The nation of Israel was a people chosen by God, and ruled by the laws of God. Accountability among the people was the responsibility of those in positions of leadership. In the Body of Christ, however, even the humble child of God that receives a great infilling of the Holy Spirit may indeed hold even those who are 'over them in the Lord' accountable, and that in the presence of the assembly.
(1 Timothy 5:17-20)
Today, our Lord and King is Jesus; and his authority is delegated by the Holy Spirit through his disciples. Thus, the authority of accountability belongs to those in Christ Jesus and not solely to the government of elders.
Sound doctrine, spiritual maturity, and Biblical obedience are the qualifications that should be present in those appointed as elders in the church, having first been tested. (1 Timothy 3:10) Once you have affirmed this, hold yourself accountable to God in keeping with the verses below.
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:7,8)
"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." (Hebrews13:17)
"We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thes. 5:12,13)
PJR
"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (1 Peter 5:1-5)
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