Paul said, "And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) We have considered some phrases in the previous blogs on this text, but notice one phrase that specifically gains attention. Paul suggests that we “be at peace among ourselves.” When all of the elders are over all of the work of all t

On one occasion David had the opportunity to take the life of Saul, king of Israel. Saul had on numerous occasions attempted to take the life of young David, but had failed. Saul learned that David, his rival, was in the wilderness of Engedi and when Saul came to the sheepcotes, there was a cave and he stopped to rest. David and his men where nearby and while Saul slept, David had his chance to put an end to the rivalry between Saul and him. David was able to get so close to

When we reject the leadership God has provided, we reject the leadership and authority of God! In the Old Testament, as is recorded in Numbers 16, Korah, Dathan and Abiram, with two hundred and fifty princes who were men of renown, “gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.” They accused Moses of being a dictator and lord over them. They said, “Ye take too much upon you…wherefore then, lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?” (Numbers 16:

When Paul wrote in the Thessalonian epistle that we should “esteem” elders, he meant that we should respect them (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Unfortunately, all church members and even some preachers do not “esteem” or respect elders. There are perhaps some plausible reasons that some men are not respected as elders. One possible reason being that a man may not be worthy of respect. If a man does not live a Christ-like life, he is not worthy of being “esteemed” as an elder. Jes

According to the New Testament, the elders do not serve as a board of directors, but theirs is a work to perform. In citing the qualifications of elders, the apostle wrote, “If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” It is a “good work.” More young men need to prepare themselves for this “good work.” More young women need to prepare themselves so as to qualify their husbands for the eldership. Elders are “over” us and not “under” us. This fact is point

Paul suggests that we take knowledge of, recognize and appreciate our elders. But what is there we should “know” about them? First, we should know the responsibility of their office. The sacred penman wrote, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17) From this passage we see that elders “wat