Two Offices: Pastor and Deacon Part 1

Introduction

Turn with me in your Bibles to Ephesians 4:11-13.

Let us do a quick review.

The Baptist are a back to the Bible People and because of that “B” we believe in Biblical authority in all matters of faith and practice. All creeds, councils, hierarchies, synods, popes, etc. The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice. The NT is the constitution for NT church government. The Bible must be interpreted in its historical-grammatical-cultural context.

“R” regenerate and immersed church membership. Before a person can become a member they must have asked Jesus to be their Savior and followed the Lord in believer’s baptism.

“A” our church is directly accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ as the churches of Asia in Revelation 2 and 3. We do not have any authority over us. We conduct our own business, worship, outreach, finances, etc. We answer to the Lord, not a fellowship. etc.

“P” priesthood of the believer. Each believer has equal standing before God in Christ.

“T” Two offices: Pastor and Deacon. Today we are going to look at the office of the pastor.

In Ephesians 4:11 it says “11 And he gave some...pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

e get paid? Through this message, these questions will be addressed.

Hebrews 13:20 “20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,”

D. God gave the office of the pastor.

P. Since God gave the office of the pastor, it is important to honor the office and be a member to receive the full benefits of being a member.

1. Defined: Bishop, Elder, Pastor/teacher.

Acts 20:17 “17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.”

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

Ephesians 4:11–13 “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

Explain

Bishop - Overseers

They managed and led a church. They had a position of authority, but not to lord over.

This later was corrupted in the 2nd and 3rd centuries as they became a leader over churches in regions.

The understanding of bishop is closely related to a manager or supervisor.

Elder - usually depicts age, in Jewish culture an elder was at least 40 years old. In the church it is used to describe what we call the pastor’s office.

By elder there is an understanding there should be wisdom and experience.

a church doesn’t just randomly say you are a pastor.

They have watched and observed faithfulness to help in the ministries of the church perhaps soul-winning, helping teach a class etc., a personal walk with God, and love for God and others.

In the church it does not necessitate a person to be 40.

Timothy was young, but honorable - 1 Timothy 4:12 “12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Timothy was to be committed to the preaching of the word - 1 Tim 4:13

Timothy was given his authority in the church through the laying on of the hands of the pastors in his church. - 1 Tim 4:14 He previously was held in good report of the Christians at Lystra and Iconium. (Acts 16:1-2)

Timothy was to be wholly committed to the Word and teaching the Word - 1 Tim 4:15-16

Pastor/Teacher

A Pastor is a shepherd. He feeds sheep. While the shepherd is himself a sheep, he has the calling and gifting of God upon him recognized by the local church. It is not a self-elected office or a degree at a seminary. The office of pastor is a gifting recognized by the local church through ordination, licensing to preach, and calling.

From Ephesians 4:13 the job of a pastor is to equip the church to minister and bring the congregation to spiritual maturity in Christ. My job as a pastor is to lead you to a proper understanding of God’s Word and obedience to it. As I lead, you are under moral obligation to follow my leadership as I follow Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 “1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

Argue

Historical

Easton’s Bible Dictionary Bishop

BISHOP—an overseer. In apostolic times, it is quite manifest that there was no difference as to order between bishops and elders or presbyters (

Illustrate: Bishop Mike, Elder Mike, Pastor Mike are all scripturally sound. But for simplicity Pastor Mike is fine.

Apply

Bishop, elder, and pastor are synonymous terms for the same office, but each title highlights a different aspect of the office.

Under the authority of a local church with Christ as head, the pastor seeks to bring the church to fulfill the great commission and spiritual maturity in Christ. The question is, are you willing to submit to the Pastor’s leadership as he follows Scripture? Be careful that your beliefs are not opinions, but that your beliefs are founded on the foundation of God’s steadfast Word.

T. We have defined what the office is, but what are the qualifications.

2. Dignity: A good testimony for Christ.

1 Timothy 3:1–7 “1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

Titus 1:5–9 “5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

Explain: To do his office with dignity it is necessary he be of good character.

