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The Daily Word of Righteousness
Ministry by the Spirit, #5
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (I Peter 5:1-3)
The elders are to serve God's flock, not because they are compelled to do so but willingly.
The elders are not to be motivated by a desire for money but by the desire to do God's will. The history of the Christian Church reveals that elders often are covetous and use their office to become rich. They have lived in finer homes than the saints under their authority, on some occasions, and have driven more expensive automobiles. They have expected to be treated as superior persons. They sometimes wear special robes and other adornments and sit in ornate chairs on the "platform." This is Babylon, not Christianity. This was not the custom of the early apostles and pastors.
The elders are not to regard themselves as the lords and masters of God's people but are to be examples of godly behavior. Again, the history of the Church indicates that elders are tempted by the desire to be elevated over their brothers.
Some elders have been dictators, insisting on governing the behavior of each person committed to their charge, requiring that the believer ask permission for every move he makes. In this instance, the Christian is kept under an unhealthy dominance by the elder.
While such close supervision may profit the new Christian for a season it rapidly becomes a detriment to the spiritual growth of the Lord's disciple. The desire for such mastery reveals an unclean ambition and desire for power in the personality of the elder.
The ministry of the elders is to feed the flock and also to oversee the believers so they are not led off course. The elders are to watch for the welfare of the saints and encourage the development of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers in the assembly.
Also, there will be traveling ministries. The role of the elders is to insure that the members profit from the traveling ministries God has given. The elders are not to reject the traveling ministries. The temptation always is present with elders to jealously guard their little kingdoms and not allow the Holy Spirit to minister.
The Apostle John was refused entrance to at least one assembly because an elder was seeking preeminence.
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (III John 1:9)
We have traveling ministries today. They are termed "evangelists." Some of them are true men of God. Numerous others are hirelings, going from church to church for profit, entertaining the saints. Traveling "concert artists" who "book performances" have no place among the remnant of warrior-saints who are desirous of following the Holy Spirit.
To be continued.