WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.060 If I could just provide an update to you as to why we pray like that. 00:00:11.019 --> 00:00:20.879 If you're new with us, just visiting with us, that might seem long and detailed and kind of odd that we would pray such a long, detailed prayer. 00:00:21.080 --> 00:00:23.280 We pray for those things every week. 00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:28.160 We pray for a nation of the world every single week. 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:32.600 We believe that the kingdom of God is bigger than all in all and is bigger than America. 00:00:32.899 --> 00:00:37.880 He intends for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to come before the throne of God. 00:00:38.539 --> 00:00:41.200 Last week, we prayed for the country of Bhutan. 00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:42.600 You all may remember that. 00:00:42.679 --> 00:00:47.879 We prayed that the church would be built in Bhutan, that laborers would be sent to Bhutan, 00:00:48.159 --> 00:00:52.920 that men and women would come to faith in this country that is closed off to the gospel. 00:00:53.260 --> 00:00:54.939 We prayed that on Sunday. 00:00:54.939 --> 00:01:00.719 Tuesday morning, I get a call from a friend, a pastor friend, who is doing international ministry, 00:01:00.839 --> 00:01:04.920 branching away from his ministry in the local church to do ministry in East Asia, 00:01:05.420 --> 00:01:11.079 specifically asking me if I would like to be involved with his ministry in, of all the countries in the world, Bhutan. 00:01:11.079 --> 00:01:17.420 So if you wonder if God hears our prayers, the Lord is hearing our prayers at Sea Wee Bay. 00:01:18.099 --> 00:01:21.079 He is answering our prayers at Sea Wee Bay. 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:24.219 So we will continue to offer up these prayers, 00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:30.680 that the Lord would send laborers to the uttermost ends of the earth and spread the gospel far and wide, 00:01:30.739 --> 00:01:33.019 that he might receive glory amongst the nations. 00:01:33.579 --> 00:01:33.819 Amen? 00:01:34.359 --> 00:01:34.539 Amen. 00:01:34.540 --> 00:01:37.980 Let's open up our Bibles this morning to the book of Titus. 00:01:38.840 --> 00:01:39.920 The book of Titus. 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:43.760 Last week, we began a new series in the book of Titus. 00:01:43.820 --> 00:01:47.960 So if you're just joining us for the first time, you're coming at a very good time. 00:01:48.140 --> 00:01:50.440 We're just beginning this series in the book of Titus. 00:01:51.160 --> 00:01:53.780 Paul has left Titus in Crete. 00:01:53.920 --> 00:01:55.240 They have evangelized. 00:01:55.360 --> 00:01:56.860 They've shared the gospel. 00:01:57.500 --> 00:02:02.060 And now Titus is there, left back there to continue the work. 00:02:02.060 --> 00:02:08.479 And here in verses 5 through 9 this morning, we see the reason why Paul left Titus behind. 00:02:08.840 --> 00:02:09.759 So let's look there now. 00:02:10.180 --> 00:02:12.340 Titus chapter 1, verses 5 through 9. 00:02:12.860 --> 00:02:16.960 If you're using the Pew Bibles there in front of you, you can find that on page 938. 00:02:17.319 --> 00:02:18.980 So if you didn't bring a Bible of your own, 00:02:19.340 --> 00:02:23.020 I encourage you to open up that Pew Bible there in front of you, page 938. 00:02:23.480 --> 00:02:26.060 And we'll read this passage together. 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:32.939 Paul says, 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:42.159 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town as I directed you. 00:02:42.840 --> 00:02:48.719 If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife and his children are believers, 00:02:49.500 --> 00:02:52.780 and is not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 00:02:53.579 --> 00:02:57.800 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. 00:02:57.800 --> 00:03:03.719 He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 00:03:03.960 --> 00:03:11.360 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 00:03:12.120 --> 00:03:15.760 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, 00:03:16.040 --> 00:03:20.500 so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine, 00:03:20.900 --> 00:03:23.840 and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 00:03:24.640 --> 00:03:24.920 Amen. 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:25.760 Let's pray once more. 00:03:25.759 --> 00:03:32.099 Lord, would you take this word and make it alive in our hearts? 00:03:33.139 --> 00:03:37.679 God, this word about elders is not just for those who are elders, 00:03:37.780 --> 00:03:39.859 or even those who aspire to be elders. 00:03:40.199 --> 00:03:41.599 It is for every Christian. 00:03:42.359 --> 00:03:47.780 And so we pray for attentive ears and attentive hearts to your word this morning. 00:03:48.239 --> 00:03:49.639 We pray this in Christ's name. 00:03:50.519 --> 00:03:50.799 Amen. 00:03:50.799 --> 00:03:50.959 Amen. 00:03:50.960 --> 00:03:57.400 This is why I left you in Crete, 00:03:58.060 --> 00:04:01.480 that you might put what remained into order. 00:04:01.600 --> 00:04:04.939 We don't have to guess why Paul left Titus in Crete. 00:04:05.060 --> 00:04:09.120 We don't have to guess what Titus is supposed to be up to there in Crete. 00:04:09.300 --> 00:04:11.020 Paul tells us here in verse 5, 00:04:11.020 --> 00:04:17.660 I have left you in Crete, that you might put what remained into order. 00:04:18.120 --> 00:04:24.100 You might remember from last week, Paul and Titus have traveled together to Crete with a call. 00:04:24.240 --> 00:04:29.000 And as we saw last week, their call is our call as well. 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:34.639 Their call as gospel ministers is our call as gospel ministers. 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:38.420 It is to labor for the sake of the faith of God's elect. 00:04:39.319 --> 00:04:42.779 We saw last week election is connected to faith. 00:04:42.920 --> 00:04:45.259 All of God's elect will come to faith. 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:50.620 That faith is connected to knowledge, knowledge of the truth, knowledge of the gospel, 00:04:50.779 --> 00:04:53.980 knowledge of who Christ is and what he has done. 00:04:53.980 --> 00:04:59.180 That knowledge and that faith, Paul says, is connected to godliness. 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:02.280 There are false teachers there in Crete who are saying the opposite. 00:05:02.460 --> 00:05:05.100 They say you can keep your faith, you can keep your knowledge, 00:05:05.200 --> 00:05:07.000 and you can go on living however you want. 00:05:07.879 --> 00:05:13.379 You can keep your faith in Christ and continue to live in sin however you want to live. 00:05:13.460 --> 00:05:19.400 So Paul and Titus, they say, well, no, faith and knowledge accords with godliness. 00:05:19.399 --> 00:05:24.179 That's their call to labor for the sake of the faith of God's elect. 00:05:24.299 --> 00:05:28.319 And we saw last week as well, their confidence is also our confidence. 00:05:28.539 --> 00:05:34.919 God's eternal promise, the promise of the hope of eternal life for any who would come to faith in Christ, 00:05:35.019 --> 00:05:37.299 for any who would trust in Christ. 00:05:37.839 --> 00:05:41.959 And God's appointed means, the preaching of the word. 00:05:41.959 --> 00:05:50.199 The manifestation of hope in the hearts of the lost through the preaching of the words. 00:05:50.339 --> 00:05:55.000 Why do we share the gospel with our lost friends and family members and neighbors and co-workers? 00:05:55.139 --> 00:05:59.939 Why do we pray for countries across the world that they would hear the word of faith, 00:06:00.039 --> 00:06:01.259 hear the word of the gospel? 00:06:01.939 --> 00:06:08.000 It's because faith comes through hearing and hearing through the word of Christ. 00:06:08.099 --> 00:06:09.000 That was last week. 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:14.720 But now Paul says another step is needed. 00:06:15.620 --> 00:06:17.500 The work is not complete. 00:06:17.600 --> 00:06:21.480 The saints are gathered, but they are not organized. 00:06:23.519 --> 00:06:28.199 Sometimes at my house, I don't want to blame anyone in particular. 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:29.759 Okay, we're all in on this. 00:06:29.899 --> 00:06:32.459 We all have a stake in this. 