FIRST CORINTHIANS by Paul Southern

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Southern/Paul/1901/cor1.html

FIRST CORINTHIANS

1. THE TITLE
This book is called I Corinthians because it is the first of two letters addressed to the church of God at Corinth (I Corinthians 1:1).

2. THE WRITER
In I Corinthians 1:1 we learn that Paul, "an apostle of Christ Jesus," was the writer. The lesson sheet on Romans reviews his life.

3. TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
According to best chronology, and from statements found in Acts 19, it has been generally concluded that Paul wrote the letter from Ephesus in the spring of A.D. 57.

4. THE CITY OF CORINTH
At the time Paul visited it, Corinth was the chief city of Greece, with around 400,000 inhabitants. It had two harbors and enjoyed great commercial activity. Its metropolitan population included Jews, Greeks, Italians, Romans, Syrians, Egyptians, sailors, traders and slaves. Its wealth was as proverbial as the vice and profligacy of its inhabitants. Religion and philosophy had been prostituted, and intellectuality was placed above moral life. Pagan vices were prevalent and idolatry was rampant. Such a premium was placed on prostitution that the expression "a Corinthian woman" became synonymous with a harlot.

5. THE CHURCH AT CORINTH
Paul established the Corinthian church on his second missionary tour (Acts 18:1-18). About three years prior to this letter he entered Corinth alone. Later he was joined by Silas and Timothy from Macedonia. For eighteen months Paul worked night and day. While there he made his home with Aquila and Priscilla, who were tent-makers. As a result of his labors, "many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized" (Acts 18:8). After leaving Corinth, Paul came to Ephesus and later went back to Jerusalem and Antioch (Acts 18:18-22). In the meantime, Apollos worked some with the church at Corinth (Acts 18:24-28; 19:1).

6. OCCASION OF THE LETTER
On his third tour Paul returned to Ephesus where he spent three years (Acts 19; 20:31). While he was there, some members of the Corinthian church, Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, and members of the house of Chloe (1:1; 16:17), visited him and brought unfavorable news concerning moral and spiritual conditions in Corinth. The city was one of the most wicked of ancient times, and many shameful practices and departures had developed in the church. News regarding such an unfavorable situation served as the occasion for this letter.

7. PURPOSE OF THE LETTER
The purpose of the letter was to correct the immoral practices and doctrinal errors which had developed in the congregation. The Corinthian correspondence is an excellent textbook on local church life.


8. OUTLINE OF CONTENTS


1. The cause, curse and cure of divisions (Chs. 1-4).
2. Fornication in the church (Ch. 5).
3. Lawsuits in the church (Ch. 6).
4. Marriage and divorce evils (Ch. 7)
5. The sin of idolatry (Chs. 8 and 10).
6. Defense of Paul's apostolic authority (Ch. 9).
7. Woman and her place in the worship (11:2-16; 14:34-46).
8. Desecration of the Lord's Supper (11:17-34).
9. Jealousies over spiritual gifts (Chs. 12-14).
10. Defense of faith in the resurrection (Ch. 15).
11. Collections for the saints, personal matters, benediction (Ch. 16).


9. EXERCISES FOR STUDENT ACTIVITY


1. Discuss the difference between earthly and heavenly wisdom.
2. What does Paul mean by "the foolishness of preaching?"
3. Discuss the dangers of following men.
4. Explain Paul's attitude toward marriage. Was he opposed to marriage under all conditions?
5. Can a practice be right in one place and wrong in another?
6. What does Paul teach concerning the matter of rights?
7. Discuss the nature of love as to its supremacy, its marks, its power and its permanence.
8. In the light of I Corinthians 12-14, explain the absence of spiritual gifts in the church today.
9. Study Paul's description of the resurrected body.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Most boring book in the Bible? by Jim McGuiggan

https://web.archive.org/web/20160424052150/http://jimmcguiggan.com/beginners2.asp?id=42

Most boring book in the Bible?

We call a thing boring if it doesn’t hold our attention. A thing doesn’t hold our attention when it doesn’t reward our investment or, at least, when it is less rewarding than other things that are going on at the same time. Some literature is like that. Some biblical literature is like that. The book of Numbers is a bit like that, with its reams of names that are hard to pronounce and lots of laws that mean nothing to a modern reader. Even if the names were easy to pronounce, we don’t know the people and so they hold no interest for us. It’s like reading a telephone book. Much of the information in the book of Numbers was out of date even for ancient Israel once they entered the land of Canaan and what wasn’t out of date would have meant little to a generation that had never experienced the various stations in the Wilderness wandering.