Blameless -

ἀνεπίλημπτος above criticism, not deserving of rebuke or criticism, irreproachable - 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7

ἀνέγκλητος - above reproach, blameless, not worthy of or chargeable with wrong doing - Titus 1:6

Husband of one wife - one woman man both physically and mentally

Vigilant -νηφάλιος self-controlled and level headed

Sober - σώφρων prudent; self-controlled, thoughtful, discreet, temperate

Good behavior - κόσμιος - appropriate, modest, respectable

Hospitable/lover of hospitality - φιλόξενος treats strangers and guests kindly and generously

Apt to teach - διδακτικός skillful in teaching

Not addicted to wine πάροινος going for wine

Not a striker - πλήκτης bully, cruel, brutal

Not greedy of filthy lucre - αἰσχροκερδής fond of dishonest gain, ill-gotten, gambling. No lottery, betting, and casinos.

Patient - ἐπιεικής gentle, kind, tolerant towards slight deviations of moral or legal rectitude

Not a brawler/quarrelsome - ἄμαχος disposed to being a peacemaker

Not covetous - ἀφιλάργυρος not a lover of money and wealth

Rules his own house well

the idea is managing his house well and having children that listen well and don’t shame themselves through throwing fits or having rotten attitudes

faithful children - believing children

children that are not accused of riot - charged with a wrong doing, crime

riot - ἀσωτία riot, excess, reckless deeds, excessiveness leading to sin

unruly - engaged in defiance of established authority, rebellious

Not a novice - νεόφυτος a new convert

A good report without/publicly - a good testimony in the community

God’s steward - οἰκονόμος a manager for God

Not self-willed - αὐθάδης stubborn

not soon angry - ὀργίλος quick tempered; fire cracker

Lover of good men - φιλάγαθος - loves the good, and therefore does not love evil. He is not trying to see what he can do that isn’t right and not get caught.

Just - δίκαιος lives by what is right

Holy - ὅσιος pleasing to God, devout, pious

Temperate - ἐγκρατής - having good control of one’s self and passions

Hold fast the faithful Word as he has been taught - devoted to the teaching of God’s word

Abe to exhort and convince gainsayers - uses the Bible to bring conviction and encourage biblical change. Back to the Bible person.

Argue

No pastor is going to do this perfectly.

The pastor should be known for having these qualities and always seeking to improve.

Philippians 3:12 “12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.”

1 Peter 3:18 “18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”

Illustrate: Pastor Leisure known for having a good reputation in the town.

Apply

Pray for your Pastor to faithfully walk worthy of his calling and gifting in Christ.

Seek to copy these qualifications in your life as I faithfully live them out before you in the Lord.

We have defined the office and dignity of the office, but what are the duties of the pastor?

3. Duties: Pray, Study the Word, Preach, and Teach.

Acts 6:4 “4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”

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

Ephesians 4:11–12 “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

Explain

Bishop by nature of the word is one who supervises and manages a church.

They oversee the ministries of the church

They delegate responsibility to faithful members.

They instruct in how a job is to be done.

In the Old Testament overseer is used and may help shed a little light.

1. They get the job going through directing. (2 Chronicles 2:18)

2. There were overseers in the work of the house of God. (2 Chronicles 31:13)

3. They motivate and help keep workers going faithfully. (2 Chronicles 34:12)

4. They oversaw service jobs. (2 Chronicles 34:13)

An elder by nature of spiritual age, experience, and wisdom helps a church follow God’s Word.

They apply the wisdom of God’s Word to every day living.

Practically they provide wise biblical counsel, help make church decisions in an advisory position (Acts 11:30; 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23), be leadership in the the church (Acts 14:23); are to be respected (1 Tim. 5:1-2), teach the word of God, (1 Tim. 5:17), those who do well are worthy of double honor, or pay. (1 Tim. 5:17), lead versus lord (1 Peter 5:1-3); experienced Hebrews 5:14

A pastor guides his sheep with a knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.

In the New Testament Ephesians 4:11-12 aptly describes a pastor’s job. Ephesians 4:11–12 “11 And he gave some,...pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

Developing Ministry Minded Churches Developing Ministry Minded Churches

The word rendered “perfect” is καταρτισμὸς. In medicine the term was used in reference to setting bones.

319 Bowman has pointed out that it “literally means

work of the ministry

life is ministry.

Service for others

Developing Ministry Minded Churches Developing Ministry Minded Churches

Paul was not teaching there was only “the one ministry”, but that within “the ministry” of the local church there are multiplicity of ministries. For example a church may have ministries of soul-winning, Sunday school, hospitality, children’s ministry, greeting and ushering ministry, etc.

