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Traits Of An ElderThe teachings of the many denominations of men and the teaching of the original Apostolic Church of our LORD Jesus Christ are starkly in opposition one to the other. Listen in and hear of the simplicity of the offices of the original church and of it’s original intention as taught by the chief Apostle Simon Peter as Pastor: Landis derives from our latest section of text in first Peter chapter five the “Traits Of An Elder” |
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| Old Testament Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 3:6 – 16 (NASB) |
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Jer 3:6 Then the LORD said to me in the days of Josiah the king, “Have you seen what faithless Israel did? She went up on every high hill and under every green tree, and she was a harlot there.
Jer 3:7 “And I thought, ‘After she has done all these things, she will return to Me’; but she did not return, and her treacherous sister Judah saw it.
Jer 3:8 “And I saw that for all the adulteries of faithless Israel, I had sent her away and given her a writ of divorce, yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear; but she went and was a harlot also.
Jer 3:9 “And it came about because of the lightness of her harlotry, that she polluted the land and committed adultery with stones and trees.
Jer 3:10 “And yet in spite of all this her treacherous sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but rather in deception,” declares the LORD.
Jer 3:11 And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has proved herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.
Jer 3:12 “Go, and proclaim these words toward the north and say, ‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD; ‘I will not look upon you in anger. For I am gracious,’ declares the LORD; ‘I will not be angry forever.
Jer 3:13 ‘Only acknowledge your iniquity, That you have transgressed against the LORD your God And have scattered your favors to the strangers under every green tree, And you have not obeyed My voice,’ declares the LORD.
Jer 3:14 ‘Return, O faithless sons,’ declares the LORD; ‘For I am a master to you, And I will take you one from a city and two from a family, And I will bring you to Zion.’
Jer 3:15 “Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding.
Jer 3:16 “And it shall be in those days when you are multiplied and increased in the land,” declares the LORD, “they shall say no more, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ And it shall not come to mind, nor shall they remember it, nor shall they miss, nor shall it be made again. |
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| New Testament Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:16 – 5:1 – 7 (NASB) |
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1 Pet 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.
1 Pet 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
1 Pet 4:18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
1 Pet 4:19 Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.1 Pet 5:1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,
1 Pet 5:2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;
1 Pet 5:3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
1 Pet 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
1 Pet 5:5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
1 Pet 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
1 Pet 5:7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.
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Transforming Power Statements:
#1) Based on the complex, yet delicate relationship we have as blood washed sinners before a Holy God via the slain and risen Christ through faith in Him alone, Peter says: “Therefore” as he delivers his exhortations to the elders among the scattered aliens of the early church, and provides the “traits that are required by God to be an effective under-shepherd in submission to the will of God.
#2) Elders must: a) Do so in free will b) Not for money alone c) Serve freely not by force nor undue obligation d) Not be as ‘Lords’ over the flock e) Serve with a view to the approaching judgment of Christ the Chief Shepherd, Who will reward the faithful with a crown of glory.
3) Elders are to be teachers of the younger men so as to prepare a next generation for the continuing work of the ministry, and are to be given a measure of respect for the sake of their position. |
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