Union Church of Christ

Everyone In His Place

Introduction

1. Example - panes of a window; episode of "Little House on the Prairie;" the Bible teaches that each congregation is autonomous.
   1. No congregation is under the authority of another or of some group of men, but rather we are answerable to Christ.
   2. Example - eldership that always left the chair at the head of the table vacant to remind them that Christ is in control.
2. Everyone has a place in the organization of the church - it is important for everyone to be in the right place.
   1. Example - a marching band.
   2. When the church is organized in the way God intended it to be - when everyone is in his place - the result will be peace and harmony.
   3. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Discussion

1. Christ Is Supreme
   1. We commonly think of elders and deacons, but church organization begins with Christ.
      1. Colossians 1:18
      2. Matthew 28:18, 19
   2. Christ is supreme - has the preeminence - for at least two reasons:
      1. He Purchased the church.
         1. Acts 20:28
         2. Romans 14:9
      2. His Position at God's right hand.
         1. Hebrews 1:2
         2. Daniel 7:13, 14
         3. Acts 2:36
         4. Ephesians 1:20-23.
2. The Apostles Were Selected For A Mission
   1. Jesus chose the apostles.
      1. Mark 1:17
      2. Mark 3:13-19.
   2. Matthew 16:19
      1. Ambassadors - representatives of Christ.
         1. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
         2. 2 Corinthians 12:12
      2. Their work was connected with the work of the Holy Spirit.
         1. John 16:7-11.
         2. Acts 24:25
      3. John 14:26; John 15:26, 27; John 16:13.
      4. Acts 26:16-18.
   3. This enabled the apostles to write/speak by inspiration - thus, guaranteeing that God's will for man was delivered without error.
      1. Acts 2:42
      2. 1 Corinthians 14:37
      3. 1 Timothy 2:7, 8.
3. Elders Are To Shepherd The Flock
   1. Three words in Greek emphasize the work that is to be done.
      1. "Elder" (presbyter) Acts 20:17 - indication of age and wisdom
      2. "Overseer" (bishop) Acts 20:28 - watch for souls
      3. "Shepherd" (pastor) Acts 20:28 "feed"; Ephesians 4:11 "pastor" - provide those things that will aid spiritual growth; note on calling the preacher "Pastor."
   2. Always a plurality - Philippians 1:1
4. Deacons Are To Serve The Church
   1. The word translated "deacon" is the word for servant.
      1. Matthew 4:11 ministered
      2. Matthew 8:15 ministered
      3. Acts 6:2 serve tables.
      4. Since all Christians are servants (Matthew 25:44), deacons are a special class of servants.
      5. Some things will go unattended if they are everybody's business, because they end up being viewed as nobody's business.
   2. Their duties are determined by at least three things:
      1. The needs of the congregation - ex. the widows in Acts 6.
      2. Their qualifications - if a man is a plumber, etc.
      3. That which is delegated by the eldership.
   3. Any authority that deacons have is limited to the task at hand.
      1. Mistaken idea that the "elders and deacons" oversee the church.
      2. Deacons are not overseers, bishops, etc.
5. All Members Are To Be In Submission
   1. Ephesians 5:24
   2. Hebrews 13:17
   3. We must always submit to the authority of Christ.
      1. It may be by heeding the apostles' doctrine - Acts 2:42.
      2. "The Bible says so" - this is an appeal to the need to submit to Christ.
      3. It may mean submitting to the elders - Hebrews 13:17.
   4. Remember that the reason we submit is that these care for our souls.
      1. Ephesians 5:22-24.
      2. There is no doubt that Christ loves us!
      3. Hebrews 13:17 - "for they watch for your souls."

Conclusion

1. When all Christians are in submission according to the teachings of God's word;
2. When deacons fulfill their duties as servants;
3. When elders are shepherding the flock;
4. When we recognize the place of the apostles as the selected ambassadors of Christ;
5. And when we give Christ his rightful place as supreme in the church, then the church will produce that which God intended.