Elders Worthy of Honor
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 12/30/2018 AM |
Text: | I Timothy 4:17 |
Psalters: | 170, 341, 92, 407 |
Installation of Elders and Deacons |
- Who is worthy.
- In this chapter Paul instructs Timothy about the attitude church members are to have toward the office of elder.
- It is “elders” whom we are to honor.
- The position to be honored is further described by the activity of “rule,” i.e., to be set over, to guard or protect.
- Here the elders are said to rule “well,” i.e., they discharge their office beautifully, excellently, rightly so that there is little or no room for blame; they rule faithfully and diligently.
- The attitude and conduct required is that they are to be to judged worthy, deserving of honor; we are to think right of them.
- The office of elder deserves honor.
- We are to realize that we are honoring God when we honor His position of authority (regardless of who is in the office).
- And we are specifically to honor the men who in the office; we are to esteem them in our minds.
- Consider all the Scripture passages which call for this: Phil. 2;29; I Thess. 5:12,13; Heb. 13:7,17; I Peter 5:5.
- “Double honor” is to be given when they do their work well..
- The office (and those in it) deserves honor, and those that rule well are to be judged worthy of extra honor for faithful service
- When we are to give double honor to those who rule well, then it implies that some do not rule well.
- When we obey this duty, there are important results.
- The office of elder deserves honor.
- How do we count the elders worthy?
- Pray for them; bear your office-bearers and their work continually before the Lord.
- Be ready to cooperate with your office-bearers, by attending to their counsel and instruction.
- Cherish a good, confiding relationship, especially for your elders who have an interest in your souls.