WHOSE AUTHORITY SHOULD YOU RECOGNIZE?

AUTHORITY IN THE CONGREGATION

Since Jehovah is an orderly God, it is reasonable that he would provide authoritative  and well-organized leadership for his people. Accordingly, he has appointed Jesus as the Head of the Christian congregation.  (1 Corinthians 14:2; Ephesians 1:20-23)  Under Christ's invisible leadership, God has authorized an arrangement  by which appointed elders in each congregation shepherd the flock eagerly, willingly, and lovingly. (1 Peter 5:2, 3)  Ministerial servants assist them in various ways and render valuable service within the congregation. - Philippians 1;1.

Regarding Christian elders, Paul wrote: "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you."  (Hebrews 13:17) Wisely, God has entrusted to Christian overseers the responsibility to care for the spiritual needs of those in the congregation.  These elders do not constitute a clergy class.  They are servants and slaves of God, ministering to the needs of their fellow worshipers, just as our Master, Jesus Christ, did. (John 10:14, 15) Knowing that Scripturally qualified men take an interest in our progress and spiritual growth encourages us to be cooperative and submissive. -1 Corinthians 16:16. 

At times, sheep may stray or become endangered by harmful worldly elements. Under the leadership of  the Chief Shepherd, elders as under shepherds are alert to the needs of those in their charge and diligently give them personal attention.  (1 Peter 5:4) They visit members of the congregation and offer words of encouragement . Knowing that the Devil seeks to disrupt the peace of God's people, elders exercise the wisdom from above in dealing with any problems.  (James 3:17,18) They work hard to maintain unity and oneness of faith, something for which Jesus himself prayed. -John 17:20-22; 1 Corinthians 1;10.

What if a Christians suffers some evil or becomes discouraged because of committing a sin?  Soothing Bible counsel and the elder's heartfelt prayers in his behalf can help to restore  him to spiritual health.  (James 5:13-15)  These men, appointed by holy spirit, also have the authority to administer discipline and reprove any who pursue a course of wrongdoing or who pose a danger to the spiritual and moral cleanness of the congregation.  (Acts 20:28; Titus 1:9; 2:15) In order to keep the congregation clean, it may be necessary for individuals to report serious wrongdoing.  (Leviticus 5:1) If a Christian has committed a grave sin accepts Scriptural  discipline and reproof and gives evidence of genuine repentance, he will be helped.  Of course, persistent and unrepentant violators of God's law are disfellowshipped. -1 Corinthians 5:9-13

The Bible foretold that under Jesus Christ as King, spiritually mature men would be appointed to provide comfort, protection, and refreshment for God's people.  (Isaiah 32:1, 2) They would take the lead as evangelizers, shepherds, and teachers in order to promote spiritual growth. (Ephesians 4:11, 12, 16) Although Christian overseers may at times, reprove, reprimand, and exhort fellow believers, application of the elder's healthful teaching based on God's Word helps to keep all on the road to life. -Proverbs 3:11, 12; Titus 2:1.

Next time: WHOSE AUTHORITY SHOULD YOU RECOGNIZE?/ACCEPT JEHOVAH'S VIEW OF AUTHORITY

From the book; KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life