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:35.860 From time to time at my house, a mess appears. 00:06:35.860 --> 00:06:44.480 It begins in one room, accumulates, spills out into the hall, into another room, into another 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:47.160 room, up onto the tables, all over the floor. 00:06:47.480 --> 00:06:51.740 And it becomes clear that it is now time to clean up. 00:06:52.699 --> 00:06:58.939 So Amanda and I, we try to give very clear instruction over and over and over again, 00:06:59.060 --> 00:07:03.300 repeating our clear instruction of how to help pick up this mess. 00:07:03.300 --> 00:07:12.100 But from time to time, my way of helping is to begin kicking toys and kicking books and kicking 00:07:12.100 --> 00:07:15.460 trucks into piles on the floor. 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:18.280 I don't even have to bend over. 00:07:18.540 --> 00:07:22.840 I just sweep my leg and assemble the mess into piles. 00:07:22.839 --> 00:07:25.859 And to me, that helps because now I can see the floor. 00:07:25.979 --> 00:07:26.639 We have pathways. 00:07:26.839 --> 00:07:27.560 We can walk. 00:07:28.039 --> 00:07:30.439 There's some space on the table to eat. 00:07:31.179 --> 00:07:34.359 All the stuff is just gathered there into heaps. 00:07:34.439 --> 00:07:36.079 But that doesn't mean that the job is done. 00:07:37.319 --> 00:07:39.759 And there's still another step needed. 00:07:39.899 --> 00:07:42.679 Those piles still need to be organized. 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:44.459 And so that's the boy's job. 00:07:45.259 --> 00:07:46.519 Okay, come get these piles. 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:51.419 Come get these assembled piles of toys and put them into their proper places. 00:07:51.420 --> 00:07:54.480 Come get them and put them into order. 00:07:55.759 --> 00:08:00.620 Well, here in Titus chapter 1, the people of God are gathered. 00:08:01.420 --> 00:08:02.960 They are assembled. 00:08:03.240 --> 00:08:04.520 God has saved them. 00:08:04.680 --> 00:08:05.759 Churches are forming. 00:08:06.259 --> 00:08:08.580 But there's still another step needed. 00:08:08.780 --> 00:08:11.980 They need to be put into order. 00:08:13.160 --> 00:08:15.960 You see, verses 5 through 9 of chapter 1 here in Titus, 00:08:15.959 --> 00:08:21.560 they show us that the church is not just meant to be an assembly of believers. 00:08:22.500 --> 00:08:27.599 It's meant to be an organized assembly of believers. 00:08:27.819 --> 00:08:28.939 There's a structure here. 00:08:29.339 --> 00:08:30.819 There's an order here. 00:08:30.939 --> 00:08:34.279 Paul says, put what remained into order. 00:08:34.399 --> 00:08:39.840 And the first step of that order, Paul says, is to appoint elders. 00:08:40.960 --> 00:08:41.960 Appoint elders. 00:08:41.960 --> 00:08:42.720 Elders. 00:08:42.820 --> 00:08:47.320 Now, for some of you, I know organization is a four-letter word. 00:08:48.460 --> 00:08:49.680 You don't think this way. 00:08:49.879 --> 00:08:51.639 You don't live this way. 00:08:51.840 --> 00:08:54.500 You do not care a thing about structure. 00:08:54.639 --> 00:08:56.580 And you may take that approach into the church. 00:08:56.700 --> 00:09:02.220 Maybe you've never given a single thought into how the church is meant to be organized. 00:09:02.560 --> 00:09:04.460 If that's you, bless you. 00:09:04.759 --> 00:09:05.180 Welcome. 00:09:05.179 --> 00:09:07.299 Take note here in this passage. 00:09:07.459 --> 00:09:12.399 God has put order and structure into place in the church for your good. 00:09:13.579 --> 00:09:21.779 He's put leadership in the church into place with a certain set of qualifications that would lead you for your good, 00:09:21.879 --> 00:09:25.779 for your spiritual care, for your growth in Christ. 00:09:25.779 --> 00:09:34.539 It is good and it is right and it is good for you to know who it is that is keeping watch over your soul. 00:09:35.240 --> 00:09:36.419 That's the job of an elder. 00:09:37.860 --> 00:09:40.319 Others of us, we go the other direction. 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:45.720 And we can't breathe unless our life is nicely and neatly structured. 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:48.319 We thrive on organization. 00:09:48.539 --> 00:09:50.919 Our life has to be structured. 00:09:50.919 --> 00:09:57.139 And so we want sometimes the church to fit into certain organized boxes that make sense to you. 00:09:57.959 --> 00:10:06.139 And maybe you would organize it and model it after successful businesses or proven structures, proven organizational systems. 00:10:06.860 --> 00:10:09.819 And if that's you, then take note in this passage. 00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:20.179 We submit every wish, every desire, every plan of ours for the church to God's plan for the church. 00:10:20.919 --> 00:10:25.879 And to God's desire for the church, to God's way for the church. 00:10:26.860 --> 00:10:33.679 And we praise God that he has given us direction for how to structure the church. 00:10:34.719 --> 00:10:42.279 And for both types of people and for everyone in between, passages like this allow us to do as Charles Spurgeon said, 00:10:42.279 --> 00:10:49.459 To see what ministers ought to be and to pray that many such may be found in our churches. 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:55.980 And to pray that we would see men like this found in our churches. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:59.899 Now, if you're like me, when I read this text and I study these verses, 00:11:00.059 --> 00:11:04.579 the big question that comes to my mind as I read it is this. 00:11:04.580 --> 00:11:08.400 Why are elders such a big deal here? 00:11:09.680 --> 00:11:13.259 Why is Paul making such a big deal out of elders? 00:11:13.420 --> 00:11:16.040 Why is this the first step of order in the church? 00:11:16.139 --> 00:11:18.620 I mean, of all the other things Paul could have said, 00:11:19.379 --> 00:11:25.060 establish a budget, organize your worship gatherings, draft up a constitution. 00:11:25.660 --> 00:11:28.980 His first step of order for the church is elders. 00:11:29.800 --> 00:11:30.140 Why? 00:11:30.139 --> 00:11:30.220 Why? 00:11:32.179 --> 00:11:43.460 It's because elders are given by God to lead the church in reflecting and proclaiming the glory of God. 00:11:44.600 --> 00:11:45.659 That's a big sentence. 00:11:46.199 --> 00:11:48.819 I'm going to say it again because this is going to be our outline this morning. 00:11:48.899 --> 00:11:52.279 If you want to write this down, take a minute, just write these words down. 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:53.919 This is going to be our flow for the morning. 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:55.539 It'll help you follow along. 00:11:56.299 --> 00:11:57.399 I'm going to say this one more time. 00:11:57.399 --> 00:12:09.360 Elders are given by God to lead the church in reflecting and proclaiming the glory of God. 00:12:12.459 --> 00:12:19.000 First, we see that elders are given by God to lead the church. 00:12:19.779 --> 00:12:24.059 Elders are given by God to lead the church. 00:12:24.059 --> 00:12:27.459 He says, appoint elders in every town. 00:12:28.079 --> 00:12:29.179 Elders in every town. 00:12:29.339 --> 00:12:30.819 Multiple elders, plural. 00:12:31.099 --> 00:12:31.959 Elders, plural. 00:12:32.359 --> 00:12:36.959 In every town, singular, meaning every town where there is a church. 00:12:37.519 --> 00:12:43.219 Every individual local church is meant to be led by multiple elders. 00:12:43.719 --> 00:12:44.659 Well, what are those? 00:12:45.479 --> 00:12:49.159 And maybe you've come from a church background that didn't use that term, elder. 00:12:49.279 --> 00:12:50.839 Maybe you're not even sure what it is. 00:12:50.840 --> 00:12:56.460 Maybe your experience with an elder is not at all what this passage describes. 00:12:56.840 --> 00:13:01.180 And so we want to understand what the New Testament tells us that elders are. 00:13:01.280 --> 00:13:05.899 The New Testament shows us elders are the spiritual leaders of the church. 00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:12.620 Now, this is going to get somewhat technical for a moment, but I want you to stick with me here. 00:13:12.680 --> 00:13:13.980 This is going to be helpful for you. 00:13:13.980 --> 00:13:22.379 I think that we need to understand what the New Testament says an elder is before we can begin talking about what they look like and how they work. 00:13:22.740 --> 00:13:22.980 Okay? 00:13:23.460 --> 00:13:25.320 So, what is an elder? 