Tony
Scriptures:
Acts 20:18-35 Galatians 5:22-23 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1:5-9 1 Corinthians 6:20 2 Timothy 4:2 2 Timothy 1:13-14
In Acts 20:28 Paul was speaking to the Elders of the Ephesian churches, encouraging them in the work God had called them to do. All of them were called to be shepherds of God’s flock. Some were preachers, some teachers, some pastors and some evangelists.
These men were recognised, not only by their gifts, but principally by their fruit.(Galatians 5:22-23). Their lives were to show the quality of Christ likeness we read about in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, which list the moral and spiritual qualifications given for all church leaders. In his final word to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:18-35) Paul teaches how to be a shepherd and to keep the sheep safe.
One of the major duties of Elders is to feed and spiritually nourish the sheep by teaching God’s Word. They must always keep in mind that the flock is God’s people who were purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 6:20). Paul reminded them that he had warned, encouraged and taught them. As a result of his life and example, Paul is able to say that he is “innocent of the blood of all men” (Acts 20:28).
In a similar way, Elders today must declare to their congregations the full and balanced truth of God’s Word without compromise and in correct context. They must teach the word, rebuke, correct and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul brought a prophetic warning to the young and growing churches. The Elders must protect the sheep from spiritual enemies whose aim is to distract, deceive and destroy them. Paul calls these enemies ‘false teacher’s and ‘savage wolves’ to emphasize that they are strong, difficult to handle and dangerous.
The true Church consists of only those who follow Christ with a true heart that is reliant on His help and strength through Holy Spirit.
For this reason leaders must be given to enforce firm discipline, loving correction and firm opposition to those in the church who would distort the truth of God’s Word. Those called to leadership have a responsibility, not only for the life of the flock, but also for their own walk with God. Leaders are often gifted and may become the focus of the members’ attention, as a consequence they may become proud or vain and be drawn to preach sermons which they know will appeal to the opinions already held. The true preaching of God’s Word will challenge more often than it will comfort.
It is extremely important for a church to maintain discipline in relation to the Bible and issues of moral integrity. This means that those who lead must not only be prepared to discipline, but also must recognise that a leader should be prepared to be challenged by the same Biblical standards as anyone else.
False teachers, pastors and leaders will come to weaken the Bible’s authority by inaccurate teaching and unbiblical principles. By rejecting the full authority of God’s Word they are denying that the Bible is true and trustworthy.
A leadership and congregation that turn away from God’s Word are on the path of fruitlessness and rebellion. They have rejected the original revelation of Christ given through God’s Word. As a result, the church and God’s people will lose their purpose, power and life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we pray that You will guide all church leaders to remain faithful to teaching Biblical truth as it is written, and may those who come under the sound of their teaching know conviction that leads to repentance and the will to follow in Your footsteps, guided by Holy Spirit. In these days when so many have been drawn into the pleasures of this world, we look to You to fulfil Your promise to build Your Church as Your people witness in the harvest field of souls,. We pray in the precious Name of Jesus, Amen.