Bible Studies
The Responsibility of Shepherding the Flock (Acts 20:28)
Series: The Selection and Appointment of OverseersIntroduction:
1. There are three Greek terms used in the N.T. to describe the function of those we frequently call elders.a. “Presbuteroi” is used in Acts 20:17 and is translated “elders.”
b. “Episkopos” is derived from “epi” (“over”) and “skopeo” (“to watch or look”), thus the translation “overseer.” Used in Acts 20:28.
c. “Poiman” is the word from which the translation “shepherd” or “pastor” comes. The verb form is used in Acts 20:28; the noun form in Eph. 4:11.
2. That these words all refer to the same office and function in the N.T. is evident from various contexts.a. Acts 20—It is the elders that Paul calls to Miletus (17); they have been made overseers (28); to shepherd (feed) the flock of God (28).
b. 1 Pet. 5:1-2—It is the elders who are exhorted to shepherd the flock of God among them, exercising the oversight.
c. Titus 1:5-9—Paul left Titus in Crete to appoint elders in every city; in verse 7 he refers to these as overseers.
d. In 1 Tim. 3:1ff, universally recognized as parallel to Titus 1:5ff, the qualifications of overseers are given. The qualifications in Titus are of elders.
3. The terms are used interchangeably to emphasize various functions of the same office. In some churches bishops (overseers) are different from elders, elders are different from pastors, and pastors different from bishops. Such practices are not based upon the N.T. model, but on man-made organizational methods. 4. Later in this series we will address each one of these terms observing the variety of functions described by each of the terms used. 5. In this lesson I want to talk with you about the responsibility of shepherding God’s people.Discussion:
I. Shepherds have the responsibility of feeding of the flock of God (Acts 20:28).A. The flock of God is fed when they are properly nourished on the word of God so that they grow to maturity (Eph. 4:11-16).
B. Instruction is a major work of those who are shepherds of God’s people. This is why they must be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2).
1. It is not that they must be the only teachers.
2. They can assign qualified teachers.
3. They exercise primary responsibility for the teaching program.
4. Design a curriculum, a plan of study.
C. They must hold fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, and be able to both exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict (Titus 1:9-11).
1. Those that would aspire to be shepherds need to learn to communicate the word of God effectively.
2. That means they must be students of the word of God.
II. In Ezek. 34 the shepherds of ancient Israel had neglected their responsibilities. While this passage is not addressing shepherds in a congregation of Christians the imagery is certainly suitable to draw many connections to the responsibilities of shepherds in a congregation today. Cf. also Psa. 23; Jer. 23:1-8.A. Primary responsibility of feeding the flock, but they neglected the flock while feeding themselves. (vs. 2-3).
1. Cf. not a lover of money (1 Tim. 3:3).
2. Cf. not fond of sordid gain (1 Tim. 3:8; Titus 1:7).
3. Self-centeredness has no place in shepherds of God’s flock (Jn. 10:11).
B. Another responsibility of shepherds is to care for the health of the flock (4a).
1. Strengthen the flock (Heb. 5:12-14).
2. The Corinthians had many weak and sick among them (1 Cor. 11:30) as evidenced by their abuses of the Lord’s Supper.
3. It is the elders that are to be called when one is sick (James 5:13-16).
4. As those under their charge we must take advantage of the opportunities for health care they afford to us. It is those Christians that do not take advantage of health care opportunities that are sick and they become worse (Heb. 10:24-31).
C. Bring back the scattered and seek for the lost (4).
1. N.T. shepherds should follow the model of the chief shepherd who told a parable about leaving 99 sheep and hunting for the one gone astray (Matt. 18:12-14).
2. They do what they can because their will is the same as the will of their Father (Matt.18:14). The motivation for their service. 1 Tim. 3:1 says, “if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.”
a. “Why would any aspire to this office?” Work, responsibility, sleepless nights, difficulty.
b. They have the same concern for the sheep as the Father has and so they are willing to act, “not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God” (1 Pet. 5:2).
c. Will not be effective in the work if they don’t want to do it. It must be a work that one does because of his heart. If your heart is not in it you won’t be effective.
D. They provide security for the flock (25-31).
1. Eliminate harmful beasts (Titus 1:9-11).
2. Provide peaceful tranquility.
III. Observe that in Psa. 23 the Lord is described as a shepherd. He is the model that shepherds in a N.T. church need to follow.A. Meets spiritual needs (1-4).
1. Makes me lie down in green pastures; feeds me.
2. Leads beside quiet waters; provides for my spiritual thirst.
3. Restores my soul; builds me up.
4. Guides in path of righteousness; leads in will of God.
B. Provides for my security.
1. Valley of shadow of death; stays with me in difficulty.
2. I fear no evil; with me in danger.
3. Rod and staff comfort; protects, disciplines.
4. Prepares table in presence of enemies; provides spiritual food in difficulty.
5. Anoints head with oil; blesses me with healing.
C. Here is the work of shepherds. It is the work of the Lord.
Conclusion:
1. Shepherds feed the flock of God among them. 2. Care for the health of the flock. 3. Bring back the scattered and the lost. 4. Provide security. 5. Why? Because their will for the flock is the same as the Lord’s will for the flock. 6. Martin Luther, the great Reformation leader, remarked that he always got into trouble when he distinguished himself from the Lord. When I first considered that statement I thought him arrogant. But I think what he is saying is that as long as our will is lost in the Lord’s it will go well with us. 7. Shepherds need to loose their will in the Lord’s when they do that they will not be “self-willed” but “God-willed.”