00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:27.000 Three words in the New Testament. 00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:33.899 Three words in the New Testament that these writers use for this one office in the church. 00:13:34.659 --> 00:13:39.519 Three words used interchangeably all refer to this one office of elder. 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:40.820 And we do this all the time. 00:13:40.820 --> 00:13:41.300 Okay? 00:13:41.379 --> 00:13:46.500 Amanda is my bride, my spouse, and my wife. 00:13:47.220 --> 00:13:47.420 Okay? 00:13:47.540 --> 00:13:48.120 Same Amanda. 00:13:48.740 --> 00:13:50.340 Three words to describe her. 00:13:50.540 --> 00:13:52.100 Bride, spouse, wife. 00:13:52.180 --> 00:13:54.940 The New Testament does the same thing with elder. 00:13:55.120 --> 00:13:57.080 One office, three words. 00:13:57.180 --> 00:13:59.280 The first word is presbyteros. 00:14:01.020 --> 00:14:01.540 Presbyteros. 00:14:01.580 --> 00:14:02.720 You can try to write it down. 00:14:02.800 --> 00:14:03.200 That's okay. 00:14:03.320 --> 00:14:04.780 If you can't get that, that's all right. 00:14:05.200 --> 00:14:07.580 That's the word that we translate elder. 00:14:08.640 --> 00:14:10.020 Now, what does that sound like in your mind? 00:14:10.019 --> 00:14:12.559 It sounds like presbyterian, doesn't it? 00:14:13.159 --> 00:14:14.720 And that's where we get that term. 00:14:14.799 --> 00:14:15.980 That's where that word comes from. 00:14:16.699 --> 00:14:17.179 Presbyteros. 00:14:17.259 --> 00:14:18.539 It means elder. 00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:20.659 That's the word here in verse 5. 00:14:20.779 --> 00:14:25.960 Paul says, appoint presbyteros, elders, in every church. 00:14:26.840 --> 00:14:31.220 And at the heart of this word is ruling authority. 00:14:32.179 --> 00:14:33.679 Ruling authority. 00:14:33.919 --> 00:14:34.360 Leadership. 00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:37.200 So he says in 1 Timothy 5.17. 00:14:37.419 --> 00:14:39.019 You can write that down for later. 00:14:39.200 --> 00:14:39.560 He says, 00:14:40.220 --> 00:14:44.500 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, 00:14:45.180 --> 00:14:48.740 especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 00:14:49.399 --> 00:14:54.120 And so at the heart of being an elder is ruling or leading. 00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:57.360 They are the spiritual leaders of the church. 00:14:57.480 --> 00:15:05.740 And Timothy here, it says that some are set apart specifically for the role of leading through regular preaching and teaching. 00:15:06.600 --> 00:15:09.240 Second word, episkopos. 00:15:11.000 --> 00:15:11.600 Episkopos. 00:15:12.299 --> 00:15:14.179 It means overseer. 00:15:15.240 --> 00:15:16.399 What does that sound like to you? 00:15:16.440 --> 00:15:18.500 It sounds like episkopal, doesn't it? 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:19.940 Episkopos. 00:15:19.980 --> 00:15:21.379 That's where that word comes from. 00:15:21.580 --> 00:15:23.980 Episkopos means overseer. 00:15:24.820 --> 00:15:29.060 But we know that Paul is not talking about two separate offices here. 00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:30.759 Not two different offices. 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:34.220 Because we see them right here together in the same passage. 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:35.800 We see elder in verse 5. 00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:37.159 Episkopos. 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:37.940 Overseer. 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:39.539 Here in verse 7. 00:15:39.659 --> 00:15:43.560 Paul says, appoint elders for an overseer must be above reproach. 00:15:44.480 --> 00:15:46.480 He's using them interchangeably. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:48.960 Why would Paul begin talking about one thing? 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:50.980 Talk about elders here in verse 5. 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:55.740 And then shift entirely to talk about something else here in verse 7. 00:15:55.860 --> 00:15:56.300 He doesn't. 00:15:57.120 --> 00:16:00.940 He's using these two words to talk about the same thing. 00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:01.940 Elders. 00:16:02.220 --> 00:16:06.659 These spiritual leaders are also overseers of the church. 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:09.340 Guardians of the church. 00:16:09.539 --> 00:16:11.399 Stewards, as verse 7 says. 00:16:11.659 --> 00:16:12.720 Of the church. 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:18.820 They are given by God to steward, to lead, to care for the church. 00:16:18.820 --> 00:16:19.680 Third word. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:26.120 This one is the one that we are most familiar with as good Baptists here. 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:27.960 It is poiemon. 00:16:28.960 --> 00:16:29.639 Poiemon. 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:33.680 Which means shepherd or pastor. 00:16:34.680 --> 00:16:37.220 Poiemon means pastor. 00:16:37.220 --> 00:16:41.440 The pastors, overseers, elders. 00:16:41.440 --> 00:16:43.660 Again, whichever you call them. 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:45.160 Same thing. 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:50.340 Are given by God to shepherd the flock of God. 00:16:50.420 --> 00:16:51.980 Again, not just one pastor. 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:53.440 Not just one. 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:59.920 But multiple pastors, elders in every individual local church. 00:17:00.060 --> 00:17:02.700 And so Peter says in 1 Peter chapter 5. 00:17:02.800 --> 00:17:06.100 He says, I exhort the elders among you. 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:07.319 Elders, plural. 00:17:08.219 --> 00:17:09.319 Among you. 00:17:09.439 --> 00:17:11.000 They are with you. 00:17:11.099 --> 00:17:12.980 They are locking arms with you. 00:17:13.059 --> 00:17:14.759 Walking alongside you. 00:17:14.899 --> 00:17:17.139 Not overseeing you from a distance. 00:17:17.419 --> 00:17:21.659 But here, locally, with you as your leaders. 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:25.679 Peter says, shepherd the flock of God that is among you. 00:17:26.599 --> 00:17:30.679 Pastor the flock of God that is among you. 00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:34.959 Pastor the membership of your local church. 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:37.960 And again, if you don't think that this matters for you. 00:17:38.960 --> 00:17:41.640 If you don't think that this matters for you. 00:17:41.860 --> 00:17:45.059 You may not fully understand what elders are. 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:48.100 And what they are given to do for you. 00:17:49.100 --> 00:17:52.500 Elders are given by God to the local church to lead. 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:53.840 And care for. 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:55.259 And watch over. 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:57.420 And shepherd you. 00:17:58.440 --> 00:18:00.920 You remember Ephesians 4.11. 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:02.680 We studied that book several months ago. 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:03.960 Ephesians 4.11. 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:06.580 God gave the shepherds and teachers. 00:18:06.759 --> 00:18:08.460 That is, pastors and teachers. 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:09.660 Shepherds and teachers. 00:18:10.180 --> 00:18:13.279 To equip the saints for the work of ministry. 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:16.600 For the growth and maturity of the body of Christ. 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:23.360 Pastors or elders are given by God to lead you for your spiritual good. 00:18:23.359 --> 00:18:26.740 Godly pastors. 00:18:27.740 --> 00:18:30.019 Shepherds, overseers, spiritual leaders. 00:18:30.679 --> 00:18:34.199 Are a gift from God to the church. 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:37.839 And lest you think I'm talking about myself. 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:42.659 I hope I qualify for what this passage describes. 