July 24, 2005 Summit AM

Responsibility – Elders & Congregation

Introduction

A. Today we ordain Bruce Adams as one of our elders

1. Asked him to make a commitment to God & to us

2. Willingly comes to serve – be used by God

B. Focus will be upon responsibility

C. Pray

I. Charge To The Elders

A. Don’t serve out of selfish reasons – Phil.2:3,4

1. Selfish ambitions do nothing for the cause of Christ

a. We not here to exalt self – be exalted

b. In God’s kingdom called be servants – lowest of servants

c. Mt.21:25-28 – in world lord it over others – not kingdom

2. Phil.2:19-21 – attitude of Timothy = truly cares

3. Jesus willingly laid down His life – so should we – love His church

B. Focus upon being an example

1. 1 Pet.5:1-3 – lead not shove or push

2. Regardless what others do – seek set pace for holiness

3. 1 Tim.4:15,16 – diligently do = save self & those who hear you

C. Be courteous & respectful to fellow elders

1. Be times won’t agree – see things the same

2. Eph.4:1-3 – endeavor keep unity of spirit in bond of peace

3. Ps.133:1-3 – unity is where Lord bestows His blessing

II. Charge To Congregation

A. Always strive to be in submission

1. Heb.13:17 – obey & submit

a. They keep watch over you

b. Purpose is your salvation – good

c. May not always agree – accept them as being over you

2. Rom.13:1-4 – those in authority are God’s servants

a. To rebel against – struggling against God

b. Without respect for authority = chaos

B. Seek to honor them

1. 1 Thess.5:12,13 – God’s representative

2. Don’t make false accusations – 1 Tim.5:19

a. Society full of this – not know what to believe

b. No real unity – growth

3. Think what we be if - as a nation we truly unite

a. Stop the false accusations

b. Refuse to listen – make them prove charge

C. Pray for them

1. They on front lines of Satan’s attack

a. Smite the shepherd – flock scattered

b. Satan looking for someone to devour – get elder = get flock

2. Apostles sensed importance

a. Rom.15:30-32 – pray for me

b. 2 Cor.1:8-11 – God deliver us as you pray

c. Eph.6:19,20 – whenever open mouth = words given me

D. Do all you can to make their work a joy

1. Much of their work is not joyful

a. Dealing with sin in peoples’ lives – calling for repentance

b. Counseling people in struggles

c. Dealing with criticism & negativity

d. People ignoring advice & yet demanding blessing

2. Heb.13:17 – when not a joy – not good for us

a. Won’t put heart into = discouraged, overwhelmed

b. Movie about fireman – still love it way used too?

E. Be patient with them – are only human

1. Because named an elder – not super human

a. Still struggles same emotions, fears, and temptations as you

b. Still vulnerable to Satan’s attacks

2. Learn to express appreciation & gratitude to them

a. Many today just expect service – never appreciative

b. Much of what public servants hear is criticism & complaints

c. Eph.4:29 – no unwholesome talk

Conclusion

A. This is a great congregation – tremendous opportunities

1. To accomplish God’s work – unity, spirit of cooperation

2. As elders – seek to serve – watch out for self-exaltation – be a living example

3. Congregation – spirit of cooperation – make task a joy – lift them up

B. Pray