The Work of an Elder

You’re in, now what?

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4

• Not under Compulsion – 2– Lit: by force– Who is the one being forced?– How could one be forced to serve as an

elder?– How could an elder be forceful towards

members?• Willingly – 2– Lit: voluntarily, willingly, enthusiastically –

Heb 13:17– Why should an elder serve willingly?

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4

• Not for dishonest gain, but eagerly – 2– Elders were to be free from the love of

money – 1 Tim 3:3; 5:18, etc.– Implies elders were to be generous, but also

implies that they were being paid for their work.

– Why would it be important to have elders who didn’t view “shepherding” as “just another paycheck”?

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4

• Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you – 3– Lords: domineering; a ruler; to master;

subdue– The elders are leaders who must prod the

cattle, but not whip them into shape– Not “convert or die” – Mt 10:42, 43– An elder is NOT the police of the church– But, it is a position of authority and

leadership.– Elders are “entrusted” with the church

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4

• But Being examples to the flock – 3– This is the best way to lead!– Verb tense suggests the elders continually

becomes the kind of person people look up to and want to follow.

– Examples (Ensamples – KJV)• Type; pattern; stamp• That is, the elders are the transcript for the play

of life – Phil 3:17; 1 Thess 1:7; Heb 13:7

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4

• When the Chief Shepherd appears…– Refers to Christ – 2:25; Heb 13:20; John

10:11– No one knows when he will appear, so be

ready – 1 Thess 5:1, 2– Elders are shepherds, but Jesus is the Chief

Shepherd!

Work of an Elder – 1 Peter 5:2-4

• You will received the crown (STEPHANOS) of glory that does not fade away– It is a heavenly crown – 1 Cor 9:25

• There are 2 crowns:– Stephanos – made of leaves, branches; one

crown for the victor– Diadem – a ruler’s crown, made of gold,

jewels and sparkling – Rev 19:12– Christians (elders) don’t “rule” the church;

Christ does – 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 20:6– We can run the race and get the unfading

crown! Will you?