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:46.339 But lest you think I'm just talking about myself here. 00:18:46.419 --> 00:18:47.599 I want to be clear with you. 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:51.719 When I study this passage, I'm thinking of men like Treg Hallman. 00:18:54.199 --> 00:18:57.819 Treg has been a gift to this church. 00:18:57.939 --> 00:18:58.119 Amen? 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:04.879 To have a man like Treg to come and shepherd this congregation. 00:19:05.219 --> 00:19:10.000 To lead and to preach and to oversee this body through a time of transition. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:15.079 A man who knows his Bible like the back of his hand inside and out. 00:19:15.160 --> 00:19:16.460 And is able to communicate. 00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:18.500 To give instruction and sound doctrine. 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:20.380 To rebuke those who contradict it. 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:24.700 A man who is giving above and beyond the time that he has. 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:26.380 In addition to his full-time work. 00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:29.440 To shepherd the flock of God here. 00:19:29.539 --> 00:19:32.059 That is a gift to the local church. 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:33.700 That is a gift. 00:19:34.920 --> 00:19:38.599 I'm thinking of men like the elders at First Baptist Mount Pleasant. 00:19:38.599 --> 00:19:40.319 Matt Tyler. 00:19:41.179 --> 00:19:42.599 Gino Anacleto. 00:19:42.719 --> 00:19:43.939 Stuart Hewlett. 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:44.619 Ken Lee. 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:46.039 Steve Little. 00:19:46.159 --> 00:19:46.859 John Mays. 00:19:46.879 --> 00:19:47.539 Sam McNeil. 00:19:47.639 --> 00:19:48.459 Charles Reed. 00:19:49.179 --> 00:19:50.139 Rhett Rudolph. 00:19:50.319 --> 00:19:51.779 Larry Zimmerman. 00:19:52.639 --> 00:19:53.719 You all may not know this. 00:19:53.779 --> 00:19:54.219 These men. 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:56.379 I've worked with them for the past year. 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:58.459 To think and to plan and to prepare. 00:19:58.699 --> 00:20:01.980 For what is going on with the future of Seaweed Bay. 00:20:02.919 --> 00:20:07.279 Men who recognize that they cannot faithfully shepherd this body. 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:09.259 From down the road at McCance Drive. 00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:12.700 They recognize that they need to humbly work. 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:14.879 And give Treg and myself the freedom. 00:20:14.879 --> 00:20:17.700 To lead this local church. 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:18.599 Towards autonomy. 00:20:19.460 --> 00:20:21.720 I praise God for men like that. 00:20:21.819 --> 00:20:23.879 Who serve the church selflessly. 00:20:24.879 --> 00:20:25.480 Sacrificially. 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:27.899 When I study this passage. 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:30.500 I think of the men that we pray. 00:20:30.599 --> 00:20:32.139 God will raise up here. 00:20:32.599 --> 00:20:33.720 In the years to come. 00:20:34.299 --> 00:20:35.240 Treg just prayed. 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:38.220 I know we've talked several times about this. 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:41.000 We desire to see this be a place. 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:43.359 Where men would rise up to the level. 00:20:43.620 --> 00:20:44.400 And the status. 00:20:44.620 --> 00:20:46.359 To the office of elder. 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:47.299 Here. 00:20:48.039 --> 00:20:48.819 Among us. 00:20:49.799 --> 00:20:50.180 Church. 00:20:50.259 --> 00:20:52.440 I want you to know what an elder is. 00:20:52.480 --> 00:20:54.140 And what an elder looks like. 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:55.079 And how they act. 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:57.579 So that you can join us in praying for more. 00:20:58.880 --> 00:21:01.380 And so that you would know what one is. 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:02.420 When you see it. 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:07.100 And so maybe perhaps you might aspire to become one. 00:21:07.300 --> 00:21:07.860 Yourself. 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:10.519 Second. 00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:14.140 Elders are given by God to lead the church. 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:14.560 How? 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:20.940 To lead the church in reflecting the glory of God. 00:21:21.800 --> 00:21:26.759 To lead the church in reflecting the glory of God. 00:21:26.800 --> 00:21:28.680 You may remember the issue here in Titus. 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:31.039 Again false teachers have crept in. 00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:33.579 They said you can live however you want to live. 00:21:33.659 --> 00:21:35.559 People were falling into that lie. 00:21:35.659 --> 00:21:36.659 Believing that lie. 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:39.240 So Paul says these churches need elders. 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:41.240 That's his answer. 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:42.859 To the issue there in Crete. 00:21:42.940 --> 00:21:44.700 These churches need elders. 00:21:44.899 --> 00:21:45.200 Why? 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:49.259 It's because elders are meant to be examples for the flock. 00:21:50.259 --> 00:21:54.759 They are examples and models of what godly living looks like. 00:21:54.839 --> 00:21:56.000 They are supposed to be. 00:21:56.379 --> 00:21:57.839 Doesn't always work out this way. 00:21:57.839 --> 00:22:04.139 They are supposed to be case studies for the fact that faith accords with godliness. 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:08.039 That gospel doctrine leads to godly behavior. 00:22:08.199 --> 00:22:13.599 So this is why Paul he lists out several qualifications here in verses 6 through 8. 00:22:14.179 --> 00:22:15.299 Verses 6 through 8. 00:22:15.879 --> 00:22:21.819 And I want you to notice here that these qualifications are not skill related. 00:22:21.819 --> 00:22:28.259 There is one skill related qualification in this passage here in verse 9. 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:29.500 They must be able to teach. 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:30.500 We're going to get there in a moment. 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:36.519 But all of these qualifications in verses 6 through 8 are character qualifications. 00:22:37.619 --> 00:22:38.819 Character qualifications. 00:22:39.539 --> 00:22:40.419 Every single one of them. 00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:49.039 They say nothing of race or upbringing or social status or professional experience. 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:54.340 It says nothing of elders being the most successful businessmen in the church. 00:22:54.820 --> 00:22:56.920 They're not the most popular men in the church. 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.800 They're not the richest men in the church. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:02.500 Elders are not just those who are highly educated. 00:23:02.620 --> 00:23:03.759 The seminary trained. 00:23:03.840 --> 00:23:06.519 Though I think that that's good and valuable and useful. 00:23:06.519 --> 00:23:13.400 Elders are those who lead in reflecting God's holy character. 00:23:13.559 --> 00:23:21.559 In fact, what I hope that you'll see is that most of these qualifications for elders here in this passage are normal expectations for every Christian. 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:24.220 And that's precisely the point. 00:23:25.559 --> 00:23:28.079 Elders are not a separate class of Christian. 00:23:28.879 --> 00:23:32.700 They're set apart as imitable leaders in the local church. 00:23:32.700 --> 00:23:40.200 This is, I think, what makes it so difficult when pastors fall into sin. 00:23:41.640 --> 00:23:43.519 Disqualify themselves from the ministry. 00:23:44.580 --> 00:23:50.120 I know you all have read the article, seen the stories of well-known pastors with public ministries. 