Complementary Old Testament Passage:
Jeremiah 23:1-8
Songs for Worship:
How Rich a Treasure We Possess
Great is Thy Faithfulness
The Church's One Foundation
The Goodness of Jesus
In Christ Alone
The Wonderful Cross
Sermon Outline:
- Elders are to be the Lord’s humble servants
- Elders are to feed the household of Christ publicly and personally
- Elders are to preach Christ using the whole counsel of God
- Elders will have to give an account to Christ for the members of the church
Family Discussion Questions:
- Who did Paul meet with when his boat reached land?
- Whose words is the church supposed to follow?
- Whose words are elders supposed to follow?
- Why are some people afraid to talk about some parts of the Bible?
- Why did Paul keep preaching even though he knew it would cost him his life?
- Here Paul tells us he was a servant. Jesus also is referred to a servant. Who were they obeying and who were they benefiting?
- Tears show up a few times in Paul’s address to the elders. What is that meant to show us?
- What are typical reasons an elder might “shrink back” from teaching all the Bible says?
- What are the two main types of learning you need from church and how have you arranged your life to make sure you and your family receives them?
- How should the fact that elders will answer to Christ for the souls of church members shape their ministry?
- How should that same fact shape how the church sees them?
- Some of these descriptions also apply to husbands and fathers. How? What are typical ways these are rejected or ignored in families?
- Paul is keen to say he taught both “everyone” and “one thing”. How can those both be true?
