1 Corinthians 14:26
Lots of changes going on here at Decker Prairie. Each of us has opinions on what changes are being made and may think our opinion is the best way. There are other cultural factors that drive us towards that type of thinking. Scripture however doesn’t back that up. Our primary purpose is to honor God and secondly to build up the body.
We will focus today on the selection of elders. 1 Cor. 14:26 – What then brothers, when you come together each one has a …. Let all things be done for building up. The goal is not to elevate a person.
The context is around spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, not a bad thing, but the ability to do that caused some in Corinth to elevate themselves. Verse 4. However the one who prophesies builds up the whole. Verse 21 – so that all will be built up. Verse 20 – it’s not about you. What matters is that the congregation be built up. Verse 40, So that all things be done in an orderly fashion.
First century worship was most likely very different from ours today. Their goal was the same as ours – glorifying and honoring God.
Let all things be done for building up….
1. Align personal service with congregational purpose. 1 Cor. 14:4-6; 1 Tim. 3:1-7. The qualifications for being an elder lead into the character of the person being considered.
2. Shepherds are God’s stewards overseeing His house. 1 Pet. 5:1-5; Titus 1:5-14; 1 Tim. 3:1-7. Overseers are to be chosen extremely carefully. Character traits that stand out – not arrogant. Pride is behind a lot of other sins. Nor quick tempered. Rather be hospitable, holy, knowledgeable about God’s Word…. An elder needs to be able to rebuke any false thinking that attempts to creep into the church and undermine the unity. He knows the sheep so well he calls them by name. Someone we select must already know the flock, must already be seen as a leader. Not under compulsion but because he desires to lead. The goal is not to rule and be domineering. Rather he is looking out for the good of the whole. Poor shepherding is destructive to the Lord’s church. Read Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel. 34 for a clear understanding of the role of a shepherd.
3. Humility brings exaltation. 1 Pet. 5:5-6; Heb. 13:17. The path to exaltation is not through self glory. The path is to humble ourselves. Choose properly and it should be no struggle to submit to their oversight. Heb. – obey your leaders and submit to them for they watch over your souls. Be gracious and patient with an opinion you want to share.
Let’s be sure we think very carefully about the type of leaders we decide to put forward.