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:54.740 Maybe some of you have experienced that firsthand in your own local churches. 00:23:54.740 --> 00:24:01.880 Pastors disqualifying themselves from ministry by falling into a snare of the enemy. 00:24:01.880 --> 00:24:09.800 It's heartbreaking because these men are meant to be imitable examples of goodness of God. 00:24:10.280 --> 00:24:14.660 To be reflections of the glory of God's godly character. 00:24:16.520 --> 00:24:17.760 Verse 6, Paul says, 00:24:18.620 --> 00:24:21.900 If anyone is above reproach, Paul says. 00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:24.020 This is the big picture Paul gives us here. 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:27.600 Every other qualification falls under this banner. 00:24:27.760 --> 00:24:30.640 Elders are to be above reproach. 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:33.120 Not meaning that they're flawless. 00:24:33.820 --> 00:24:35.640 Not perfect men. 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:37.040 But godly. 00:24:38.080 --> 00:24:42.960 And there should be no charge that could be reasonably brought against an elder and stick. 00:24:43.840 --> 00:24:44.920 So twice he says this. 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:47.460 Once in verse 6 and again in verse 7. 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:51.640 An overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. 00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:54.020 We should be able to look at an elder and say, 00:24:54.320 --> 00:24:57.520 That's the type of godly character that I aspire to. 00:24:57.519 --> 00:25:00.180 And the watching world should be able to look at an elder and say, 00:25:00.460 --> 00:25:01.940 Man, there's something different about him. 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:06.200 I can't bring any accusation against the character of that man. 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:08.099 He says here, 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:10.799 Elders are to be leaders in their home. 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:15.399 They are the husband of one wife. 00:25:15.399 --> 00:25:17.700 Literally, that means a one woman man. 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:19.759 One woman man. 00:25:19.859 --> 00:25:24.240 They are men who, if married, you don't have to be married, 00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:27.659 But if married, they are faithful to their wives. 00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:32.200 He says their children are believers. 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:35.880 Now, your Bible probably has a note there. 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:36.980 If you have your Bibles open, 00:25:37.080 --> 00:25:40.279 It probably has a little number and a note there at the bottom 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:45.500 To tell you that another way to translate that word is faithful. 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:48.299 Children are faithful. 00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:52.140 And I think that that is Paul's intention here. 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:54.440 That same word, pistis, Greek word, 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:57.539 Can either be translated believing or faithful. 00:25:57.539 --> 00:25:58.920 And for several reasons, 00:25:59.139 --> 00:26:02.279 I don't believe that having regenerate believing children 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:06.059 Is a requirement for being an elder in the local church. 00:26:06.139 --> 00:26:10.240 One of those reasons is what Paul says in 1 Timothy 3. 00:26:11.180 --> 00:26:12.720 If you would, just turn there with me quickly. 00:26:12.839 --> 00:26:13.879 1 Timothy 3. 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:16.159 Just a few pages to the left. 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.559 1 Timothy 3. 00:26:18.599 --> 00:26:22.639 This is a parallel passage to the passage that we're studying this morning. 00:26:23.359 --> 00:26:24.859 1 Timothy 3. 00:26:24.859 --> 00:26:28.059 Paul is saying the same things here to Timothy. 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:32.579 He's giving qualifications for elders and qualifications for deacons. 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:36.619 And so you'll see some of the similarities of what he's saying here. 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:38.179 1 Timothy 3. 00:26:39.939 --> 00:26:40.679 He says, 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:42.199 The saying is trustworthy. 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:45.179 If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, 00:26:45.439 --> 00:26:47.359 He desires a noble task. 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:51.479 Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach. 00:26:51.479 --> 00:26:53.319 The husband of one wife. 00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:55.559 He's not a drunkard. 00:26:55.559 --> 00:27:00.559 He's not a drunkard. 00:27:00.659 --> 00:27:01.899 Not violent, but gentle. 00:27:02.439 --> 00:27:03.419 Not quarrelsome. 00:27:03.879 --> 00:27:05.159 Not a lover of money. 00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:06.759 Now, verse 4. 00:27:07.859 --> 00:27:10.980 He must manage his own household well, 00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:12.119 With all dignity, 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:15.359 Keeping his children submissive. 00:27:16.119 --> 00:27:17.099 Not believing. 00:27:17.700 --> 00:27:20.240 Not regenerate. 00:27:20.419 --> 00:27:22.379 Keeping his children submissive. 00:27:22.380 --> 00:27:23.560 Obedient. 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:24.940 Faithful. 00:27:25.620 --> 00:27:29.800 For if someone does not know how to manage his own household well, 00:27:29.920 --> 00:27:33.140 How will he care for God's church? 00:27:34.620 --> 00:27:37.800 Does someone aspire to be an elder? 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:39.580 Well, if he's married, is he faithful? 00:27:40.580 --> 00:27:42.260 Is he a one-woman man? 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:47.220 Is his wife following his spiritual leadership in the home? 00:27:47.299 --> 00:27:51.660 Are his children, children who are still in the home under his authority, 00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:53.079 Are they out running wild? 00:27:54.160 --> 00:27:57.859 Or are they being raised in the discipline and instruction of the Lord? 00:27:58.500 --> 00:28:02.839 Are his children open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination? 00:28:02.839 --> 00:28:05.019 Is he hospitable? 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:09.639 Now, we don't normally think about that as a qualification for elders, do we? 00:28:09.699 --> 00:28:11.059 Is he hospitable? 00:28:11.179 --> 00:28:12.759 But there it is in verse 8. 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:17.019 Is he leading his home to be a place of gospel ministry? 00:28:17.019 --> 00:28:19.160 And the point is this. 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:23.700 If a man cannot care for his own wife, how can he care for the bride of Christ? 00:28:24.639 --> 00:28:29.900 If a man cannot faithfully oversee his own children, how can he care for the children of God? 00:28:30.799 --> 00:28:39.240 If a man's home is not a place of gospel ministry, how can he lead the household of God to be a place of gospel ministry? 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:45.880 If someone does not know how to manage his own household well, how will he care for God's church? 00:28:48.059 --> 00:28:57.319 Not only this, Paul says elders are also to reflect God's glory by being visibly distinct from the world. 00:28:58.380 --> 00:29:01.620 By being visibly distinct from the world. 00:29:01.700 --> 00:29:04.440 Look at that list again with me here in 6 through 8. 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:06.519 All the things that they are not. 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:14.319 They are not arrogant, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for gain. 00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:20.400 This is weird behavior in a fallen world. 