Younger Be Subject Unto the Elders, #1

The point: Have distinct scriptural views on church government so that officers do not exact what they have no right to, and members do not refuse what they are bound to give.

Martin quotes John Brown's analogy of a Christian church as a monarchy administered by inferior magistrates (elders) who execute the King's (Christ's) laws, not their own whims or the will of the governed. This sets the theological framework for understanding church authority.

In commenting on facets of the passage read in your hearing, John Brown writes, A Christian church is a very free society, but they mistake the matter who consider it a democracy. It is a monarchy administered by inferior magistrates chosen by their fellow subjects who are to execute the king's laws, being guided solely by his word and neither by their own judgment or whims, nor by their own judgment or whims, nor by their own judgment or whims, nor by their own judgment or whims, nor by the opinions and will of those whom they govern. Christ is the Lord, and he administers his government by o...

2:08 - 3:30 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin outlines four common interpretations: the subordinate/superior office view (dismissed), the literal/chronological age view (rejected but respected), the youth/younger…

Martin uses the analogy of young deer ('young bucks') needing to listen to older deer ('old bucks') about avoiding hunters. This illustrates the literal chronological age view of submission, where younger people heed the wisdom of older, more experienced individuals.

We can dismiss it. But you ought to at least to know that is one of the ways the text has been used. But now, secondly, there is the literal or the chronological age view. Taking the words younger ones and older ones in their most broad and literal terms as referring to, relative age, they view this command as touching congregational life in which young bucks ought to listen and heed what the old bucks say as to how to avoid getting shot by the hunter.

21:22 - 21:54 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin outlines four common interpretations: the subordinate/superior office view (dismissed), the literal/chronological age view (rejected but respected), the youth/younger…

Martin describes 'young smart Alexes' who think they can fix church problems quickly, referencing the biblical example of King Rehoboam who rejected the counsel of older men for that of his young peers. This illustrates the 'youth to church officers' view, highlighting the potential for youthful insubordination.

But now these people say Peter knows that within the congregations, those most likely. To draw back from whole hearted submission and embrace of their elders influence is the young smart Alex. It's young men and women who would resist godly shepherding and oversight because in their youth they are generally brash, opinionated and very simplistic. Get any group of 20 year olds and they can fix up every problem in the church in half an hour.

26:36 - 27:09 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin presents four reasons for his preferred interpretation: it best fits the context of Peter's letter, it does justice to Peter's use of the connecting word 'likewise,' it…

Martin quotes John Brown's hypothetical scenario: if Peter had used the imagery of 'spiritual fathers' and then commanded 'children be submissive to the fathers,' everyone would understand it metaphorically. This analogy strengthens the argument that 'younger' and 'older' in 1 Peter 5:5a are metaphorical for church members and officers, respectively.

And secondly, the connection does lead us to expect an injunction of the duties of the private members of the church as distinguished from the office bearers. And still further that while there's nothing in the language, which is inconsistent with this mode of interpretation, there is something which cannot be satisfactory explained on any other supposition. And then as the crowning element in his proof of this position, he says this had the office bearers been represented as spiritual fathers and had the preceding verses read this way, fathers in Christ carefully superintend and instruct the ...

39:31 - 40:39 Read in full sermon

The point: Defy earthly masters, husbands, or elders graciously but firmly when they command something that would cause you to disobey a clear precept of God.

Martin quotes John Owen, who states that obedience to church rulers is not blind or implicit, but a 'reasonable service' that respects their office only when they teach Christ's appointed truths. This quote powerfully qualifies the nature of submission, emphasizing discernment and adherence to God's Word.

And likewise when Peter says younger ones that is church members be in submission to the elders your church leaders. He is not saying that you are to give to your elders a place of absolute authority over your conscience and your will. Listen to John Owen who states this so powerfully quote the obedience due to church rulers is not a blind implicit obedience. A pretense here of has been abused to the ruin of the souls of men but there is nothing more contrary to the whole nature of gospel obedience which is our reasonable service.

49:23 - 50:02 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not start a fuss, squawk, or cause division over disagreements with administrative decisions not explicitly addressed in the Bible.

Martin uses the analogy of a wife disagreeing with her husband's choice of a family car but submitting graciously without 'rubbing it under his nose.' This illustrates how church members should respond to elders' decisions they disagree with, especially on non-explicitly scriptural matters.

Do I claim infallibility though as a judgment was the judgment. You don't have to agree with that judgment. You don't have to agree with it. But you don't have any right to go start a fuss in the squawk and cause division any more than a wife.

54:18 - 54:33 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin outlines two core meanings of submission: thankfully recognizing the elders' position as a gracious gift from Christ, and conscientiously submitting to every aspect of…

Martin shares a personal anecdote about the elders' retreat where they evaluated each other's lives and character under the microscope of intimate love and the Word. This example demonstrates that he himself, as a pastor, is subject to the accountability of his fellow elders, reinforcing the principle of submission.

And that means those of us who stand here. In our relationship to our pastors. I wonder how many of you would like to go off for a retreat. Where for a period of four to five hours.

62:12 - 62:27 Read in full sermon