Answer: An overseer (elder/shepherd) is entrusted with
God's work, (verse 7).
MORE INFORMATION AND/OR OTHER SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
1 Corinthians 4:1-2: "So then, men
ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those ENTRUSTED
WITH THE SECRET THINGS OF GOD. Now it is required that those
who have been GIVEN A TRUST must prove faithful."
1 Thessalonians 2:4: "On the
contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be ENTRUSTED WITH THE
GOSPEL. We are not trying to please men but God, Who tests
our hearts."
1 Timothy 6:20-21: "Timothy, GUARD
WHAT HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO YOUR CARE. Turn away from godless
chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,
which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the
faith. Grace be with you."
2 Timothy 1:13-14: "What you heard
from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love
in Christ Jesus. GUARD THE GOOD DEPOSIT THAT WAS ENTRUSTED TO
YOU--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit Who lives in
us."
1 Peter 5:1-4: "To the elders among
you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings
and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: BE
SHEPHERDS OF GOD'S FLOCK THAT IS UNDER YOUR CARE, serving as
overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing,
as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;
not lording it over THOSE ENTRUSTED TO YOU, but being examples to
the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will
receive the crown of glory that will never fade
away."
Jude 1:3-4: "Dear friends, although
I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I
felt I had to write and urge you to CONTEND FOR THE FAITH THAT WAS
ONCE FOR ALL ENTRUSTED TO THE SAINTS [this includes elders].
For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have
secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the
grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus
Christ our only Sovereign and Lord."