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:27.839 This is weird behavior for fallen men and fallen women in a fallen world. 00:29:27.920 --> 00:29:33.619 You listen to how people talk about themselves, about others, how they speak on social media. 00:29:33.619 --> 00:29:38.339 Pride and arrogance is normal in this world. 00:29:39.459 --> 00:29:45.599 You drive down Highway 17 for about 5 minutes, you will find someone who is quick-tempered. 00:29:45.599 --> 00:29:51.139 It should not be so in the church. 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:55.599 Especially among those who are leaders in the church. 00:29:56.599 --> 00:30:05.379 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control. 00:30:06.259 --> 00:30:08.899 To be slow to anger, long-suffering. 00:30:08.900 --> 00:30:12.220 That reflects the glory of God. 00:30:12.340 --> 00:30:14.980 God is patient with us. 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:18.640 You know in the world, drunkenness is normal. 00:30:18.800 --> 00:30:19.800 Violence is normal. 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:21.380 Greed is normal. 00:30:21.480 --> 00:30:25.759 These things are completely ordinary and normal in the world. 00:30:25.840 --> 00:30:30.080 But church, Christians are those who have been redeemed from the world. 00:30:30.940 --> 00:30:33.200 But we don't share those same values anymore. 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:38.120 We have had our hearts transformed from the inside out. 00:30:38.220 --> 00:30:41.480 So now we are weird in the world. 00:30:42.360 --> 00:30:43.640 We do not belong. 00:30:43.819 --> 00:30:45.059 We are distinct. 00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:48.840 You know, something happens when you're a pastor. 00:30:48.920 --> 00:30:50.080 I don't know if you know this or not. 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:58.039 I can speak to someone, introduce myself to someone, and we can carry on a conversation for an hour, maybe two hours if I'm lucky. 00:30:58.039 --> 00:31:04.720 And they'll be totally free to be themselves, foul language, foul behavior, just totally free. 00:31:05.720 --> 00:31:08.180 But then the second that they ask me, well, what do you do? 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:11.859 Oh, I'm a pastor. 00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:16.639 Things tighten up a little bit, don't they? 00:31:17.519 --> 00:31:20.200 And it's not because I've said anything judgmental. 00:31:20.200 --> 00:31:24.680 It's not because I've expected them to be different or to act differently. 00:31:24.940 --> 00:31:28.039 It's because they know I'm weird. 00:31:29.000 --> 00:31:31.160 They can sense it. 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:34.440 They can smell it, even if I don't say anything. 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:37.660 Something is different here. 00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:43.120 What they don't know is what is at the root of that difference. 00:31:43.119 --> 00:31:48.939 They can see visibly a difference in behavior with their eyes, 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:54.500 but what they don't know is that the root of that different behavior is a different heart. 00:31:55.199 --> 00:31:56.699 A different heart. 00:31:56.819 --> 00:32:00.699 A heart that is transformed by the grace of God. 00:32:00.799 --> 00:32:04.719 Elders are, verse 8, they are lovers of good. 00:32:06.279 --> 00:32:08.019 Lovers of good. 00:32:08.199 --> 00:32:09.519 That's what it says in verse 8. 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:13.139 As Christians, by the grace of God, 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:15.579 our hearts have been transformed, 00:32:16.099 --> 00:32:19.680 changed from the inside out to hate what is sinful 00:32:19.680 --> 00:32:22.139 and to love what is good. 00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:24.160 That's what it means to be a Christian. 00:32:25.740 --> 00:32:27.559 You have been redeemed from the world, 00:32:27.859 --> 00:32:29.779 redeemed from your slavery to sin. 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:33.599 And by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, 00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:35.359 you heard the word proclaimed 00:32:35.359 --> 00:32:38.440 and that hope was manifested in your heart. 00:32:38.440 --> 00:32:44.279 And your heart has now been freed to love the highest and greatest good in all the universe. 00:32:44.400 --> 00:32:46.039 To love God himself. 00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:51.500 Your heart has been freed to love what it was made to love 00:32:51.500 --> 00:32:54.019 and to live as you were made to live. 00:32:54.100 --> 00:32:57.500 And from that love comes radical life change. 00:32:59.000 --> 00:33:02.460 From that faith in Jesus Christ comes godliness. 00:33:03.100 --> 00:33:05.440 Faith accords with godliness. 00:33:05.620 --> 00:33:06.880 Repentance from sin. 00:33:06.880 --> 00:33:12.920 And so that's seen now in your life in these weird behaviors of love, 00:33:13.240 --> 00:33:17.580 joy, self-control, uprightness, holiness, discipline. 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:23.560 That makes us strange in a world that loves sin and hates God. 00:33:23.760 --> 00:33:25.100 We are distinct. 00:33:27.400 --> 00:33:29.800 Elders must demonstrate these qualities 00:33:29.799 --> 00:33:33.559 because they show the church and the world 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:35.839 that our hearts have been transformed 00:33:35.839 --> 00:33:39.619 by the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:33:39.619 --> 00:33:42.119 to reflect the glory of God. 00:33:43.599 --> 00:33:44.940 But not just that. 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:49.019 One more point. 00:33:50.019 --> 00:33:50.899 Third and finally, 00:33:51.039 --> 00:33:53.680 elders are given by God to lead the church 00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:59.299 in reflecting and proclaiming the glory of God. 00:34:01.460 --> 00:34:03.539 There is one qualification here 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:05.420 that is unique to the office of elder. 00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:07.200 Verse 9. 00:34:08.940 --> 00:34:12.480 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:15.940 so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine 00:34:15.940 --> 00:34:20.280 and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 00:34:21.400 --> 00:34:27.300 They must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught. 00:34:29.240 --> 00:34:33.840 We don't want flimsy elders in the church. 00:34:33.840 --> 00:34:39.780 We don't want elders who have a weak grip, 00:34:40.559 --> 00:34:42.680 who lead from their own opinions, 00:34:43.079 --> 00:34:44.559 who lead from culture, 00:34:44.740 --> 00:34:46.180 who lead from pragmatism, 00:34:46.300 --> 00:34:48.000 whatever seems to work. 00:34:48.780 --> 00:34:52.440 We want elders whose knuckles are white 00:34:52.440 --> 00:34:56.780 from gripping this trustworthy word as taught, 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:59.519 who will lead from the truth, 00:34:59.620 --> 00:35:01.640 who make it their aim to hold firm 00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:05.339 and proclaim the glory of God in this word. 00:35:06.099 --> 00:35:08.179 This word is what the church needs 00:35:08.179 --> 00:35:09.619 beyond anything else. 00:35:09.679 --> 00:35:10.699 Do you believe that? 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:17.359 You know, when I talk about the church, 00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:19.900 many times you talk about the church with others 00:35:19.900 --> 00:35:22.639 and you begin talking about what grows the church. 00:35:23.659 --> 00:35:26.079 What's the game plan for Seaweed Bay 00:35:26.079 --> 00:35:28.239 to make this church grow? 00:35:29.819 --> 00:35:31.500 What's the plan for us launching out 00:35:31.500 --> 00:35:32.699 as a local church? 00:35:32.820 --> 00:35:34.099 You know, people want to hear something new. 00:35:35.639 --> 00:35:37.300 They want to hear something exciting. 00:35:38.099 --> 00:35:40.800 And people are drawn to innovation, newness. 00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:42.099 And sometimes, I'll be honest with you, 00:35:42.139 --> 00:35:43.239 I just, I kind of feel silly. 00:35:44.400 --> 00:35:45.559 I've been called old-fashioned 00:35:45.559 --> 00:35:47.639 for many reasons, many times. 