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Church Study Course

CHURCH AUTHORITY / BUSINESS

Lesson 3

CHURCH (#3)

CHURCH AUTHORITY / BUSINESS

OUTLINE:

1. FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH
2. GOVERNMENT
3. CHURCH SERVICE
4. CHURCH BUSINESS
5. AUTHORITY
a. WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH? IS ONE ABOVE ANOTHER IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
b. THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD
c. GOD GAVE JESUS AUTHORITY.
d. JESUS GAVE US SOME AUTHORITY
e. OBEY SHEPHERDS THAT ARE LED BY GOD
f. SUBMIT TO GODLY AUTHORITY.
g. SUBMIT TO EACH OTHER.
6. WHY DO WE HAVE TO SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY?
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1. FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH

(19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22.

(10) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. (11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10 & 11.

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5.

God gave Jesus to be the head of the church (Colossians 1:18). He also set up the way the church is to be governed.

(6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7.

(11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (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: Ephesians 4:11-13.


2. GOVERNMENT

(Webster's Dictionary) GOVERNMENT: 1. the exercise of authority over an organization, institution, state, district, etc.; direction; control; rule; management.

When we make decisions in the church we need to be led by the Holy Ghost. In all things we are to seek God and obey him, being led by the Spirit.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14.


3. CHURCH SERVICE

God is supreme. He gave Jesus to be the head of the body, the church (Colossians 1:18). Even though sometimes it is more convenient for some to have strict schedules, God doesn't want to be programmed out of his place. What do we have church for anyway? To worship God and learn of him. God in turn, wants to bless and meet the needs of the people. Sometimes, suddenly, there may be a change in the move of the Spirit, such as great conviction, or the gifts of the Spirit will move, or it is time for healing or miracles. We need to be pliable unto the Lord, not implacable, which means unmoveable or unteachable (Romans 1:31).

The Word says to let everything be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Organize for the sake of order, but use temperance with that organization (Galatians 5:22-23). Allow for the moving of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 14:26). Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). God wants decency, order, and liberty, all three.


4. CHURCH BUSINESS

God's work is extremely important. There are business responsibilities to be taken care of in a church. ALL aspects of the church are included in the exhortation in 1 Corinthians 14:40, "Let all things be done decently and in order." Confusion is not of God. The church is to be in unity, working together for the salvation of souls. Read Acts 24:16 and 2 Corinthians 6:3.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke 2:49.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Romans 12:11.

That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Romans 16:2.

Acts 6:1-7 gives you an idea how the early church took care of some of the church business, and why.

(1) And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. (2) Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (3) Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: (6) Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. (7) And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7.

Note the sequence of events. More people were getting saved and coming to church. Therefore there was more business to take care of. The disciples that Jesus chose to build his church on (Ephesians 2:20) called a meeting of the multitude of the disciples and told them it was unreasonable for them to stop doing what God called them to do in order to do other jobs. They told them to choose men with certain qualifications. They prayed for them. Because each one did their job, the number of disciples multiplied even more. The Word is our example. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.


5. AUTHORITY

a. WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH? IS ONE ABOVE ANOTHER IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD?

All true believers in Christ Jesus are servants. They are all the children of God. Matthew 23:8 says Christ is our one master, and we are all brethren. God has ordained some for leaders, and God has set them in the church as HE sees fit. All are called to witness; some have specific callings. The church is the body of Christ, and that body has only one HEAD, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). Jesus Christ is the chief Shepherd (John Chapter 10, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 5:4). Jesus is the same yesterday, to day and for ever (Hebrews 13:8).

There are many members in the body. God has chosen and called preachers to guide the sheep. These are under shepherds (they are under Christ) and we are to obey them as it lines up with the Word of God.

b. THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD. We must submit to him first.

Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. Isaiah 44:8.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? Hebrews 12:9.

c. GOD GAVE JESUS AUTHORITY. Read Matthew 7:29, Mark 1:27, Luke 4:36.

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. John 5:27.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Philippians 2:10.

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 1 Corinthians 15:24.

d. JESUS GAVE US SOME AUTHORITY. Every Christian has been given authority over the devil. We can pray in the name of Jesus and do mighty things if we are abiding in the vine. Read John 15:4-7. Read Matthew 18:19, John 14:13, Luke 9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Titus 2:11-15, and 1 John 5:14.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7.

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Mark 13:34.

e. OBEY SHEPHERDS THAT ARE LED BY GOD. Jesus is the chief shepherd of all true believers in God's flock. We are the sheep of his pasture (John Chapter 10). Preachers are chosen of God to lead the flock. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.

Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. John 13:20.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20.

(13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:13-15.

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. Hebrews 13:17.

The apostles spoke of the authority Jesus had given them:

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 2 Corinthians 10:8.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Ephesians 6:1.

f. SUBMIT TO GODLY AUTHORITY.

(13) Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; (14) Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 1 Peter 2:13-14.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:1.

g. SUBMIT TO EACH OTHER.

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder, Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5.

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:21.

(1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; (3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Peter 1:22.

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13.

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8.

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Matthew 23:8.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26.

If you are filled with the Holy Ghost, then you should soon begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit. You will find them in Galatians 5:22-23. You will find carnal works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21.


6. WHY DO WE HAVE TO SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY?

Disobedience is sin and the wrath of God is on them that disobey (Ephesians 5:6). We will be judged according to our works (Revelation 20:12-13), and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8.

Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17.

God is a jealous God. He gave us the 10 commandments, much explanation of what is right, and what is required of us.

And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 10:12.

(13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14.

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:24.

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Philippians 3:15.

(10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night: in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, (12) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? (13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2 Peter 3:10-14.

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 2 Peter 3:17.

God will judge those that refuse instruction (Proverbs 13:18 and Proverbs 15:32) and refuse to submit to God's law and Spirit. Be careful how you treat God's children, whether they be leaders or others of God's flock (Matthew 18:10).

But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 2 Peter 2:10.

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Jude 1:8.

(13) When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; (14) He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; (15) Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Psalm 105:13-15. (Found also in 1 Chronicles 16:20-22.)

Remember Miriam and the leprosy God gave her for speaking against Moses. Read Numbers 12:1-15. Jesus said this:

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40.

 

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