As a novel a book like Numbers wouldn’t sell. As a history book it wouldn’t be readable and would lack all kinds of things that a history book calls for. As a tour guide it would be tossed aside and as a sheer information source it would be as useful as a 1950’s bus schedule. How did a book like that get into the Bible? How did it remain there all these centuries? The answer’s complex and ranges from saying that God wanted it there to saying it is an integral piece of a larger whole to saying it has riches that a modern reader with a short and limited attention span has no interest in.

And it doesn’t help English 21st century readers to notice that the book is named Numbers (the Greek is Arithmoi). Unless you’re an accountant or a mathematician you'd tend to think the book tedious.

The most adopted Hebrew name is Bamidbar ("in the wilderness") and it's probably true that that Hebrew name is more appropriate. For it’s when we remember that the events all take place in the wilderness that our appreciation of what happens there is sharpened.

One of the appropriate criticisms I’ve heard of a lot of writing is that it leaves nothing to the imagination. The reader must be told every single thought in a character’s mind and detailed explanations or descriptions must be offered for every scene. I suspect that hurts our capacity to read and imagine. We’re supposed to use our imagination in reading the Bible and our imagination is nowhere more fruitful than when reading a book like Numbers (Bamidbar).

With only a little imagination we can imagine Abraham and Sarah standing on a high hill somewhere, looking down on the assembled and organized nation and remembering the call of God. A man old in body and his wife unable to have children and yet this vast family below them is their family.

With only a little imagination as we look at the nation encamped below we can imagine a series of circles within circles (or squares within squares). In the center is the sovereign and holy Lord who is exalted above all, encircled by priests who no longer are numbered with the tribes of Israel but who in standing between God and the people protect the people from the wrath of God. And priests who "protect" God from the profanation of the people who would tend to become too familiar with him. Familiarity may not breed contempt but it can weaken one’s sense of awe.

With only a little imagination we can see God at the physical center of the entire encampment and nation and by that we’re told that that is the place he not only deserves but the place Israel must acknowledge him to deserve. If they do not, they are in mortal danger from many destructive inner enemies.

With only a little imagination we can read the names and divisions in the book of Numbers and see the army of the living God. We’ve seen epic movies like Spartacus or Braveheart or The Gladiator and were awed by the size and power and unity of the divisions. It draws the reader or viewer into that world of purpose and mission and they become part of that enterprise. In the New Testament the Hebrew writer does that very thing (and more) when he reminds the believers what they had become part of (see 12:22-24). There’s something about that that gives us added strength and assurance. Knowing that we’re standing and marching shoulder to shoulder with a vast company of others and that we all have a single purpose and destiny gives us a strong sense of belonging. To know that others are "laying their lives on the line" give us the courage to do the same.

With only a little imagination we can guess at how astonished we would be to see such a thriving multitude of living, worshiping people surviving—and more than mere "surviving"—in such an impossible environment. We’d note the chaos of the wilderness and the harmony of the encamped or marching people. The very "impossibility" of it would make us wonder at how they could be there and thrive there; we would wonder how it was accomplished and how they came to be there and that would lead us to the larger Story. And if God can gather and sustain a nation in the chaos of the Sinai wilderness maybe he can gather and sustain a nation in the chaos of the nations.

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about a people that forgot both the power and faithfulness of their God. They forgot that he created wilderness and that he was the Lord of it (he turned Egypt into a wilderness—see Exodus chapters 7—11). They forgot that it was his faithfulness to his promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that led him to deliver Israel from oppression in Egypt. [Contrast 22:6 with Genesis 12:3.]

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about a generation that was too afraid and too tired and too trustless to follow the dream (the promise) and reap the benefits.

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about a generation that prized basic essentials in slavery greater than freedom and hope through hard times. [See 11:4-6 and 33 where they desired Egypt again for its meat and got its plagues. See too 16:13 where they called Egypt a land flowing with milk and honey. Contast this with Exodus 3:8.]

