Noble Work

Posted by on January 21, 2007 under Sermons

Teaching the Faith
The apostles are the models for church elders, just as Jesus is the model for all church leaders.

  • Promoting healthy belief and thus healthy believers (Titus 1:9; 2:1; 3:8).
  • Guarding the gospel against different doctrine (Acts 20:30; Titus 1:11).
  • Knowing, preaching, and teaching the faith (1 Timothy 3:6; 5:17).
  • Ministry of word and prayer (Acts 6)

Shepherding the Flock

  • Protecting the church from “wolves” (Acts 20:28-31). Among the wolves are those who cause dissension and strife.
  • Ensuring good “nutrition” for the flock (John 21:15-19).
  • Taking care of flock with caring authority (1 Timothy 3:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:17).

Consoling the Hurting

  • Consoling with the consolation they have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
  • Praying and “anointing” the sick and sinful (James 5:14-16) –
  • Dealing with each one gently
    • like a nurse caring for the sick
    • like a father with his children (1 Thessalonians 2:7,11).

Encouraging Christian Formation

  • Nurturing Christians as Christ is formed in them (Galatians 4:19).
  • Maturing believers to grow into the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:14,15).
  • Leading the believers to go beyond the basic teaching and toward maturity (Hebrews 6:1). Maturity and the fullness of Christ is the goal and purpose for all the gifts of the spirit.

Building Community

  • Building believers into a “household of faith” (1 Corinthians 3:10-18).
  • Facilitating the “one another” ministries:
    • mutually edifying (Romans 14:19);
    • accepting (Romans 15:7);
    • serving (Galatians 5:13);
    • offering hospitality (1 Peter 4:9);
    • encouraging (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14).
  • Enabling us to use gifts for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

Equipping Saints for Ministry

  • Equipping Christians for their God-given ministries (Ephesians 4:12).
  • Encouraging each part of the body to be “joined and knit together,” working properly in love (Ephesians 4:16).
  • Calling saints to be good stewards of the gifts each has received (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Facilitating Reconciliation

  • Promoting oneness of mind and purpose in the body through devotion to the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-5).
  • Overseeing the practice of Matthew 18.
  • Romans 16:17 (“keep an eye on–and avoid– those who cause dissensions and offenses”).
  • Offering counsel to members in conflict (1 Corinthians 6:1-6).

Restoring the Fallen

  • Gently restoring those who have sinned (Galatians 6:1-5)
  • Affirming love and forgiveness to the penitent (2 Corinthians 2:5-11)
  • Saving some from the fire (Jude 23)
  • Prayers of restoration (James 5:15)

Above adapted from material presented by Dr. Charles Siburt at the ACU Fall Lectureship 2006.