Lesson 20 Explore 4: Christian Elders—‘Fellow Workers for Our Joy’ | Study
Christian Elders-‘Fellow Workers for Our Joy’
“We are fellow workers for your joy.”-
(2 Corinthians 1.24: Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.)
LOOK FOR THE ANSWERS:
• How did Paul demonstrate that he was not a ‘master over his brothers’ faith’ but a ‘fellow worker for their joy’?
• In what ways do Christian elders contribute to the joy of their fellow believers?
• How might all of us add to the spirit of joy in the congregation?
1. What caused Paul to rejoice over the Christians in Corinth?
IT WAS the year 55 C.E. The apostle Paul was in the harbor city of Troas, but he could not stop thinking about Corinth. Earlier that year, it had pained him to learn that the brothers there quarreled among themselves. So out of fatherly concern, he had sent a letter to correct them.
(1 Corinthians 1.11: For some from the house of Chloe have informed me regarding you, my brothers, that there are dissensions among you.)
(1 Corinthians 4.15: For though you may have 10,000 guardians in Christ, you certainly do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus, I have become your father through the good news.)
He had also sent his fellow worker Titus to them and had arranged for Titus to report back to him in Troas. Now Paul was waiting for Titus in Troas, longing to hear how the Corinthians were faring. But to Paul’s deep disappointment, Titus did not arrive. What could Paul do? He sailed to Macedonia, and to his joy, there they met. Titus related that the brothers in Corinth had responded well to Paul’s letter and that they were yearning to see him. When Paul heard that good report, he “rejoiced yet more.”-
(2 Corinthians 2.12, 13: Now when I arrived in Troas to declare the good news about the Christ and a door was opened to me in the Lord, my spirit felt no relief because of not finding Titus my brother. So I said good-bye to them and departed for Macedonia.)
(2 Corinthians 7.5-9: In fact, when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies got no relief, but we continued to be afflicted in every way—there were fights on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts those who are downhearted, comforted us by the presence of Titus; and not only by his presence but also by the comfort he received because of you, as he reported back to us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, and your earnest concern for me; so I rejoiced even more. For even if I saddened you by my letter, I do not regret it. Even if I did at first regret it (seeing that the letter saddened you, though only for a little while), now I rejoice, not because you were just saddened, but because you were saddened into repenting. For you were saddened in a godly way, so that you suffered no harm because of us.)
2. (a) What did Paul write to the Corinthians about faith and joy? (b) What questions will we consider?
2. Shortly thereafter, Paul wrote the Corinthians a second letter. He told them: “Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.”
(2 Corinthians 1.24: Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.)
What did Paul mean by that? And how should those words affect Christian elders today?
OUR FAITH AND OUR JOY
3. (a) What did Paul mean when he wrote: “By your faith . . . you are standing”? (b) How do elders today follow Paul’s example?
3. Paul mentioned two vital aspects of our worship-faith and joy. Recall that regarding faith, he wrote: “Not that we are the masters over your faith,... for it is by your faith that you are standing.” With these words, Paul acknowledged that the brothers in Corinth stood firm, not because of him or any other human, but because of their own faith in God. Hence, Paul saw no need to control the faith of his brothers, and he had no desire to do so. He was confident that they were faithful Christians who wanted to do what was right.
(2 Corinthians 2.3: I wrote what I did, so that when I come I may not be saddened by those over whom I ought to rejoice, because I have confidence that what brings me joy brings all of you the same joy.)
Today, elders follow Paul’s example by expressing confidence in their brothers’ faith and motives for serving God.
(2 Thessalonians 3.4: Moreover, we have confidence in the Lord regarding you, that you are carrying out and will go on carrying out our instructions.)
Rather than making rigid rules for the congregation, elders rely on Scriptural principles and direction from Jehovah’s organization. After all, present-day elders are not the masters over their brothers’ faith.-
(1 Peter 5.2, 3: Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.)
4. (a) What did Paul mean when he wrote: “We are fellow workers for your joy”? (b) How do elders today imitate Paul’s attitude?
4. Paul also stated: “We are fellow workers for your joy.” With that expression, he referred to himself and his close associates. Why do we draw that conclusion? Well, in the same letter, Paul reminded the Corinthians of two of these associates when he wrote: “Jesus... was preached among you through us, that is, through me and Silvanus and Timothy.”
(2 Corinthians 1.19: For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you through us, that is, through me and Silvanus and Timothy, did not become “yes” and yet “no,” but “yes” has become “yes” in his case.)
Moreover, whenever Paul used the term “fellow workers” in his letters, it always referred to his close associates, such as Apollos, Aquila, Prisca, Timothy, Titus, and others.
(Romans 16.3: Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,)
(Romans 16.21: Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, and so do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives.)