Bamidbar (Numbers) cures us of our over-eager tendency to side with sinners against God. In this way it exposes our own (perhaps) subconscious tendency to murmur that things aren’t going as we would like them. We note their wilderness conditions and "understand" too easily Israel’s complaining; we feel sorry for Moses that he didn’t get into Canaan; we’re inclined to think God was harsh in excluding that entire generation, including more than 14,000 in the Korah rebellion and 24,000 at Peor (25:9). But Bamidbar (Numbers) while it is pervaded with grace as the ground for Israel’s very existence has little time for excusing constant and trustless moaning against God and his ways and the flagrant rebellion that such a spirit often leads to.

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about the importance of God-appointed leaders. Leaders are to understand that they represent God and must honor him before the people (see 20:1-12, 24 and 27:13). Leadership must not be seized or sought out of jealousy or discontent with the way things are going (see 12:1-15 and 16:1-50 and especially 17:5,10 and "grumbling"). When God appointed leaders the people were expected to obey them (27:12-22 and 17:5).

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about various forms of legislation that shaped and enabled Israel as a single people to express its faith. Bamidbar (Numbers) concerns itself with Israel proclaiming in act and structure what it believes and not just how "nice" they are. The book says there is more to being God’s people than being nice and kind and upright. God’s people is to be a community of witness to whom the Lord is, to what he has done, is doing and will do. By living in the structured way they did the entire nation proclaimed a single faith. Ordinances and ritual have power that mustn’t be belittled or dismissed. There must be devoted hearts and individual commitment but the people of God must not be splintered into thousands of individual free-standing units. Ordinances and structures help to see that that doesn’t occur and that God’s people offer a united witness to the world.

We don't have to pretend that everything in the book of Numbers makes exciting reading to recognize that there's more in there than easily bored people are able to see. Maybe the problem isn't with the book. Didn't one man look at a masterpiece and say, "I don't see anything in that"? And didn't someone beside him say, "And don't you wish you could?"

Standing On The Promises of God by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/05/page/2/

Standing On The Promises of God

God made us a promise of eternal life. Our faith believes it, our hope anticipates it, our knowledge of God verifies it, our obedience secures it, and our patience quietly awaits it. There is no greater foundation to stand upon, than the everlasting promises of God.

Tit 1:2; Heb 6:16-19; 1 Tim 4:8; 2 Tim 1:12; Rom 4:21; 1 Thess 5:24; 2 Pet 3:9

Are You Serving Christ, or Just Wanting Him to Serve You?

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=971

Are You Serving Christ, or Just Wanting Him to Serve You?

Are You Serving Christ, Or Just wanting Him to Serve You?

Isn’t it great to be a Christian?

Most of us have learned that being a Christian has some real advantages.

–      We Saved from our sin

–      A healthy, morally clean life style

–     A new family, sometimes even closer and friendlier than our relatives

–     Good instruction, spiritual understanding, principles on how to raise our families, even wholesome  healthy environments like Christian camp.

–     We also have the hope of eternity in Heaven

–     And for many of us it’s like an oasis in the desert of life, in a world of corruption.

But sometimes our Christian walk our faith is challenged, and sometimes the best of us make foolish mistakes and fail by showing a lack of faith, commitment or love.

 It can happen to the best of us. It even happened to some of the most famous Bible characters. I would like to read one such account today, one that you are probably very familiar with… Read Luke 22:54-62   (Click on verse to read)

Peter denied even knowing Jesus. This was his friend, companion and Lord.  How could he have done that??

Peter was the guy who said that he would follow Him anywhere. He was the one that proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God when Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’

How could he do what he did knowing all that he knew?

– Peter saw most of miracles that Jesus performed.

– He saw the Transfiguration

– He heard the Heavenly father tell him to obey Jesus because Jesus was his Son

– He even saw Jesus walk on water and did it some himself.

And then the rooster crows. How embarrassing as he looked into the eyes of Jesus who was looking at him. Here after the Jesus had been so good to him, and faithful to him, calling him out and teaching him to be his apostle to do many good works….and he chickened out!   How could he do what he did?

In my heart of hearts this is what I believe happened to him…. and many times to us

** You see up to this point in his life, his faith in Jesus, ‘his Christianity’ had served him well.

… After he had become a Christian, he was absorbed into a new and wonderful family, a very special group.

… He was practically spoon fed the word of God by the greatest teacher of all

… He was in the company of the Christ, the prophesied Messiah, the one who would become the King of kings and the Lord of Lords.

… He was in the company of the miracle worker

…Up to that point the Good Shepherd had taken good care of him.

Up to that point his faith and Christianity had been good to him, it had served him well.

Now all of a sudden maybe he realized that what he was about to do would affect his entire future. It may even cut it short…. and so fear set in.

