Ministering in a local body
1 Tim 1:3-7
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. (KJV)
· Paul is dealing with the growing problem of who can minister in a local body, how to be in the House of God 1 Tim.3:15.
He first identifies the problem!
· Teach no other doctrine, fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, turned aside to vain jangling, desiring to be teachers, with no understanding
1 Tim.3:19-20, 4:1-2, 4:7-8, 4:16, 6:3-5,6:20-21, 2 Tim.1:13, 2:2, 2:14-18, 2:23-26, 3:1-8, 3:10, 3:14-17, 4:1-4,
Recognition of relationship as the basis for secure and sound teaching, preaching and ministry.
1 Tim 1:1-2
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
· Paul recognised his calling was from God and he based his authority to minister on his Family relationship to Timothy.
1 Cor 4:14-17
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
1 Tim 5:1-3
1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
There is a responsibility in a family that becomes the safe structure for learning and ministry.
1 Tim.3:6 + 10, 4:12 + 15
Heb 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.
Heb 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.
1Thes 5:12-13
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
· know them which labour among you
Gifting and calling Vs Authority
There is no authority without commitment.
Commitment sets the limitations, the goals, and purpose of authority.
Authority over people is given by family commitment and Love and sacrifice.
Many believe that just because they have been gifted, called, trained etc.. that they have authority in every local body.
zb.. our church split in Germany! How many have come and said that they were more qualified to be the Pastor and Counciling or Prayer warriors or worship leaders etc..
You are a Father and you have a family... professional child care worker etc...
You may be called to the nations, but unless you are recognised by the leadership and the body you will not minister here. I have a responsibility to watch over the sheep. You may be called into the fields of the Lord, but the Church is not the field! This is the sheepfold! We are returning to the teaching of the Bible about family. It’s blessings and responsibilities.
Today we are setting in the first line of leadership under the Pastor. They are my Timothys and Lukes and Marks. They represent the Lord submitted under the Pastor. They are quality people that Ulli and I trust with all our hearts. They are taking on the commitment and thereby the authority in this Family.