Elders, Members and Authority

1. The authority of the members

     a. Guard the WHAT of the Gospel

          i. In incoming and fellow members

               1 Corinthians 15:3–5

               Ephesians 2:8–9

          ii. In the pulpit

               Galatians 1:6–8

     b. Guard the WHO of the Gospel

          i. In incoming and fellow members

               1 Corinthians 5:4–5

          ii. In the pulpit (only qualified men as elders)

               1 Timothy 3:1–2

               1 Timothy 5:19–21

2. The authority of the elders

     a. Based on God’s authority

          1 Peter 5:1–4

          Titus 1:7

     b. Meant to be used for the good of fellow members

          Acts 20:28

          Psalm 23:1–3

     c. Only to be used by qualified people

          i. They must be male

               Titus 1:6–7

          ii. They must have upstanding moral character

               1 Timothy 3:1–7

          iii. They must be able to understand, explain, and teach the Bible

               1 Timothy 3:2      

               2 Timothy 2:15; 24–25

          iv. They must be willing to give and serve

               Acts 20:35

3. Dancing with the stars

     a. Elders serve by lovingly leading

          1 Timothy 5:17

          1 Timothy 3:1–2

          1 Peter 5:2

     b. Members serve by lovingly submitting

          1 Thessalonians 5:12–13

          Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24