All of a sudden his faith and Christianity was about to stop serving him and demand something instead.  And so all of a sudden he was faced with a whole new perspective as he stood there amongst those strangers.

? Had he really counted the cost of following Jesus?

He shrunk back, he was probably confused, scared, and embarrassed and simply told them, “I don’t know Him.”

Some of us here can relate. Maybe you are in a situation, or have experienced something like this… You are a Christian and maybe have been one for a long time and your faith and Christianity  has served you well.

… Maybe those Christian principles have kept you out of trouble. You have had a good and healthy standard to live by where others you know my have taken the wrong path and are now troubled in some way.

…Maybe your Christian faith has helped you maintain and good relationship with your parents, spouse or kids.. Maybe it’s even why others like you so much.

…Maybe it has enabled you hang to around the right kind of people who won’t lead you astray.

…Maybe it has helped hold your marriage together or maybe it has even given you some degree of wisdom and ability to talk to and advise others.

But all of a sudden you come up against a wall like Peter and the next step for you is going to cost you something or demand some kind of sacrifice. All of a sudden it’s not you who is being served; rather it becomes your turn.

At this point do you back off and say, “This is a little more than I bargained for.”

–       Maybe you are working for a company and some policy has changes and they are wanting, or expecting you to do something that you know isn’t right. It may be unethical or even illegal. And in your heart of hearts you know that as a Christian you should not have any part it. You’ve got a choice, all of a sudden you faith, your Christianity could cost you your job. What are you going to do?

–       Maybe the Lord has put you in a situation or opened up door of opportunity to serve him in some special way.. maybe mentoring another who needs some direction, or maybe assisting a family who is in need, or maybe helping a neighbor’s kids or helping someone older who has no one else to turn to. But as you look at the opportunity you see that serving like Jesus is going to cost you; maybe time you think you don’t have, maybe patience, or maybe even money out of your pocket.  What are you going to do now that your faith and Christianity demands something from you?

Churches rise or fall based on how their members view this challenge. Some people leave one church and go to another because they do not feel like every need and whim is being met. Other churches grow because when members see a need they get busy and see it as an opportunity to serve Jesus.

I’ve heard of church members who’ve started some amazing programs on their own and some who gave large sums of money, sacrificially so that the work of the Lord could be done in their area unhindered.

I believe that faith, church attendance, and Christianity is not just about what we can get out if it, rather there will come a point where that which has served us so well will demand something of us. It may cost us time, it may cost you a job, a relationship, your reputation, money or even a confession of faith like Peter.

The question is, when faced with these real life situations, what are you going to do? I do not believe that the Church will ever become what Jesus meant it to become if it we only look to be served.

In Hebrews chapter 5 and 6, I believe the author addresses this problem and even challenges the early Christians of his time.

Read Hebrews 5:11-6:3  “11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.”

In this section I believe that the author is criticizing his readers for not growing up, not maturing in their Christianity. I believe he’s saying, ‘Come on guys, let’s get on with it. Let’s get to work!’

In the next couple of verse he even shares his concern about some of them falling away and leaving the faith because they refuse to mature. Read 4-6 “4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”

And then the author gives an illustration and then nails it home.

First the illustration: Read 7-8  “7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.”

Land that drinks in the rain and produces the useful crop represent those Christians who have fed on the word of God and then become fruitful… they will receive a blessing from God.

But the land that produced thorns and thistles describes the unfruitful Christian who after being fed and blessed does not respond favorably.

And then the author drives the point home in the next few verses: Read 9-12   “9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

What will give is the strength and courage to take on the challenges that come our way as we walk with the Lord?  A sense of obligation? A sense of fear? A sense of pressure from the church, the preacher or the elders?  A sense of guilt?…No! (even though these have been used in many churches)

Rather, I believe the one thing that will give us more strength and courage, and the motivation, the drive, and zeal to meet these situations head on, is LOVE.  A deep love for God.

Why do you think Peter went off and cried his eyes out after denying Jesus? I believe it was because he didn’t love Jesus enough that day.  It was because of love he repented. And it was because of love he would go on to become one of the greatest spokesmen for the cause of Christ and was willing to be martyred as for the faith.

Love is such a powerful thing in one’s life.