(1 Corinthians 3.6-9: I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow, so that neither is the one who plants anything nor is the one who waters, but God who makes it grow. Now the one who plants and the one who waters are one, but each person will receive his own reward according to his own work. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.)
(2 Corinthians 8.23: If, though, there is any question about Titus, he is my companion and a fellow worker for your interests; or if there are questions about our brothers, they are apostles of congregations and a glory of Christ.)
Hence, by saying: “We are fellow workers for your joy,” Paul assured the Corinthians that he and his companions wanted to do all they could to promote the joy of all members of the congregation. Today, Christian elders have the same desire. They want to do all they can to help their brothers to “serve Jehovah with rejoicing.”-
(Psalm 100.2: Serve Jehovah with rejoicing. Come into his presence with joyful shouting.)
(Philippians 1.25: So, being confident of this, I know I will remain and continue with all of you for your advancement and your joy in the faith,)
5. We will consider the responses to what question, and on what should we reflect?
5. Recently, a group of zealous brothers and sisters living in different parts of the world were invited to respond to the question, “What words and deeds of an elder have added to your joy?” As we now consider the observations made by that group of fellow believers, see how their comments compare with how you might have responded. Furthermore, let all of us reflect on how we may contribute to a spirit of joy in our local congregation.
“GREET PERSIS OUR BELOVED ONE”
6, 7. (a) What is one way in which elders can imitate Jesus, Paul, and other servants of God? (b) Why does remembering our brothers’ names add to their joy?
6. Many of our brothers and sisters say that their joy is enhanced when elders show personal interest in them. One basic way in which elders do so is by following the example set by David, Elihu, and Jesus himself.
Read 2 Samuel 9.6: When Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan the son of Saul came in to David, he at once fell facedown and prostrated himself. Then David said: “Mephibosheth!” to which he replied: “Here is your servant.”
Read Job 33.1: “But now, Job, please hear my words; Listen to everything I say.
Read Luke 19.5: Now when Jesus got to the place, he looked up and said to him: “Zacchaeus, hurry and get down, for today I must stay in your house.”
Each of these servants of Jehovah showed sincere interest in another person by using the individual’s name. Paul too appreciated the importance of remembering and using the names of fellow believers. He concluded one of his letters by greeting more than 25 brothers and sisters by name, including Persis, a Christian sister about whom Paul said: “Greet Persis our beloved one.”-
(Romans 16.3-15: Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who have risked their own necks for me and to whom not only I but also all the congregations of the nations give thanks. Also greet the congregation that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is a firstfruits of Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives and fellow prisoners, who are men well-known to the apostles and who have been in union with Christ longer than I have. Give my greetings to Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, the approved one in Christ. Greet those from the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those from the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, women who are working hard in the Lord. Greet Persis, our beloved one, for she has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, the chosen one in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the holy ones with them.)
7. Some elders have a hard time remembering names. Still, when they make a real effort to do so, they are, in effect, telling their fellow believers, ‘You are important to me.’
(Exodus 33.17: Jehovah went on to say to Moses: “I will also do this thing that you request, because you have found favor in my eyes and I know you by name.”)
Elders will particularly add to their brothers’ joy when they remember their names as they call on them for comments during the Watchtower Study or other meetings.-Compare
(John 10.3: The doorkeeper opens to this one, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.)
“SHE PERFORMED MANY LABORS IN THE LORD”
8. What was one important way in which Paul followed the example set by Jehovah and Jesus?
8. Paul also showed his interest in others by giving sincere commendation, which is another basic way to enhance the joy of fellow believers. Thus, in the same letter in which he stated his desire to work for his brothers’ joy, Paul wrote: “I have great boasting in regard to you.”
(2 Corinthians 7.4: I have great freeness of speech toward you. I have great boasting in regard to you. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.)
Those words of commendation must have warmed the heart of the brothers in Corinth. Paul expressed similar sentiments to other congregations.
(Romans 1.8: First of all, I give thanks to my God through Jesus Christ concerning all of you, because your faith is talked about throughout the whole world.)
(Philippians 1.3-5: I thank my God always when I remember you in every supplication of mine for all of you. I offer each supplication with joy, because of the contribution you have made to the good news from the first day until this moment.)
(1 Thessalonians 1.8: The fact is, not only has the word of Jehovah sounded out from you in Macedonia and Achaia but your faith in God has spread abroad in every place, so that we do not need to say anything.)
In fact, after he mentioned Persis in his letter to the congregation in Rome, Paul added: “She performed many labors in the Lord.”
(Romans 16.12: Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, women who are working hard in the Lord. Greet Persis, our beloved one, for she has worked hard in the Lord.)
How heartening that compliment must have been for that faithful sister! In commending others, Paul followed the example set by both Jehovah and Jesus.-Read
(Mark 1.9-11: In the course of those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. And immediately on coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens being parted and, like a dove, the spirit coming down upon him. And a voice came out of the heavens: “You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.”)
