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PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

-AUTHORITY AND THE EVANGELIST- (WEEK 6)

The Apostle Paul made the statement, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I preach not the gospel!” (NKJ) (I Corinthians 9:16) All New Testament writers were Evangelist. All New Testament writers were ministers, preachers, servants of Christ, and disciples of His. Each of these men, (there were no women preachers!), were commissioned by Jesus Christ to go into all the world. They were to preach and teach a specific message, which concerned itself with God’s gift to man (salvation through His Son) and man’s responsibility in obeying the commands of God that bring about this salvation. (Matthew 28:16-20) These men were inspired by the Holy Spirit. He guided them and directed them in what they were to say and what they were to write down. (II Peter 1:16-20; John 16:12-15) There are no men preaching today that are inspired by the Holy Spirit. He does not act upon anyone separate and apart from the written word. (I Peter 1:22-25)

Those men who are faithful to the text of God, (the Holy Bible), will teach and practice only those things authorized in God’s word. They will instruct all hearers to hear and obey without addition to or subtraction from the Word. (II Timothy 2:2) As these men went everywhere preaching the words of life, they were to begin congregations and appoint elders in every place. These men (not women) were to oversee the flock of God among them. They were not given the responsibility of looking after more than one congregation. (Titus 1:5; Act 20:28; Hebrews 13:7, 17) We must understand that Jesus Christ has absolute authority. He can tell us what to do or not to do. Neither evangelist or elders have absolute authority. The authority that each has been given is that which has been delegated by the Son through the written word. We must carefully consider our actions when we decide to rebel against the authority of the minister or the elders. The minister, preacher, evangelist is to preach the word. (II Timothy 4:1-5) If there are men who meet the qualifications of elders overseeing the flock of God where he preaches, then he is to submit to their authority. They are to work together to accomplish the will of God. Each has an office and a work to carry out. The preacher is not their hired servant. He is not the errand boy. Men who profess to proclaim God’s word will continue to study and learn. Men who profess to be elders will continue to study and learn. The authority of both evangelist and elder resides within the written word of God. Neither can sidestep its precepts without dire consequences. The minister is authorized to tell God’s word to all people, both men and women, elders must heed those words, too, if they are from the written word! (Acts 20:17-32) Paul was not at odds with the elders at Ephesus. Rather, their relationship was one of mutual respect for the other. They had a deep, abiding love for one another. Their care was for the flock of God and the keeping of the Word!

Larry R. Scott, minister and former elder

serving the churches of Christ

PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

– AUTHORITY AND THE EVANGELIST – (Week 6)

1. Circle the responsibilities the Bible lays upon a man, who is an Evangelist.

(preach the word, entertain the young people, visit the sick, play golf with the

members, keep office hours, study to show himself approved, preach in season and out

of season, tell jokes and funny stories, tell the simple Gospel message)

2. Is a preacher faithful to the word of God, if they do not study?________

(Give a Scripture reference for your answer) ________________________________

3. Are the members in the congregation to give heed to the sermons and lessons presented

if they are from the word of God? ______________ (Give a Scripture)

_________________________

4. What do you think the work of a preacher should be? __________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Do your expectations measure up with what God’s word says? ________________

5. How can you be an encouragement to the preacher and his family? _______________

_____________________________________________________________________

6. Are politics in the Lord’s Church really acceptable to God and Christ? ____________

Why not? ____________________________________________________________

7. John spoke of an individual who caused a lot of harm in the Lord’s body because he

wanted to be in control. Who was it? (III John 9-10) _________________________

8. What is the responsibility of the Evangelist to God? _________________________

9. What is the responsibility of the Evangelist to the local congregation?

___________________________________________

10. What should be the relationship of the Evangelist and the Elders in a local work?

_________________________________________________________________

Is God ever pleased with anything less? ________

11. Why are we to work together? _______________________________________

Student______________________ Date____________________________

Grade_______________

Instructor: Larry R. Scott

Extra credit** Read the words of Jeremiah 20:9