00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:49.199 I'm getting used to it. 00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:51.099 I don't know what else to say, church. 00:35:52.300 --> 00:35:52.840 Seaweed Bay, 00:35:52.840 --> 00:35:56.460 our mission as a church 00:35:56.460 --> 00:36:01.180 is to magnify the glory of God 00:36:01.180 --> 00:36:03.920 in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:36:04.559 --> 00:36:07.440 To magnify the glory of God 00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:10.500 in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:36:10.579 --> 00:36:11.920 There's three parts to that mission. 00:36:12.059 --> 00:36:14.000 It's to enjoy God. 00:36:14.420 --> 00:36:15.340 It's corporately here. 00:36:15.420 --> 00:36:16.039 That's what we're doing. 00:36:16.140 --> 00:36:18.120 We're delighting ourselves in the Lord 00:36:18.120 --> 00:36:19.720 as we go out to our workplaces 00:36:19.719 --> 00:36:21.480 and our families together. 00:36:21.619 --> 00:36:24.459 We are enjoying the glory of God. 00:36:25.739 --> 00:36:27.699 It's to equip the saints, 00:36:28.739 --> 00:36:29.839 to equip one another 00:36:29.839 --> 00:36:30.899 for the work of ministry, 00:36:30.980 --> 00:36:32.359 to train and to disciple 00:36:32.359 --> 00:36:34.599 and to invest in one another's growth. 00:36:34.719 --> 00:36:36.539 We don't want to just see converts 00:36:36.539 --> 00:36:37.879 just come to faith in Christ 00:36:37.879 --> 00:36:40.099 and left behind as babes in Christ. 00:36:40.199 --> 00:36:43.279 We want to bring you to maturity in Christ. 00:36:43.280 --> 00:36:45.380 And it's to evangelize. 00:36:46.380 --> 00:36:49.360 It's to share the gospel with the lost. 00:36:49.680 --> 00:36:51.200 All three of those. 00:36:51.260 --> 00:36:52.640 You can't do a single one of them 00:36:52.640 --> 00:36:53.780 apart from the word. 00:36:55.260 --> 00:36:56.980 The word is at the center 00:36:56.980 --> 00:36:59.540 of the ministry of the church. 00:36:59.640 --> 00:37:00.600 The word is at the center 00:37:00.600 --> 00:37:03.660 of the heartbeat of every Christian. 00:37:06.300 --> 00:37:07.820 When you look for a church, 00:37:07.880 --> 00:37:10.120 again, maybe you're new here with us, 00:37:10.180 --> 00:37:11.260 visiting with us, welcome. 00:37:11.260 --> 00:37:15.280 Sometimes I get a little hyped up. 00:37:19.280 --> 00:37:21.020 When you look for a church, 00:37:21.600 --> 00:37:23.460 what is most important to you? 00:37:24.560 --> 00:37:27.200 Is it the ministries that they offer? 00:37:27.480 --> 00:37:29.860 Is there a thriving children's ministry? 00:37:30.000 --> 00:37:30.720 The programs? 00:37:30.840 --> 00:37:32.420 How busy the calendar is? 00:37:32.980 --> 00:37:34.460 How people dress? 00:37:35.080 --> 00:37:36.440 Whether or not you like the music? 00:37:36.440 --> 00:37:39.559 Or is it whether or not 00:37:39.559 --> 00:37:41.679 the word of God is proclaimed? 00:37:43.800 --> 00:37:45.559 If that is not at the center, 00:37:45.720 --> 00:37:47.760 everything else falls apart. 00:37:47.860 --> 00:37:49.159 None of the rest of it matters. 00:37:50.760 --> 00:37:52.940 See, Paul says a good shepherd, 00:37:53.340 --> 00:37:54.320 a good elder, 00:37:55.079 --> 00:37:58.280 must be able to give instruction 00:37:58.280 --> 00:38:00.559 in sound doctrine. 00:38:00.679 --> 00:38:02.019 That is vital. 00:38:02.019 --> 00:38:04.219 Because that's what's at the heartbeat 00:38:04.219 --> 00:38:05.880 of every Christian. 00:38:06.719 --> 00:38:07.619 And that's what's at the heartbeat 00:38:07.619 --> 00:38:10.259 of every healthy church. 00:38:10.420 --> 00:38:12.860 We live on the word of God. 00:38:13.860 --> 00:38:15.960 Man does not live by bread alone, 00:38:16.099 --> 00:38:18.500 but by every word that comes 00:38:18.500 --> 00:38:20.840 from the mouth of God. 00:38:20.900 --> 00:38:23.480 A good shepherd feeds the sheep 00:38:23.480 --> 00:38:24.739 with the word. 00:38:24.739 --> 00:38:29.899 And he protects the sheep from wolves. 00:38:31.719 --> 00:38:34.259 Protects the sheep from wolves. 00:38:35.319 --> 00:38:37.719 This is what Paul tells 00:38:37.719 --> 00:38:39.719 his young pastor friend Timothy. 00:38:40.579 --> 00:38:42.159 2 Timothy chapter 4. 00:38:43.299 --> 00:38:43.639 He says, 00:38:43.719 --> 00:38:45.579 I charge you in the presence of God 00:38:45.579 --> 00:38:46.639 and of Christ Jesus, 00:38:47.179 --> 00:38:49.339 who is to judge the living and the dead, 00:38:50.099 --> 00:38:51.959 and by his appearing in his kingdom, 00:38:52.559 --> 00:38:54.119 preach the word. 00:38:55.479 --> 00:38:57.539 Be ready in season and out of season. 00:38:58.139 --> 00:39:00.779 Reprove, rebuke, and exhort 00:39:00.779 --> 00:39:02.500 with complete patience and teaching. 00:39:02.500 --> 00:39:04.359 For the time is coming 00:39:04.359 --> 00:39:07.339 when people will not endure sound teaching. 00:39:08.659 --> 00:39:10.159 But having itching ears, 00:39:10.239 --> 00:39:11.719 they will accumulate for themselves 00:39:11.719 --> 00:39:14.219 teachers to suit their own passions 00:39:14.219 --> 00:39:17.239 and will turn away from listening to the truth 00:39:17.239 --> 00:39:19.619 and wander off into myths. 00:39:20.819 --> 00:39:22.939 Church, that time has come. 00:39:24.739 --> 00:39:29.000 And it is happening all over the world. 00:39:30.399 --> 00:39:33.219 Churches wandering off into myths. 00:39:34.500 --> 00:39:36.799 Men and women accumulating for themselves 00:39:36.799 --> 00:39:39.679 teachers who will suit their own passions, 00:39:39.859 --> 00:39:41.599 turning away from listening to the truth 00:39:41.599 --> 00:39:44.059 because it's not what they want to hear. 00:39:44.139 --> 00:39:45.919 It's not what they would say. 00:39:46.000 --> 00:39:47.039 It's not what's comfortable 00:39:47.039 --> 00:39:49.099 or affirming for them. 00:39:49.099 --> 00:39:51.940 elders are given to the church to say, 00:39:52.500 --> 00:39:52.860 not here. 00:39:54.460 --> 00:39:55.219 Not here. 00:39:56.579 --> 00:39:57.799 Not in this place. 00:39:57.900 --> 00:40:00.099 Not here with these people. 00:40:00.239 --> 00:40:00.900 My people. 00:40:01.460 --> 00:40:04.179 Not here with these precious sheep 00:40:04.179 --> 00:40:05.199 under our care. 00:40:05.279 --> 00:40:07.739 These precious sons and daughters of God 00:40:07.739 --> 00:40:10.339 that he has entrusted to us in our care. 00:40:10.719 --> 00:40:11.839 Not here. 00:40:11.840 --> 00:40:13.200 As for me and my house, 00:40:13.300 --> 00:40:14.800 we will serve the Lord. 00:40:15.460 --> 00:40:17.260 And we will proclaim this word. 00:40:17.380 --> 00:40:19.460 We will not entertain lies of the enemy. 00:40:19.740 --> 00:40:20.059 Here. 00:40:20.160 --> 00:40:20.680 Not here. 00:40:21.160 --> 00:40:22.280 Not in this place. 00:40:23.220 --> 00:40:25.039 A good shepherd feeds the sheep 00:40:25.039 --> 00:40:27.440 and drives away the wolves. 00:40:27.539 --> 00:40:29.440 Both parts are necessary here. 00:40:29.440 --> 00:40:34.840 Some of you know the blessing 00:40:34.840 --> 00:40:36.099 of having godly leadership. 00:40:37.059 --> 00:40:38.480 I know you know it 00:40:38.480 --> 00:40:40.820 because of who's been leading you here. 00:40:42.099 --> 00:40:44.460 I've been incredibly blessed myself 00:40:44.460 --> 00:40:46.559 to work under and alongside 00:40:46.559 --> 00:40:48.220 some of the very best, 00:40:48.340 --> 00:40:52.000 most godly, Bible-saturated men in the world. 00:40:53.460 --> 00:40:55.400 Every one of them to a man 00:40:55.400 --> 00:40:57.420 would tell you that their role 00:40:57.420 --> 00:41:00.599 ultimately is to lead you to Jesus. 00:41:02.220 --> 00:41:04.539 It's to lead you to Jesus. 00:41:05.340 --> 00:41:07.400 It's to show you Jesus. 00:41:07.619 --> 00:41:09.079 It's to open up this book 00:41:09.079 --> 00:41:10.639 and proclaim Jesus. 00:41:10.780 --> 00:41:11.599 If you don't know him, 00:41:11.639 --> 00:41:13.599 it's to lead you for the first time 00:41:13.599 --> 00:41:15.119 to faith in Jesus. 00:41:15.320 --> 00:41:16.840 You see, pastors are pointers. 00:41:18.119 --> 00:41:20.039 We point you to Christ. 00:41:21.079 --> 00:41:22.180 He must increase. 00:41:22.180 --> 00:41:23.619 We must decrease. 00:41:24.800 --> 00:41:25.780 And you know what would thrill me 00:41:25.780 --> 00:41:26.840 and drag more than anything? 00:41:27.420 --> 00:41:30.559 As if you grew in your love for Christ. 00:41:32.420 --> 00:41:34.539 As if you grew in your hunger 00:41:34.539 --> 00:41:37.700 and your love and your obedience to Jesus. 