positions of honor, but Jesus reminded them that rulers in the world lord over people while Christian leaders must be slaves of all.Mark 10:44
Why God calls for a plurality of eldersGod establishes multiple elders in each local church to demonstrate mutual submission, provide personal balance, and share heavy burdens.
The responsibility to rule wellElders have a God-given responsibility to rule the church well, keeping watch over souls as those who must give an account.
Keeping lives above reproachElders must live free from continuing sin, and accusations against them must only be received on the basis of two or three witnesses.1 Timothy 5:19
Rebuking sin publiclyTo instill the fear of God throughout the body, leaders must courageously rebuke those who persist in unrepentant sin.1 Timothy 5:20
Maintaining strict impartialityLeaders are solemnly charged by God and his holy angels to execute their duties without partiality or favoritism.
Avoiding legalistic extremesPaul instructs Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach ailments, showing that genuine holiness is not bound by man-made legalism.
Praying in faith while submitting to God's willBelievers should pray in faith for healing from sickness while ultimately yielding to God's higher purposes if He chooses to accomplish something greater through suffering.
Fighting every form of hypocrisyThough some sins remain hidden for a time, every secret act and hypocrisy will eventually be brought to light before God's judgment.