(John 1.47: Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him: “See, truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”)
(Revelation 2.2: ‘I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad men, and that you put to the test those who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars.)
(Revelation 2.13: ‘I know where you are dwelling, that is, where the throne of Satan is; and yet you keep holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was killed by your side, where Satan is dwelling.)
(Revelation 2.19: ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and ministry and endurance, and that your deeds of late are more than those you did at first.)
9. Why does giving and receiving commendation add to a spirit of joy in the congregation?
9. Elders today also see the importance of putting their feelings of appreciation for their brothers into words.
(Proverbs 3.27: Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it If it is within your power to help.)
(Proverbs 15.23: A man rejoices in giving the right answer, And a word spoken at the right time—how good it is!)
Whenever an elder does that, he tells his brothers, in effect: ‘I noticed what you did. I care about you.’ And fellow believers definitely need to hear the elders’ reassuring words. A sister in her mid-50’s spoke for many when she said: “At work I seldom get a compliment. There’s a cold and competitive climate. So when an elder commends me for something I’ve done for the congregation, it’s so refreshing, so energizing! It makes me feel loved by my heavenly Father.” A brother who as a single parent is raising two children felt similarly. An elder recently gave him heartfelt commendation. How did it affect our brother? He says: “The elder’s words gave me a real boost!” Indeed, by sincerely commending fellow believers, an elder lifts their spirit and deepens their joy. That, in turn, will give them added strength to keep on walking on the road to life “and not tire out.”-
(Isaiah 40.31: But those hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; They will walk and not tire out.”)
“SHEPHERD THE CONGREGATION OF GOD”
10, 11. (a) How can elders follow the example set by Nehemiah? (b) What will help an elder to impart a spiritual gift when making shepherding calls?
10. What is an especially vital way in which elders show personal interest in their brothers and add to the congregation’s joy? By taking the initiative to reach out to those who need encouragement.
Read Acts 20.28: Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.
When elders do so, they imitate spiritual shepherds of old. Note, for instance, what the faithful overseer Nehemiah did when he saw that some of his Jewish brothers had grown spiritually weak. The account states that he immediately rose up and encouraged them.
(Nehemiah 4.14: When I saw their fear, I immediately rose and said to the nobles and the deputy rulers and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them. Remember Jehovah, who is great and awe-inspiring; and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes.”)
Today, elders want to do the same. They ‘rise up’-take the initiative-to help fellow believers to be firm in faith. To give such personal encouragement, they visit their brothers and sisters in their homes if circumstances allow. During such shepherding visits, they want to “impart some spiritual gift” to them.
(Romans 1.11: For I am longing to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you for you to be made firm;)
What will help elders to do so?
11. Prior to making a shepherding visit, an elder needs to take some time to think about the individual he will visit. What are the person’s challenges? What thoughts could build him or her up? What scripture or experience of a Bible character would be applicable to his or her circumstances? Such forethought will help an elder to have a conversation that will be meaningful, not trivial. During shepherding visits, an elder allows his brothers and sisters to express themselves while he listens attentively.
(James 1.19: Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,)
One sister said: “It’s so comforting when an elder listens with his heart.”-
(Luke 8.18: Therefore, pay attention to how you listen, for whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he imagines he has will be taken away from him.”)
CAPTION: Preparation helps an elder to ‘impart a spiritual gift’ on a shepherding visit
12. Who in the congregation are in need of encouragement, and why?
12. Who will benefit from receiving shepherding visits? Paul admonished his fellow Christian elders to “pay attention... to all the flock.” Indeed, all members of the congregation need to receive encouragement, including those publishers and pioneers who have faithfully been carrying out their ministry year after year. Why do they need the support of spiritual shepherds? Because sometimes such spiritually strong ones too are nearly overwhelmed by the pressures exerted by this wicked world. To illustrate why even a strong servant of God may, at times, need help from a companion, let us consider an event in King David’s life.
“ABISHAI . . . CAME TO HIS HELP”
13. (a) Ishbi-benob exploited what condition of David? (b) How was Abishai able to come to David’s rescue?
13. Shortly after young David had been anointed as king, he stood face-to-face with Goliath, one of the Rephaim, a race of giants. Courageous David killed the giant.
(1 Samuel 17.4: Then a champion came out from the camps of the Philistines; his name was Goliath, from Gath, and his height was six cubits and a span.)
(1 Samuel 17.48-51: Then the Philistine rose and drew steadily closer to meet David, but David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David thrust his hand into his bag and took a stone from there and slung it. He struck the Philistine in the forehead, and the stone sank into his forehead and he fell facedown on the ground. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; he struck down the Philistine and put him to death, though there was no sword in David’s hand. David continued running and stood over him. Then he took hold of the Philistine’s sword and pulled it out of its sheath and made sure that he was dead by cutting off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their mighty one had died, they fled.)
