Concerning Spiritual Things continued
Gtcotr/ws032404
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Ephesians 4 (NIV)
8 This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers
Tonight we are talking about the Diversity of Ministries and Administrations in the church. Specifically the:
Five Ministry Tools Jesus gave to the church in order to build her up, place her on a rock and make her victorious over the strategies of the devil. Each of these five ministries represent a facet of ministry Jesus performed Himself during His earth bound years.
1. Apostle apostolos (ap-os’-tol-os) a delegate or messenger, one that is sent with orders [ apostle-78; messenger-2; he that is sent-1]
a. 1 Apostle of God (Hebrews 3:1)
b. 12 apostles of the Lamb
* Revelation 21:14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
* Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
c. Many apostles of the Holy Ghost
* Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
* 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
* In both cases, YLT translates messenger(s) as apostle(s)
d. There are also Apostles of the church - sent by the church to set in order, carry messages, begin works etc.
2. Prophet prophetes (prof-ay’-tace) interpreter; spokesman; forseerer; foreteller - having the power and authority to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, stimulate, motivate and inspire as moved by the Holy Ghost.
a. Acts 11:28; Acts 21:10
b. Agabus was a New Testament Prophet
c. Acts 13:1 Prophets in resident ministry in NT Church
3. Evangelists euaggelistes (yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace’) a bringer of good news, used only 3 times in NT
a. Acts 21:8 Phillip was called an evangelist
b. 2 Timothy 4:5 Timothy admonished to do the work …
4. Pastors poimen (poy-mane’) shepherd-15; Shepherd-2; pastor-1. A herdsman shepherd under whose care and control sheep are entrusted.
a. Jesus was called the Poimen
* John 10:11&14 The Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and gives His life for them
* John 10:16 One Shepherd with one fold
* Hebrews 13:20 That Great Shepherd
* 1 Peter 2:25 The Shepherd and Bishop of your soul
* 1 Peter 5:4 The Chief Shepherd
b. The Gospels speak of false shepherds, hirelings and smitten shepherds. Without true shepherds sheep will scatter and be devoured.
c. Jeremiah 3:15 15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (KJV)
5. Teachers didaskalos (did-as’-kal-os) Master-40; master-7; teacher-10; doctor-1. One who is fitted to teach others.
III. Some Common Questions About The Ministry Tools
A. What Are The Duties & Responsibilities Of The Minister?
* Ephesians 4:12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (NIV)
B. How Long Will They Be Necessary To The Process?
* Ephesians 4:13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ.
C. How Do We Judge Their Progress Or Success?
* Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Note: A Fair Question: Should We Look For Another?
Luke 7
19 ¶ And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
20 When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’"
21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.
22 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.
23 "And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
Note: A Fair Answer: The Kingdom Work I Was Sent To Do Is Being Done:
* The Church Is Being Strengthened And Doctrine Is Established
* Saints Are Being Prepared For And Allowed To Do The Work Of The Kingdom
* Blessed Are Those Who Join In The Work
IV. UNDERSTANDING THE FIVE MINISTERY TOOLS
| Apostle | Prophet | Evangelist | Pastor | Teacher |
| governs | guides | gathers | guards | grounds |
| discipline | deliver | demands | defends | disciples |
| stands over | before | stands out | understands | stands among |
| regard | revere | refreshed | rely | respond |
| sets in | sets straight | sets out | sets with | sets down |
| presides | points | promises | pleases | prepares |
| manages | measures | motivates | milks | molds |
| in charge | charges in | recharges | over-charged | instructs you how to pay what you have charged |
