the Church?


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The Church

God’s Plan for His Glory and Our Good – Part 5 Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Introduction

We started this study by considering the question, “What is the Church?” We answered that question by saying, “The church is the called out assembly of the People of God, who are united by the gospel in the Body of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of glorifying the triune God.” We then moved to thinking about who comprises the church by asking, “Who is the Church?” We answered, “The church is comprised of genuine Christians who

covenant with each other in light of their common confession to commune with God through committed worship and holy living.” Last week, we saw that this called out assembly of God’s people were to be engaged primarily in five ministries: The ministry of teaching, the ministry of fellowship, the ministry of worship, the ministry of service, and the ministry of evangelism. Having now considered these three major areas of the church, we move ahead to consider how the church is run. Is there any particular structure for church government in God’s Word that best supports the ministries and mission of the church of Jesus Christ? I believe there is, and I want us to consider elements this morning. Exposition

I.

Christ rules the Church. (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Comment – There is only one Lord in the church, Christ!

II.

The Congregation governs the Church. (Matthew 18:15-20, see also 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 and 2 Corinthians 2:6)

Comment – The Importance of Regenerate Church Membership

III.

The Pastors lead the Church. (Hebrews 13:17, see also 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Comment – There should be multiple (a plurality) of pastors/elders leading the church. Comment – If the pastors are leading the church according to the will of God, the church has a responsibility to follow their pastors. If the pastors cease to follow the will of God, the church has the responsibility to remove such leaders. (Galatians 1:8)

IV.

The Deacons serve the Church. (Acts 6:1-6)

Comment – Deacon service is table service. It is Christ-like service, taking up the apron, washing the feet of the dirty, feeding the empty stomachs of the poor, visiting orphans and widows, and preserving the peace and harmony of the church.

Conclusion

How then is the church to be run? In submission to the rule and reign of Christ, the church governs itself by maintaining faithful membership, following the lead of its pastors, and facilitating acts of care and compassion through its deacons. Please note that it is not a sole pastor, a deacon board, a staff, or a committee that runs the church. While such designs may “seem” more efficient or easy at times, they are not ultimately biblical. The biblical model for church government (Christ-Ruled, Congregation-Governed, Pastor-Led, Deacon-Served) requires the centrality of the gospel! When we seek to align our church according to these principles, we see our overwhelming need for the good news of Jesus. First, the gospel reminds us of the rule of Christ in His church! We will not submit to the rule of Christ apart from the gospel. Second, the gospel reminds us of the church’s responsibility to pursue holiness. If we lose our vision of the holiness of God, we will find ourselves becoming tolerant of unrepentant sin in the context of the church. And when this happens, the church of Jesus Christ suffers! Third, the gospel reminds us that we are sheep prone to wonder from our great shepherd. In His mercy, He gave under-shepherds to the church to know, feed, lead, and protect God’s people. Yet no one man is sufficient for this work. Therefore, God gives multiple pastors/elders to a church for its health. Fourth, the gospel reminds us of our needs and the needs of others. As the deacons serve the church, we are beckoned to follow their example and serve others, as God in Christ served us!