In Don Stubblefield's sermon 'Chapter 26, Section 10', he discusses the accountability of church elders and all believers before God, referencing Romans 14:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. He emphasizes that elders will give an account for their leadership and compares them to under-shepherds following Christ, the chief shepherd. The sermon highlights biblical teachings, including James 3:1 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18, stressing that those who teach and lead well deserve honor. Stubblefield references Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians 9, illustrating Paul's choice to preach the gospel without charge as a personal reward and a demonstration of dedication. The speaker encourages believers to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the gospel, highlighting the transformative power of God's word.

The elders will give an account to God for those under their authority, of course, but each one of us is going to give an account of himself to God when we stand before the judgment seat, Romans 14 and 12, and also 2 Corinthians 5 verse 10, for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done, whether good or bad. Those in authority will give an account, as I mentioned, for those under their authority. This account will determine if they were faithful under shepherds of the flock over which Christ the chief shepherd has placed them. We read that in last week, John 10, 1 through 18. So for the elders of the church, Christ the chief shepherd is our chief example, the perfect example.

And of course, none of us are perfect, but that is to be our goal, to be a faithful and under-shepherd. We're not to be one of the shepherds, not a faithful and under-shepherd, but they fled whenever they saw the wolf coming, or they saw doctrine being introduced, they didn't address it in the church. And those that are true hunter-shepherds, they will be addressing all of this, and we'll give an account for it. And then in James 3 verse 1, told that my brethren be not many masters, that is teachers in the new King James, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation, I surrendered stricter judgment and the new King James. And then in 1st Timothy 5, 17 and 18, Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn and the laborer is worthy of his reward." 1st Timothy 5, 17 and 18, which contains a quote from Deuteronomy 25, verse 4. So even if the ox, an animal, is rewarded for his labor, how much more should a leader of the Church of God? Paul, as an apostle, was commissioned by God Himself to preach the gospel both to Gentiles and Jews in Acts chapter 9 and even though he was entitled to receive the support of the church, he considered it a reward to preach the gospel of Christ without charge. Let us turn to 1st Corinthians chapter 9, Verses 6 through 18. Have we not power to eat and to drink?

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord and Cephas, a name for Peter, or I only and Barnabas have not we power to forbear working, who goeth the warfare anytime at his own charges, Who planteth the vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth the flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man or sayeth not the law the same also for it is written in the law of Moses thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen or sayeth he altogether for our sakes. For our sakes no doubt this is written, that he that ploweth should plow in hope, and that he that thrusheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, or not we rather. Nevertheless, we have not used this power, but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple, and they which wait at the altar are protectors with the altar. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

But I have used none of these things, neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me. For it were better for me to die than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of. For necessity is laid upon me, yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel." So as I mentioned, even though he was entitled to receive the support of the church, he considered it a reward to be able to do so without the support of the church. There's a quote here from the New King James study Bible on the phrase, making my boasting void.

As the rest of the passage makes clear, Paul considered that he could hardly boast about preaching since he was compelled by God's will to preach. So his ground for boasting, that is, his reward, is that he preaches free of charge and he will not allow anyone to take this blessing away from him. And thinking about this, I believe it's saying that those who are able, Some are able to preach the gospel free of charge and others not so much. So those who preach the gospel, it is a reward to be able to preach the Word of God. And I appreciate that Steve not only on the large day, but during on some Wednesday, he preaches the gospel down on the streets.

We're all to be faithful in carrying out the Great Commission, though, were to share the gospel with everyone that we come in contact with, especially those who do not know God. It could be the day they come to know Him and God turns them from the path of eternal death and they're hearing the Word of God because His Word will never return to Him void but that it shall accomplish that which he is intending, and it will succeed in the thing for which he has sent it. So I will conclude at this point.