A slight departure from the usual as we celebrate baptism and think about how to encourage and build one another up. Notes below.
[display_poedcast]
The last stage of community is “Incarnation.” That is to represent the character and nature of the Son. That His nature and purpose are manifest in the community.
Part 1: Nature and Purpose of the Church.
I. The task of mutual support (1 Thes. 5.11-13).
A. Encourage one another, means to reassure, comfort and cheer on!
1. Illus: African American congregations respond to the preacher.
2. Illus: My friend Gary calls randomly to encourage.
B. Build one another up means to edify, equip and facilitate another’s success.
1. Illus: Teachers edify, but we are all supposed to.
2. Illus: In families parents to this for children; husbands for wives.
II. Appreciation for those who excel (leaders) in service.
A. Interesting that this instruction is in the context of building people up.
B. Recognize those who are motivated to serve. Leaders are hard workers.
1. Two kinds of authority should be concurrent.
(a) Spiritual.
(b) Official.
2. Recognize Todd as he steps down from the office.
C. It is assumed that those “over” are identified by their labors.
D. Leaders are “over” in the sense of a roof or an experienced mentor not a boss.
1. Protect
2. Guide
3. Manifest faithfulness by example (1Pe 5:1-3).
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
E. Authority in the New Testament sense is given not demanded.
1. Leaders are ordained because of the labor they already do (recognized).
(a) Leaders tend to be followed.
(b) Leaders are peaceful in their leadership.
2. The marks of insecure leadership.
(a) Tendency to control and micromanage.
(b) When challenged their trump card are “submission” scriptures.