(1 Chronicles 20.5: And there was war again with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear had a shaft like the beam of loom workers.)
(1 Chronicles 20.8: These were descendants of the Rephaim in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.)
Years later, during a battle with the Philistines, David again stood face-to-face with a giant. His name was Ishbi-benob, also one of the Rephaim. ftn.)
(2 Samuel 21.16: A descendant of the Rephaim named Ishbi-benob, whose copper spear weighed 300 shekels and who was armed with a new sword, intended to strike David down.)
This time, however, the giant nearly killed David. Why? Not because David had lost his courage but because he had lost his strength. The record states: “David grew tired.” As soon as Ishbi-benob noticed David’s moment of physical weakness, he “got to think of striking David down.” But then, just before the giant thrust his weapon into David, “at once, Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his [David’s] help and struck the Philistine down and put him to death.”
(2 Samuel 21.15-17: Once again there was war between the Philistines and Israel. So David and his servants went down and fought the Philistines, but David became exhausted. A descendant of the Rephaim named Ishbi-benob, whose copper spear weighed 300 shekels and who was armed with a new sword, intended to strike David down. At once Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and struck the Philistine down and put him to death. At that time the men of David swore this oath to him: “You must not go out with us to battle anymore! You must not extinguish the lamp of Israel!”)
What a narrow escape! How grateful David must have been that Abishai had kept an eye on him and had quickly come to his aid when his life was in danger! What lessons can we draw from this account?
14. (a) How are we able to conquer Goliathlike challenges? (b) How can elders help others regain their strength and joy? Give an example.
14. Worldwide, we as Jehovah’s people are carrying out our ministry despite the obstacles that Satan and his agents place in our path. Some of us have stood face-to-face with giant challenges, but with full reliance on Jehovah, we took on those “Goliaths” and conquered them. However, at times, the constant battle against the pressures of this world leaves us tired and discouraged. In that weakened condition, we are vulnerable and in danger of being ‘struck down’ by pressures we otherwise would have dealt with successfully. At such moments, the timely support given by an elder can help us to regain our joy and our strength, as many have experienced. A pioneer in her mid-60’s related: “Some time ago, I did not feel well, and field service tired me out. An elder noticed my lack of energy and approached me. We had an encouraging conversation based on a Bible passage. I applied the suggestions he gave me, and I benefited.” She added: “How loving of that elder to take note of my weak condition and to give me help!” Yes, it is heartening to know that we have elders who keep a loving eye on us and who, much like Abishai of old, stand ready to ‘come to our help.’
“KNOW THE LOVE THAT I HAVE . . . FOR YOU”
15, 16. (a) Why was Paul dearly loved by his fellow believers? (b) Why do we love our caring congregation elders?
15. Being a shepherd involves hard work. At times, elders spend sleepless nights in prayerful concern for God’s flock or in giving spiritual support to fellow believers.
(2 Corinthians 11.27, 28: in labor and toil, in sleepless nights often, in hunger and thirst, frequently without food, in cold and lacking clothing. Besides those things of an external kind, there is what rushes in on me from day to day: the anxiety for all the congregations.)
Still, elders carry out their responsibility fully and gladly, just as Paul did. He wrote to the Corinthians: “I will most gladly spend and be completely spent for your souls.”
(2 Corinthians 12.15: For my part, I will most gladly spend and be completely spent for you. If I love you so much more, am I to be loved the less?)
Indeed, out of love for his brothers, Paul fully spent himself in strengthening them.
Read 2 Corinthians 2.4: For out of much tribulation and anguish of heart I wrote you with many tears, not to sadden you, but to let you know the depth of love I have for you.
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(Philippians 2.17: However, even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and the holy service to which your faith has led you, I am glad and I rejoice with all of you.)
(1 Thessalonians 2.8: So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us.)
No wonder the brothers dearly loved Paul!-
(Acts 20.31-38: “Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I never stopped admonishing each one of you with tears. And now I entrust you to God and to the word of his undeserved kindness, which word can build you up and give you the inheritance among all the sanctified ones. I have desired no man’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my own needs and the needs of those with me. I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’” And when he had said these things, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. Indeed, quite a bit of weeping broke out among them all, and they embraced Paul and affectionately kissed him, for they were especially pained at the word he had spoken that they would not see his face anymore. Then they accompanied him to the ship.)
16. We as God’s servants today also love our caring Christian elders and thank Jehovah in our personal prayers for providing them. They add to our joy by showing personal interest in us. We feel enriched by their shepherding visits. Moreover, we are grateful that they stand ready to come to our aid at moments when we feel overwhelmed by the pressures of this world. Yes, such attentive Christian elders truly are ‘fellow workers for our joy.’
[End of article.]