Fundamentals – The Organization of the Church – Lesson 9
Categories: uncategorizedDate written: July 12th, 2002
Scripture ref: Eph. 4:11
SUBJECT: Church
TITLE: The Church–Its Organization
PROPOSITION: In this lesson we will examine the organization of the church. In the temporary organization of the church we have 1) Apostles and 2) Prophets. In the permanent organization of the church we have 1) Christ as head. 2) Members as part of the body of the church. 3) Elders who are to oversee the church. 4) Deacons who are to carry out specific works within the church. 5) Evangelists/Preachers who are to herald forth the word of the Lord.
OBJECTIVES: Each member should be able to give a brief overview of the organization of the church.
AIM: To emphasize that the church must be organized as God has set the pattern.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Eph. 4:11
2. About the Text:
1) In this text we see God’s purpose for church officers.
2) There were some who were temporary officers: Apostles, prophets, etc.
3) There were some who are permanent officers: Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists.
4) Their work was both temporary and ongoing.
5) Inspired officers were to be about the business of working to bring the gospel to written form.
6) Uninspired officers are to be about the business of building the body of Christ.
3. The restoration plea.
1) The organization of the church is one of the marks of its restoration.
2) Seed principle.
3) Those who organize in the way that the first century church organized will have what the first century church had.
4) Those who do not organize in the same way will not have what they had.
5) Will God be pleased with anything less than what he designed?
4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: In the organization of the church we have…
I. Christ as head.
1. He is the King of His kingdom (1 Timothy 6:15, 16; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).
2. He is the Head of the body (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18).
3. He is the Husband of His bride (Eph. 5:25; Revelation 20:1-9).
4. He is the Firstborn from the dead (1 Cor. 15:20, 23; Col. 1:15, 18; Acts 26:23).
5. He is the only begotten Son of the Father (John 3:16).
6. He is the foundation (1 Cor. 3:11).
7. He is the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:5-7).
II. It is part of God’s plan to have organization in the church made up of members!
1. Romans 12:4-8 (Some miraculous, some not).
2. 1 Corinthians 12:27-29 (Miraculous not to be abused; it is for the unity of the body.)
3. Eph. 4:11 (For the building up of the body of Christ.)
III. The Apostles
1. There were specific qualifications on who could be an apostle (Acts 1:22).
2. They had a specific purpose.
1) To carry the gospel to the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).
2) To be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8).
3) To confirm the words which they spake through the miraculous (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3,4).
3. They had specific promises to aid them in this commission (John 14:16; John 15:26, 27; Acts 1:8).
4. They had special power to aid them in their purpose. (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; Acts 8:17ff).
5. For these reasons, the office of the apostle was temporary in nature.
IV. Prophets
1. Part of the temporary organization of the church (1 Cor. 13).
2. The word “prophet” means one who speaks forth.
3. Prophets were sent to speak by inspiration (Eph. 3:5).
4. They were to confirm God’s word as well (1 Cor. 14:37).
5. They were sent by God to build up the early church in edification (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 2:20; Eph. 4:11).
V. Pastors, Shepherds, Elders, Presbyters, Bishops, Overseers
1. Office was to be perpetuated (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Tim. 3:1, 15).
2. Notice all of these titles refer to the same office in scripture.
1) Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28 (All three Greek words are used to describe the same office).
2) Titus 1:5, 7 (Elder and bishop used referring to the same office).
3. Always a plurality of men over a local congregation in the scriptures (Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5; Acts 15:2; Acts 14:23).
4. Qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4.
5. Membership is to submit to their authority (Heb. 13:7, 17).
VI. Deacons
1. Part of the permanent organization of the church (Phil. 1:1).
2. Originated to have authority over specific areas of service (Acts 6:1-6).
3. Qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
VII. Preachers/Teachers/Evangelists
1. Part of the permanent organization of the church (Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:5).
2. More instruction given in scriptures regarding this office than any other as the entire books of 1, 2 Timothy and Titus were written to instruct the preacher/evangelist.
1) 1 Timothy 6:11-16
2) 2 Tim. 3:21-26
3) 2 Timothy 4:1-8
4) Titus 2:1
3. Philip was an example of an evangelist (Acts 8).
CONCLUSION:
1. In the organization of the church we have.
1) Christ as head.
2) Members of the body all with differing but equal talents.
3) Apostles
4) Prophets
5) Pastors, Elders, Bishops
6) Deacons
7) Evangelists
2. The great plea of the church is for religious unity.
1) We can have that unity only based upon the authority of the scriptures.
2) The scriptures authorize for us this pattern of organization.
3) Will not everyone come and unite upon the teaching of the Bible when it comes to the organization of the church?!