DUTIES OF THE PEOPLE TO ONE ANOTHER: 13:16 "to do good" - "to communicate forget not" - koinwnia - distribute, partner, benefit, fellowship
Rom. 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Col. 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
I Tim. 6:18 "that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate."
Rom. 12:13 "Distributing to the necessity of the saints..."
Heb. 11:5 "Enoch…had this testimony, that he pleased God."
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. I Pet. 5:5
We would never want to be like Israel in our spiritual attitude:
"Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, 'Nay but we will have a king over us.
Dr. Excell: "That the due obedience of the church, in all its members, unto the rulers of it, in the discharge of their office and duty, is the best means of its edification, and chief cause of order and peace in the whole body."
Dr. Excell: There is "a reciprocal duty of ministers and people."
"rule" - hnoumenouV - Pres Mid Ptc - Lead, command, authority, guidance over them, should produce: diligence, perseverance, and excitement regarding the rightful discharge of that duty.
The relationship between the pastor and the people committed to his charge is critical to the church. It is a sacred relationship, which has great consequences.
This was an admonishment of danger, and a reminder that the man of God was to look for every opportunity to do that benefits the lives of those, which he has been given pastoral care. This is an intricate balance, which is only attained with the pastor and people are Spirit filled.
The real issue for a church is where should we draw the line of authority, and what areas of life does the pastor “rule” in the church. Once those important areas are determined biblically, then we can “submit” ourselves.
AAnd
submit yourselves"
-
upeikete -
Pres Act Imp - to longer resist, give way, yield to
authority and admonition
related to the ministry of Christ.
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 1 Cor 16:15-16
Why should we place ourselves in submission to those in leadership? To be benefactors of their Love for our soul, and devotion to our welfare
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PASTOR TO HIS PEOPLE:
"For they watch for your souls"
- agrupousin
- Pres
Act Ind - attentive, sleepless, ready, watchful. The Pastor is a watchman!
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. I Cor. 4:1-2
Provide scriptural love church: …and look well to thy
herds. Prov 27:23
Provide the scriptural food: …Feed the flock of God
which is among you…Cf. Acts 20:28
Provide good scriptural leadership: …taking the
oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly…
Provide sound scriptural priorities: …not for filthy
lucre
Provide stable scriptural attitudes: …but of a ready
mind
Provide scriptural example: Neither as being lords over
God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:1-3
This includes love for souls and devotion to their welfare; fidelity in the labor; and the giving account to the Lord of the church in eternity! All that the pastor accomplishes for the church is to be for its benefit and Christ=s honor! When the church responds to the Word of God, there is joy; when leadership neglects the Scripture there is grief.
McCheyene once said, AAs I was walking in the fields, the thought came to me with almost overwhelming power that every one of my flock must soon be in heaven or hell...I constantly hear the surges of eternity beating against my study door."
THE MINISTRY DOES NOT MAKE HIS MINISTRY, IT IS RECEIVED FROM THE LORD // Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Fidelity in his labor for he must give account in eternity! That is, the labor performed for the benefit of the flock of God!
"As they must give account" - logou - word, saying, verbal report, reckoning, explanation
And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Luke 16:2
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 2 Cor. 5:11
"And they may do it with joy and not with grief" - stewzounteV - groaning, sighing
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Phil 1:4-5
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. Phil 4:1
But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD’S flock is carried away captive. Jer. 13:17
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Phil. 3:18
For ye are our glory and joy. 1 Thess 2:20
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 1 Thess 3:9-10
"..for that is unprofitable for you / ἀλυσιτελής / a negative particle and gainless, by implication, pernicious or unprofitable. You cannot receive any gain from the grief of your pastor.
The actions of the church toward their pastor and leadership should produce joy, and as a consequence, that joy is profitable to the entire church. A biblical understanding of authority and a balanced view of leadership, lead to joy, not grief, for everyone.
The true Pastor/Shepherd of our souls desires that the relationship between leadership and those who submit to that leadership, should experience growth and profit.
Paul wrote, For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Col. 1:9-11