Developing Ministry Minded Churches Developing Ministry Minded Churches

The best way for getting people involved in church ministry to take place among new converts or immature believers is through the discipleship relationship. One, who is discipling, should train his disciples to serve with him in a ministry in which he is involved. #5 This type of discipleship relationship was the type exemplified by Jesus Christ and the apostles.

edification of the body of Christ

Developing Ministry Minded Churches Developing Ministry Minded Churches

On the practical level some may esteem their pastor’s gifting so highly that they feel embarrassed by their lack of talent and excuse themselves from ministry. However, often the pastor is not the most gifted or the smartest member of his congregation. That is okay because the pastor is the facilitator. There is, therefore, an implication that the pastor is responsible to find out how his people are gifted and to equip them to use their gift in ministry. #6 He may do so by giving them responsibility to head up a ministry, assist in a current ministry, or mentor and train them to do a ministry. The Pastor should have a goal of teaching his members to do ministry. He must teach his members to depend on the Holy Spirit for help and encourage them to bear abundant fruit. Paul mentored young Timothy, took him on mission trips, forced him out of his comfort zone by giving him leadership responsibilities, and eventually Timothy took on the pastorate of the Ephesian church. (

Another important aspect for perfecting is providing a good example of faithful Christian living. Our good shepherd, Jesus Christ, not only preached and taught, but went about doing good. He gives us a good example to follow and so must the pastor. Hebrews 13:7

In the Old Testament the book of Jeremiah has rich insights into what a good pastor or bad pastor looks like.

Were to be of upright character, but were rather transgressing against the Lord. (Jeremiah 2:8)

A pastor after God's heart feeds the people with wisdom and knowledge. (Jeremiah 3:15)

A Pastor who is brutish and not seeking God will be a failure at keeping his flock. (Jeremiah 10:21)

A Pastor through his practice can destroy God's vineyard and make God's portion desolate. (Jeremiah 12:10)

A good pastor speaks the right words and does not desire God's judgement. (Jeremiah 17:16)

Pastors may be eaten of the wind. (Jeremiah 22:22)

A bad pastor destroys and scatters the Lord's sheep. (Jeremiah 23:1)

A good Pastor feeds God's people, unites the flock, brings the flock together, and visits them. (Jeremiah 23:2)

Argue

Why do we need a pastoral leadership when each believer is dwelt with the Holy Spirit and receives the illumination of the Spirit to help him or her understand God’s Word?

The Pastor helps keep the purity of the faith in the context of the church. i.e. some who have done jail Bible studies come out with some unorthodox beliefs.

The church is the pillar and ground of the truth: 1 Timothy 3:15 “15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

The pastor is to help bring maturity to Christians in the context of the local church meeting. Bible studies are nice, but God’s plan is through the corporate preaching and teaching of God’s Word to equip Christians to serve God rightly: Ephesians 4:12 “12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

The Bottom line: The Pastor is an office that Jesus mandated through God’s Word. God knew we need pastors. I am thankful for my pastor I grew up under; he still pastors me.

Illustrate: The Shepherd in Israel

PROVIDES In Israel during the dry times of the year pasture for sheep is scarce. The good shepherd knows were food and water is and has to lead his flock to what they need. Often pasture is far away. Remember Psalm 23? He leads through the valley of the shadow of death up into the mountain meadows.

The weekly sermon preparation of a pastor is meant to be a spiritually nutritious meal for his sheep.

Christ told Peter to feed his flock. (John 21:16-17) Likewise Peter told the pastors of the church he wrote to feed the flock of God among them. (1 Peter 5:1-3)

Nurturing is a critical part of shepherding people and sheep.

PROTECTS The shepherd watches out for wolves. In the church, the pastor must be doctrinally sound and aware of false teachers that would lead his sheep astray from God’s word. When I came to Lake Baptist, Pat let me know as pastor I was responsible for inviting the speakers in and that I had the responsibility to vet them before they spoke.

In Israel the shepherds have sheep folds. They are rock walls in a rectangular or circular form several feet high to keep wolves out with a single door. At night the shepherd leads his sheep into the fold and blocks the opening. He literraly function as the door. Nobody comes in or out of the fold without going through him. As a pastor, I function as a door spiritually to guard the flock from false teachers and teachings. John 10:7 “7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.”