00:41:37.840 --> 00:41:38.420 Not to hear, 00:41:38.559 --> 00:41:39.500 wow, what a great sermon. 00:41:40.960 --> 00:41:42.139 None of y'all are probably in danger 00:41:42.139 --> 00:41:43.680 of saying that to me anyways. 00:41:43.860 --> 00:41:44.639 Maybe to Treg. 00:41:45.200 --> 00:41:46.159 Maybe to Treg. 00:41:48.000 --> 00:41:48.700 But to say, 00:41:48.800 --> 00:41:51.059 wow, what a wonderful Savior 00:41:51.059 --> 00:41:52.039 we worship. 00:41:52.039 --> 00:41:54.900 What a wonderful God 00:41:54.900 --> 00:41:55.800 we worship. 00:41:56.860 --> 00:42:00.099 What a good, glorious King 00:42:00.099 --> 00:42:01.460 we worship. 00:42:01.559 --> 00:42:02.440 It's about Jesus. 00:42:04.380 --> 00:42:06.320 Elders are to lead 00:42:06.320 --> 00:42:08.320 and reflecting God's glory. 00:42:08.500 --> 00:42:09.360 Christ alone 00:42:09.360 --> 00:42:11.000 is the perfect reflection 00:42:11.000 --> 00:42:12.619 of the glory of God. 00:42:13.599 --> 00:42:14.139 He alone 00:42:14.139 --> 00:42:16.019 is the very image 00:42:16.019 --> 00:42:17.039 of the invisible God. 00:42:17.840 --> 00:42:19.840 He is God in the flesh. 00:42:19.840 --> 00:42:22.240 elders are to lead 00:42:22.240 --> 00:42:23.000 the local church 00:42:23.000 --> 00:42:23.920 in proclaiming 00:42:23.920 --> 00:42:25.160 the glory of God. 00:42:25.280 --> 00:42:25.680 Christ 00:42:25.680 --> 00:42:28.039 is the word of God. 00:42:28.700 --> 00:42:30.300 The perfect word. 00:42:30.440 --> 00:42:31.120 The embodiment 00:42:31.120 --> 00:42:32.680 of life and truth. 00:42:32.800 --> 00:42:33.480 The word of God 00:42:33.480 --> 00:42:34.480 became flesh 00:42:34.480 --> 00:42:35.220 and dwelt 00:42:35.220 --> 00:42:36.600 among us. 00:42:38.240 --> 00:42:38.800 Church, 00:42:38.860 --> 00:42:39.440 we just read 00:42:39.440 --> 00:42:40.400 Psalm 23. 00:42:40.620 --> 00:42:41.720 What a beautiful passage 00:42:41.720 --> 00:42:42.660 that is. 00:42:42.659 --> 00:42:45.039 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:42:46.039 --> 00:42:47.319 I shall not want. 00:42:48.259 --> 00:42:50.079 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:42:50.259 --> 00:42:51.519 He leads me. 00:42:51.619 --> 00:42:52.639 He guides me. 00:42:52.739 --> 00:42:53.759 He cares for me. 00:42:53.859 --> 00:42:55.699 He restores my soul. 00:42:55.819 --> 00:42:56.539 He feeds me. 00:42:56.619 --> 00:42:57.940 He watches over me. 00:42:58.339 --> 00:42:59.359 He loves me. 00:43:01.099 --> 00:43:01.319 You know, 00:43:01.319 --> 00:43:02.899 Jesus takes this passage, 00:43:03.119 --> 00:43:03.719 this beloved 00:43:03.719 --> 00:43:05.359 Old Testament passage, 00:43:05.539 --> 00:43:06.420 and he says 00:43:06.420 --> 00:43:07.819 in John chapter 10, 00:43:08.759 --> 00:43:09.319 he says, 00:43:09.379 --> 00:43:10.480 I am the good shepherd. 00:43:10.480 --> 00:43:13.079 I am the good shepherd. 00:43:14.000 --> 00:43:15.519 The thief comes 00:43:15.519 --> 00:43:16.800 only to steal 00:43:16.800 --> 00:43:17.900 and kill 00:43:17.900 --> 00:43:18.940 and destroy. 00:43:19.300 --> 00:43:20.159 I have come 00:43:20.159 --> 00:43:21.579 that they may have life 00:43:21.579 --> 00:43:23.400 and have it abundantly. 00:43:23.539 --> 00:43:24.400 The good shepherd 00:43:24.400 --> 00:43:26.800 lays down his life 00:43:26.800 --> 00:43:28.019 for the sheep. 00:43:30.219 --> 00:43:31.059 He says, 00:43:31.139 --> 00:43:32.119 I have other sheep 00:43:32.119 --> 00:43:33.719 who are not 00:43:33.719 --> 00:43:34.980 of this fold. 00:43:35.099 --> 00:43:37.099 I must bring them 00:43:37.099 --> 00:43:38.119 in also. 00:43:39.059 --> 00:43:40.099 And they will listen. 00:43:40.480 --> 00:43:41.619 To my voice. 00:43:44.500 --> 00:43:46.300 Maybe you've joined us 00:43:46.300 --> 00:43:46.780 this morning 00:43:46.780 --> 00:43:48.320 and you have been 00:43:48.320 --> 00:43:49.219 burned 00:43:49.219 --> 00:43:51.599 or hurt, 00:43:52.099 --> 00:43:52.659 disappointed 00:43:52.659 --> 00:43:54.179 by a pastor. 00:43:56.079 --> 00:43:57.079 Disappointed by 00:43:57.079 --> 00:43:57.880 a leader. 00:43:58.000 --> 00:43:58.480 An elder 00:43:58.480 --> 00:43:59.679 has failed 00:43:59.679 --> 00:44:00.659 you. 00:44:00.900 --> 00:44:01.199 Friend, 00:44:01.639 --> 00:44:02.079 look 00:44:02.079 --> 00:44:03.039 to Jesus. 00:44:04.579 --> 00:44:05.900 He will never fail you. 00:44:05.900 --> 00:44:08.440 Maybe you're here 00:44:08.440 --> 00:44:08.920 and you've been 00:44:08.920 --> 00:44:10.519 blessed by godly 00:44:10.519 --> 00:44:10.960 leadership. 00:44:11.180 --> 00:44:11.860 Praise God 00:44:11.860 --> 00:44:12.300 for that. 00:44:12.440 --> 00:44:13.380 Thank Jesus. 00:44:13.940 --> 00:44:14.980 Look to Jesus. 00:44:15.119 --> 00:44:16.240 The best earthly 00:44:16.240 --> 00:44:16.900 leadership 00:44:16.900 --> 00:44:17.960 can only point you 00:44:17.960 --> 00:44:18.460 to him 00:44:18.460 --> 00:44:19.300 as the perfect 00:44:19.300 --> 00:44:20.740 shepherd king. 00:44:22.300 --> 00:44:23.000 And maybe 00:44:23.000 --> 00:44:23.639 you are here 00:44:23.639 --> 00:44:24.039 and you are 00:44:24.039 --> 00:44:24.960 one of these sheep 00:44:24.960 --> 00:44:27.000 who are not 00:44:27.000 --> 00:44:27.519 yet 00:44:27.519 --> 00:44:29.119 of the fold 00:44:29.119 --> 00:44:30.200 of God. 00:44:31.200 --> 00:44:31.720 Would you 00:44:31.720 --> 00:44:32.480 come to Jesus? 00:44:32.480 --> 00:44:34.519 Would you 00:44:34.519 --> 00:44:35.980 repent of your sin 00:44:35.980 --> 00:44:36.920 and come 00:44:36.920 --> 00:44:37.800 to Jesus? 00:44:37.960 --> 00:44:38.860 This loving 00:44:38.860 --> 00:44:39.539 shepherd who 00:44:39.539 --> 00:44:40.699 invites you now 00:44:40.699 --> 00:44:41.539 to come and 00:44:41.539 --> 00:44:42.800 to trust in him 00:44:42.800 --> 00:44:43.219 that he would 00:44:43.219 --> 00:44:44.179 lead you 00:44:44.179 --> 00:44:45.440 and shepherd you 00:44:45.440 --> 00:44:46.559 and guide you 00:44:46.559 --> 00:44:47.820 and care for you 00:44:47.820 --> 00:44:48.340 if you would only 00:44:48.340 --> 00:44:49.719 turn and submit 00:44:49.719 --> 00:44:50.240 yourself 00:44:50.240 --> 00:44:51.119 to him. 00:44:52.260 --> 00:44:52.599 Would you 00:44:52.599 --> 00:44:53.420 look to Jesus 00:44:53.420 --> 00:44:55.079 and trust in him? 00:44:56.179 --> 00:44:56.699 Listen 00:44:56.699 --> 00:44:57.880 to his voice. 00:44:58.940 --> 00:44:59.699 Let's pray. 00:44:59.699 --> 00:45:03.539 Father again 00:45:03.539 --> 00:45:04.379 we thank you 00:45:04.379 --> 00:45:04.879 that 00:45:04.879 --> 00:45:06.619 you have 00:45:06.619 --> 00:45:07.859 thought well 00:45:07.859 --> 00:45:09.399 about how 00:45:09.399 --> 00:45:09.819 you want 00:45:09.819 --> 00:45:10.379 your church 00:45:10.379 --> 00:45:10.939 to function. 00:45:12.399 --> 00:45:13.079 That you 00:45:13.079 --> 00:45:13.559 have given 00:45:13.559 --> 00:45:14.480 elders as a 00:45:14.480 --> 00:45:15.319 gift to the 00:45:15.319 --> 00:45:15.719 church 00:45:15.719 --> 00:45:17.279 to lead 00:45:17.279 --> 00:45:18.000 and to guide 00:45:18.000 --> 00:45:18.759 and to oversee 00:45:18.759 --> 00:45:19.719 to protect 00:45:19.719 --> 00:45:21.439 and most 00:45:21.439 --> 00:45:21.859 importantly 00:45:21.859 --> 00:45:22.419 to point 00:45:22.419 --> 00:45:23.639 us to Christ. 00:45:24.699 --> 00:45:25.359 And we pray 00:45:25.359 --> 00:45:26.159 that Christ 00:45:26.159 --> 00:45:26.879 would be the 00:45:26.879 --> 00:45:27.679 center of who 00:45:27.679 --> 00:45:28.239 we are 00:45:28.239 --> 00:45:29.099 as a church 00:45:29.099 --> 00:45:30.079 that this 00:45:30.079 --> 00:45:30.779 message of 00:45:30.779 --> 00:45:31.360 the gospel 00:45:31.360 --> 00:45:31.799 would be 00:45:31.799 --> 00:45:32.539 the heart 00:45:32.539 --> 00:45:32.960 of what we 00:45:32.960 --> 00:45:33.420 proclaim 00:45:33.420 --> 00:45:34.619 as a church 00:45:34.619 --> 00:45:35.500 and that we 00:45:35.500 --> 00:45:36.059 would leave 00:45:36.059 --> 00:45:37.179 here thanking 00:45:37.179 --> 00:45:37.759 you and 00:45:37.759 --> 00:45:38.659 praising you 00:45:38.659 --> 00:45:39.199 for the ways 00:45:39.199 --> 00:45:39.779 you have led 00:45:39.779 --> 00:45:40.380 us to the 00:45:40.380 --> 00:45:41.779 foot of your 00:45:41.779 --> 00:45:42.500 throne to 00:45:42.500 --> 00:45:44.099 worship the 00:45:44.099 --> 00:45:44.659 living God. 00:45:45.519 --> 00:45:46.299 We love you 00:45:46.299 --> 00:45:46.779 Father and we 00:45:46.779 --> 00:45:47.259 pray this in 00:45:47.259 --> 00:45:47.799 Christ's name. 00:45:48.380 --> 00:45:48.599 Amen. 00:45:48.599 --> 00:45:48.739 Amen.