Lesson 50 August 13, 2003

7. Other Synonyms for P/T (principal) [helps flesh out resp./duties]

a. angelosj - meaning "messenger" indicates he is the spokesman for God to the local Church; from Rev 2-3 would conclude that there is one per local assembly at time (Rev 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14

b. diakonosj means "minister" or "servant" and reminds us the pastor is a servant of the Lord for positive volition that chooses to assemble (1 Cor 3:5; 2 Cor 6:4; Eph 3:7; Col 1:23, 25).

c. dou/lojs - means "bond-servant" and emphasizes the pastor's relationship to God; it indicates his responsibility to obey God and trust God in all aspects of his ministry (Rom 1:1; Titus 1:1; 2 Tim 2:24).

d. kh/rux - means "herald" (often translated preacher) and emphasizes the fact the pastor is to clearly and emphatically declare God's word to whoever will give it a hearing (1 Tim 2:7; 2 Tim 1:11).

e. evpiskoposj - means "overseer" (translated bishop) emphasizes the pastor's responsibility to watch over the general welfare of the local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:7).

f. presbuterojs - means "elder" and is a word of Jewish origin indicating the respect believers are to show their spiritual leaders, it recognizes the authority of the position held by the P-T (1 Pt 5:1,5; 1 Tim 5:17,19; Titus 1:5-7).

4:12-16 Growth within this unity, the church; purpose of these gifted men given to the church.

4:12 functional purpose;

4:13-16 ultimate objective - mature Believer

4:12 Functional Purpose of the gifted men given to the church!

Intro:

 

 

Paul uses 3 prep. phrases to describe the functional purpose of these gifts.

- The prepositions set the thrust here!

- The gifted men, the pastor-teachers then are "given" for the purpose of equipping the saints leading to the work of service, leading to the building up of the body of Christ.

- Need to examine the word "equipping"

katartismo,j; from root, a;rtioj = used of what is suitable, appropriate,

Since this word is only used here we need to examine the verb to get a handle on the idea of this word equipping! katarti,zw

Do we know what our purpose as believers is supposed to be?? Yes!!

We are to be Christ like in character, to be imitators of Him! To be conformed to the image of Christ.

 

*** Question for us today is this! Is the teaching of the word of God which gives us the revealed will of God, Is it sufficient?

Does Scripture really give us all we need to adequately handle the tests and dilemmas of life??

 

Rabbit Trail

Look at 2 Tim 3:16-17; this passage gives us some very important reasons why the teaching of the word is so critical for equipping the saints, preparing them for their work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.

My conclusion is that word of God taught, believed and lived is sufficient for the believer; and it always has been;

 

2 Tim 3:16-17 deals with 3 major points.

#1 The origin of Scripture.

#2 The use of Scripture.

#3 The purpose of Scripture.

#1 The origin of Scripture; "All scripture is inspired by God.."

- What is the association here?? The written word is to be associated with God's breath.

The Word comes from the mouth of God! can't live by bread alone, material things, need the word that comes out of the mouth of God;

Point is that He is the source!

#2 The use of Scripture.

- First it says its what? Profitable; wvfe,limoj (-imoj says that it is describing an action or a process) also means useful, beneficial, advantageous

- Then Paul lists 4 categories in which this applies.

1. teaching (didaskalia) general word with emphasis on content; today we might call it curriculum; Scripture must be the source of all the curriculum, all doctrine taught, in the local church

2. Reproof = evlegmosj basic to expose (Jn 3:20) idea is to point out error; therefore Scripture points out the error of sin in the life.

3. correction; evpanorqwsijs; set something or someone upright; it assumes an error has been identified and is to be set upright or in order; therefore the idea of correcting, refuting error.

4. for instruction in righteousness = paideia; more than just training; it speaks of a complete education, step by step; righteousness (dikaiosunh) [quality] experiential R;

#3 The Purpose of Scripture.

"That the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

- Together these 2 terms are saying emphatically that Scripture is sufficient, completely able to provide for you all the resources you need "for every good work," that you will be able to carry out the will of God for you in your particular niche!

* So if we are to be "adequate and fully equipped" in life we must recognize that this is related to having a knowledge of God's will as revealed in Scripture. Col 1:9-10

 

- This whole passage plays havoc with the notion that you can attain or maintain any spiritual momentum in life, spiritual maturity, or any spiritual impact in your life apart from the Local Church and face to face teaching.