Lays down his life if necessary. Christ our great shepherd gave his life for us. John 10 15-16

PRESENT the essence of being a shepherd is being present watching over your sheep. While a pastor is limited our great Shepherd never leaves nor forsakes us. Hebrews 13:5–6 “5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

Apply

I as your pastor have the responsibility to help you be involved in Christian ministry through your local church.

If you are not a member it is hard to be a participant.

You are responsible to help in the ministry. When Ephesians 4:12 says “for the work of the ministry” it does not mean that pastor is to do all the work. It means that he facilitates and help you be involved in the ministry of the church.

To help me help facilitate ministries at our church, it is very helpful to know where you are gifted at as a member and will help me encourage you to develop and use your spiritual gifts fully. I have them on the back table.

While the pastor has been defined, qualifications and duties, he is also biblically due some things from his church.

4. Dues: The church is to honor and follow their pastor as he follows Christ.

Explain

Honor: Know - 1 Thessalonians 5:12 “12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;”

To accept one for what is claimed

Give honor to the office of the pastor and those who serve. These laborers have two descriptions: they labor and they are over you in the Lord.

The term labor refers to wearisome labor to extreme fatigue. Hard work mentally or spiritually.

A pastor’s job is more than getting up Sunday morning and evening and Wednesday night and speaking off the top of his head about the Bible.

The pastor’s job involves shepherding, counseling, teaching, and praying. It also many times includes his family doing the jobs that need done nobody else wants to do.

Over you in the Lord refers to directing, guiding, and leading, ruling. It is used in the qualifications of one ruling his family well.

Honor: Esteem in love - 1 Thessalonians 5:13 “13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

Notice is it the position and work

1 Corinthians 9:1-14 makes another case for ministers of the gospel being paid.

1 Corinthians 9:14 “14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”

1 Timothy 5:17–18 “17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.”

The faithful pastor is to be paid for his labor in the word.

Follow - Hebrews 13:7 “7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

The pastor has responsibility to watch out and guide you. He is responsible for the spiritual state of your soul. While he does not exercise the power to send a soul to hell or heaven, he is to guide each person to Jesus the way, the truth, and the life.

The pastor also has the responsibility to provide you a good example to follow. Likewise, you have the responsibility to mimic what I do as I mimic Christ.

Submit - Hebrews 13:17 “17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

The word obey means here to be persuaded to obey. I should give you biblical basis for following God’s Word and me.

Submit - to yield control, obey. If what I am asking you to do is biblical you have the moral obligation to obey.

Watch - the pastor is looking out for the spiritual wellbeing of his congregation.

Account - the Pastor is going to have to give an account for your soul.

Greet - Hebrews 13:24 “24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.”

Be cordial with your pastor.

Show good manners and say hello. I’m thankful you do that with me.

Argue

You are not to idolize a man. A pastor is not a pope, but a humble servant of Christ.

I don’t agree with him. If you don’t agree I would encourage you to

search the Scriptures - Acts 17:11

Seek clarification on a matter - Matthew 18:15

if it is something of preference give grace if possible - Romans 12:18

Illustrate: disagreements about how missions money was spent sadly led to a church split years ago in this church. Those that disagreed left and fell out of church. It was unprofitable for them.

Apply

Get to know your pastor and his family.

Esteem them in love - be loving to your pastor and respect the work he does. I grew to a much greater appreciation of my pastors when I became a pastor.

Follow: God wants us to copy pastors that are following Him. Like a child mimics his parents, so the child of God seeks to mimic the faith of Christ in his or her pastor. It may be his study of the word, prayer, attitudes, etc.

Realize that it is to your benefit to yield to your pastor’s leadership.

Conclusion

While not everybody is a Pastor, it is helpful to be aware of what a pastor is and what he does and is worthy of. Perhaps there is a young man here who feels God’s call to be a pastor. Yield to that call.

Perhaps you need to commit to pray for your pastor more. Please pray he would walk worthy of this great and fearful calling and have wisdom leading our church in spiritual growth and outreach.

Pray that God would keep the young men in this church morally pure, so that if God so calls them as a pastor they may be fit to be one.