SHEPHERDING THE CHURCH I. TEXTUAL THOUGHTS 1. John 21:15-17- Feeding
Jesus' sheep is a demonstration of love for Him. 2. John 10:1-16- The good
shepherd is willing to die for the sheep. 3. 1 Peter 5:1-5- Elders are
examples and should be followed. 4. Hebrews 13:7, 17,24-
Christians should obey our leaders. 5. 1 Timothy 5:17-20- Elders
are to be honored. II. MAIN THEME: Feeding God's people with
spiritual food is a demonstration of our love for Jesus. Jesus calls older men to serve as leaders
of the church, and they should be honored as God's servants. Elders should love the church and be
willing to give their lives for its good. 1. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd
and example to church leaders. a. He was willing
to die for the church, John 10:11-17, Ephesians 5:25-29. b. Jesus told
one who loved him to feed His sheep, John 21:15-17. c.
These things were written for our examples, 1 Corinthians 10:11; 11:1. 2. Elders are examples to the
church. a. Their
motive for leading is the well being of the church, 1 Peter 5:1-4. b. Their
reward is an eternal crown of glory, 1 Peter 5:5. 3. Elders are given oversight
of the church. a. To speak
the word of God to the flock, Hebrews 13:7, Titus 1:9. b. To watch
out for the spiritual life of the flock, Heb 13:17, 1 Tim 3:1-2. 4. Members are to submit to
the oversight and leadership of the elders. a. Especially
those who labor in the word and doctrine, 1 Timothy 5:17-18. b. Elders are
responsible for overseeing what is taught, Acts 20:28-31. c. Teachers
with bad motives must be stopped, Titus 1:9-11. III. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: 1. Christians should respect
and obey those who have been given spiritual oversight of the church, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Hebrews 13:17. 2. Men should desire the work
of service of leading the flock because: a. It
demonstrates our love for Jesus, John 21:15-17. b. It will
give an eternal reward, 1 Peter 5:5. 3. The teaching of God's word
is the foundation of leading the flock., Titus 1:9, Acts 20:32. 4. We must be careful about
bringing charges against God's shepherds, 1 Timothy 5:1,19. IV.
MEMORY VERSE- ACTS 20:28. |