Organization of the Church

GOLDEN TEXT: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” —Acts 20:28

ROMANS 12:3-8; I TIMOTHY 3:1-10

CONCERNING the organization of the church our lesson states, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Rom. 12:5) In I Corinthians, chapters 11 and 12, Paul presents a more complete picture of Christ and his church, and of the close relationship which exists among them. Of vital importance to every member of the true church is the recognition of Christ as the Head. Jesus said to his disciples, “One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.”—Matt. 23:8

In this wonderful arrangement of Christ and his church there is a function for each one to perform, even as in a natural body. When each one does his part, humbly and joyfully, there is harmony and peace among the brethren, When one or more selfishly seek the opportunities of service which, in the Lord’s providences, have fallen to others, then there is disharmony, and a weakening of that blest tie which binds our hearts in Christian love.

Basic to a proper recognition of one’s place in the church is Paul’s instruction, “I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Rom. 12:8) A proper appraisal of one’s abilities may be difficult, but it is quite essential in determining the Lord’s will with respect to the manner in which he may desire us to serve him.

The fact that the Lord has called us indicates that he saw something in us that could be used, so it would be a mistake to conclude that we have no abilities of any sort. This would be a false humility. On the other hand, it is equally important not to overestimate our abilities; but ever to realize that no matter what type of service the Lord may open up for us we will come far short of performing it perfectly, and will constantly need his guidance and help. We should always remember that without him we can do nothing.—John 15:5

So, whether it is our privilege to “teach,” to “exhort,” or to “minister”—that is, to serve along any line—we should be diligent, and always seek to glorify the Lord. If it is our privilege to give; we should do it with simplicity, or as the margin states, “liberally.” “He that ruleth,” Paul adds, should do so with “diligence.”

In every congregation of the brethren there are those who have the responsibility of a certain direction over its activities—to “rule.” These should, indeed, be diligent, but humble. They should in no case seek to lord it over God’s heritage.

Those whose privilege it is to show mercy—and this is a function which all can share—should do so cheerfully, Paul writes. One should indeed delight in the privilege of being merciful, for in this we emulate our loving Heavenly Father. The exercise of love and mercy is essential among the body members of Christ if their associations are to be a glory to God.

Those elected to serve as elders, or overseers, (translated “bishop” in I Timothy 3:1) have a special responsibility. In addition to the high standards of Christian character which they must possess, Paul writes that they also must be “apt to teach.” One who is apt to teach mathematics must understand mathematics. Aptness to teach is not merely the ability to convey information to another. No one is “apt to teach” in the church who does not understand the truth of the Gospel, the divine plan of the ages.

Our Golden Text emphasizes the sacred responsibility which rests upon the elders in the church. It is addressed to the elders of the church at Ephesus. The first part of the text reads, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves.” No brother can properly serve the church unless he first of all takes heed unto himself to make sure that he is following closely in the footsteps of Jesus, and adhering to the principles of the Gospel.

Then his duty is to take heed unto the “flock,” that is, the Lord’s sheep which come under his special care. Paul explains that it is the Holy Spirit that makes elders, and commissions them to be “overseers” in the church. While the church votes for its elders, it seems clear from the Scriptures that the Lord, through his Spirit, overrules the results.

The elders, Paul adds, are to “feed the church of God.” It is a responsibility to make sure that the “food” which is served is the true “meat” of the Word, not human traditions and speculations not doubtful disputations, but the affirmations of pure truth from the Word of God, flowing out through the hearts and minds of those wholly devoted to the Lord.

The qualifications for deacons are essentially the same as for elders, except that they do not need to be “apt to teach.”

QUESTIONS

What illustration of church organization does Paul use in our lesson?

Why is it important for a Christian to properly appraise his own abilities?

What are the qualifications for elders and deacons?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |