August 27, 2017
Morning Service

Eph. 4:11-13

 

In the book of Ephesians we find Paul telling that church of a five fold ministry that the Lord left for His church. 

Eph 4:11-13  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Now let’s take a look at each of these.

·        First An Apostle = A person sent by another; a messenger; envoy. This word is once used as a descriptive designation of Jesus Christ, the Sent of the Father (Heb_3:1; Joh_20:21).  This was said of Jesus’ immediate followers;  It is, however, generally used as designating the body of disciples to whom he entrusted the organization of his church and the dissemination of his gospel, “the twelve,” as they are called (Mat_10:1-5; Mar_3:14; Mar_6:7; Luk_6:13; Luk_9:1). 

·        The qualifications of these Apostles; (1.) that they should have seen the Lord, and been able to testify of him and of his resurrection from personal knowledge (Joh_15:27; Act_1:21, Act_1:22; 1Co_9:1; Act_22:14, Act_22:15).  (2.) They must have been immediately called to that office by Christ (Luk_6:13; Gal_1:1).  (3.) It was essential that they should be infallibly inspired, and thus secured against all error and mistake in their public teaching, whether by word or by writing (Joh_14:26; Joh_16:13; 1Th_2:13). (4.) Another qualification was the power of working miracles (Mar_16:20; Act_2:43; 1Co_12:8-11).

The apostles therefore could have had no successors. They are the only authoritative teachers of the Christian doctrines. The office of an apostle ceased with its first holders, however by the mere definition of the word, (one that has been sent) I would conclude that we still have people who are sent, but not with the power, and abilities of the original Apostles.

·        Prophet = Thus a prophet was a spokesman for God; he spake in God's name and by his authority (Exo_7:1).  Preachers are a type of Prophet today, we speak in God’s name, and with His authority, and long as we are speaking His Word.

Abraham was called a Prophet; Any one being a spokesman for God to man might thus be called a prophet. Thus Enoch, Abraham, and the patriarchs, as bearers of God's message (Gen_20:7; Exo_7:1; Psa_105:15);  This was said of Moses, and Aaron;  Exo 7:1  And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. 

In New Testament times the prophetical office was continued. Our Lord is frequently spoken of as a prophet (Luk_13:33; Luk_24:19). He was and is the great Prophet of the Church. There was also in the Church a distinct order of prophets (1Co_12:28; Eph_2:20; Eph_3:5), who made new revelations from God. They differed from the “teacher,” whose office it was to impart truths already revealed.

Of the Old Testament prophets there are sixteen, whose prophecies form part of the inspired canon. These are divided into four groups:

(1.) The prophets of the northern kingdom (Israel), viz., Hosea, Amos, Joel, Jonah.(2.) The prophets of Judah, viz., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Obadiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah.

(3.) The prophets of Captivity, viz., Ezekiel and Daniel.

(4.) The prophets of the Restoration, viz., Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

There were many Prophets in the Old Testament, and now Paul is saying Jesus left this office in His church.  A spokesman for God. 

·        Thirdly Evangelists = A “publisher of glad tidings;” a missionary preacher of the gospel (Eph_4:11). This title is applied to Philip (Act_21:8), who appears to have gone from city to city preaching the word (Act_8:4, Act_8:40). Judging from the case of Philip, evangelists had neither the authority of an apostle, nor the gift of prophecy, nor the responsibility of pastoral supervision over a portion of the flock. They were itinerant preachers, having it as their special function to carry the gospel to places where it was previously unknown. The writers of the four Gospels are known as the Evangelists. 

This gives us a good idea of what Evangelists are, and their work.

·        Then Pastors or Bishop = A minister of the gospel who has the charge of a church and congregation, whose duty is to watch over the people of his charge, and instruct them in the sacred doctrines of the Christian religion. 

Jer 3:15  And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

We see Jesus telling Peter to feed His sheep.  Feed them the Words that I have taught you.  We can see how blessed we are that we have both Jesus’, and the Apostles teachings.  It is believed James was the first Pastor, or Bishop of the church in Jerusalem.

·        Filling out the five fold ministry is teachers;  An instructor; a preceptor; a tutor; one whose business or occupation is to instruct others.  In the church it would be to instruct or tutor on concerning the things of God.  Teaching His Word.

Then Paul gives the reason for these ministries, (12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

Then he tells us how long these ministries will be needed;  (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: 

So we can readily see that we are not there yet!  So we still need these offices.  This brings me to the main reason for speaking on this topic today.

Kelly said once upon leaving, “you sure have taught these men well.”  The Holy Ghost has quickened His Word to these men, and they do a very good job.  I couldn’t be more proud of them, and I know God is.  Sam, Steve, and Greg have been with us for a long time.  And they are faithful to the fellowship, if at all possible they have always been here when the doors are opened.  Not only have they been here to hear this Word, but they have studied it for themselves, and recognized that the things we teach are of God.

·        The Lord has prepared dedicated, knowledgeable men to carry on His work when I am gone.  We will not let false teaching in this pulpit.  You can bet if someone is allowed to speak from this pulpit, they will speak, Thus saith the Lord. 

 

Almighty God, thank you for Your faithfulness in providing teachers for Your sheep.