by Bud Lambert
A car runs smoothly only when every part properly relates to the other parts. Likewise, the church properly functions as the body of Christ only when every member relates to the other members according to God�s design ( I Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 2:13-22
One proper relationship that is essential to godly functioning of the church is the elder-member relationship. For us to properly relate to our elders (David Burka, Albert England, David Fleming, DeWayne Griffin, Pat Hackney, Tony Huddleston, James Whiteaker, & Tommy Whittle) God says we must allow them to do the following:
1. episkopeo, proistemi-oversee, guard, superintend, or see that we do our work correctly ( Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:2, 4; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Titus 1:7);
2. oikonomos�administer, steward, manage, or direct the affairs of the church ( Titus 1:7);
3. epimeleomi-care for, or make provisions for us ( 1 Timothy 3:5);
4. hegeomi-rule, lead, preside over, govern, or guide us ( Hebrews 13:7; 17, 24);
5. parakaleo-encourage us with sound teachings ( Titus 1:9);
6. elegcho-point out, convict, or correct us and others when we oppose sound teaching ( Titus 1:9);
7. epistomizo-silence false teachers among us ( Titus 1:11).
In addition to our allowing the elders to do the above,
God also commands that we obey and submit to them ( Hebrews 13:17), honor them ( I Timothy 5:17), hold them in highest regard (I Thess. 5:12, 13), and receive not an accusation against them except at the mouth of two or more witnesses ( 1 Timothy 5:19).
Let�s relate to each other as God directs. Particularly, let us follow God�s instructions and properly relate to our elders.
1-15-2006