If we want to enjoy the providential care of God, we must seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). The Greek word for kingdom is used in different ways, both in classical Greek and in the New Testament. Sometimes the word refers to the rule and reign of God. At other times, it refers to the realm of that rule where God reigns. In the latter case, the realm where God rules is most of-ten referring to the church. Because of this, we find the terms kingdom and church used synonymously (Matthew 16:18-19). This week, in emphasizing the need to seek the kingdom of God first in our lives, we have been looking at how we do that when it comes to the local church. In this blog, I want to look at the importance of submitting to the elders of the local church.

The local church is made up of elders, deacons, and saints (Philippians 1:1). At this time, I am particularly interested in the elders and our responsibility toward them. Every local church, that has qualifying men, have a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23; 15:4; 20:17, etc.). The elders of each local church oversee the flock that is among them (1 Peter 5:1-2).

Peter tells us that the elders are to exercise oversight. This is because it is their job to rule the flock (Hebrews 13:7). The word “rule” (hēgeomai) means “to lead, i.e., command” (Strong’s Greek & Hebrew Dictionary), and speaks to the authority that elders in the local church have. They do not have legislative authority, that is, they cannot make their own laws apart from the scriptures. They do, however, have delegated authority to enforce the rules and regulations of God’s Word.

What is the obligation of the flock? The Hebrews writer tells us.

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)
¹⁷ Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Our responsibility toward the elders is clear—we must obey and submit to them. The word “submit” means to yield, give way to, or surrender. Are you willing to do this when it comes to the elders who are overseeing the local church of which you are a member? If not, can you really claim to be seeking the kingdom of God first? The obvious answer is no. The local church works best when the will of God is being followed. The fact is, when you submit to the elders, you are sub-mitting to God at the same time because He is the one who instructs you to do so.

Elders are extremely important to the local church. If you attend a local church with qualified elders who are doing their job in overseeing the flock, you should thank God because it is a blessing. Are you a blessing to the men who serve as elders in your local church? When you willingly submit to the elders, you are helping them to do their job with joy. When you are continually cantankerous, unwilling to submit to them because they do not always make decisions that you like, not only is that not advantageous to you (read the passage above again), but you are failing to seek first the kingdom of God. Your rebellious attitude and actions are of no value to the local church.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.