I believe it comes down to just that…How much we love Him!  Why do people give up so easily and leave their spouse? Because they don’t love them enough. Why do parent or kids go without talking to one another for eyars on end? Because they don’t love them enough. Why don’t Christians afraid to speak up for Jesus and why do they serve..? Maybe they just don’t love Him enough.

As Christians I believe we can meet and overcome and do a lot, and even change the world if we  just grow up and mature like the Hebrew author writes. But that alone is not enough, there has to be a love for Jesus like Peter who finally learned to serve as Jesus Himself served.  That kind of love will empower us to do things we could never imagine on our own.

Challenge:

I challenge you to work on your relationship with our Lord. Do what wThe more you love Him the stronger you will become and you may even be amazed how that love will empower you to do things you never thought you could do before.

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

Evangelists and Preachers by Trevor Bowen

http://insearchoftruth.org/articles/evangelists.html

Evangelists and Preachers 

Characteristics of the Church

• Local Church Basics
• Outline of Characteristics
• The Work of the Church
• Offices of the Church
• Apostles
• Evangelists
• Elders
• Deacons
• Christians
• Autonomy of the Local Church
• The Organization of the Church
• The Name of the Church
• Worship of the Church
• Various Teachings Endorsed by the Local Church

INTRODUCTION

Often the first representative a person may meet from a church is the evangelist. A person who serves as an evangelists plays a vital role in teaching the gospel. However, the words "evangelist", "preacher", and "minister" have been used differently by so many denominations, it has become necessary that we turn to the pages of the Bible to discover God's original purpose and design for this great work and service.

WHAT DOES AN EVANGELIST DO?

The answer to this question is best explained by the apostle Paul, "Preach the Word!" (II Timothy 4:2-5). It is not to oversee and guide the church, which according to the Bible is the work of the elders. Preaching is the central work of "evangelists", "ministers", and "preachers". All of these references denote the same work, or role, but each describes a unique facet of the work involved. Examining the original meaning of these words will help us in better understanding the work of an evangelist.

First, the word "evangelist" comes from the Greek word, euaggelistes, which means a messenger of good news. The second word, translated "minister", is most often derived from diakonos, which means a general servant or helper. Finally, "preacher" refers to one who is a herald for a king, proclaiming the king's message. The original Greek word for "preacher" was kerux. All of these words describe anyone who serves Christ and the church by proclaiming, speaking, or teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The best source of information for detailing the work of an evangelist is contained in the New Testament letters addressed to evangelists, which are Titus, I Timothy, and II Timothy. Each of these were written by the apostle Paul to evangelists, instructing them how to properly perform the work of a preacher. In these letters, Paul, who speaks of himself as a preacher (I Timothy 2:7), commands these evangelists:

"If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed." ... "These things command and teach. ... be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." ... "Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." I Timothy 4:6, 11-16

From these verses, we can learn that one of the primary responsibilities of an evangelist is studying and meditating upon God's Word (II Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17). It is from the Bible that he proclaims and "commands" God's will, and by "speaking as the oracles of God" (I Peter 4:11) , a preacher's words bind people, not of his own authority, but because they are God's words, carrying His authority. However, Christians are not asked to blindly follow their preacher, but we should instead be like the Bereans who were commended for double-checking the words of the apostle Paul against the Old Testament scriptures.

HOW CAN I BECOME AN EVANGELIST?

In a general sense, anyone who performs this work could be spoken of as an evangelist or preacher. However, the Bible more often use these words to describe someone who has given up secular work and devoted their profession to that of proclaiming and teaching the gospel. It is in this sense that the apostle Paul spoke:

"If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more?" ... Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel." I Corinthians 9:11-12, 14

When we read through the Scriptures, we find several examples of the apostle Paul, accepting funds from churches to support his preaching of the gospel (Philippians 4:14-16). However, we find that he sometimes preached free of charge, either working himself or being supported by other congregations, whenever it was more expedient and beneficial for the effectiveness of the gospel (I Corinthians 9:14-23; II Corinthians 11:7-9).

HOW IS AN EVANGELIST SELECTED?

The Bible speaks of the apostle Paul being called, or appointed as a preacher (I Timothy 2:7). However, it was manifested to him through a miraculous vision and inspiration that he was selected to be an apostle and preacher (Acts 26:12-20). Unfortunately, we do not have the benefit of such visions and inspiration today. So, who decides which people should be preachers?

In Peter's instructions to elders, he commands them to "shepherd the flock of God" (I Peter 5:1-4), and Paul gives a similar command in Acts 20:28. Therefore, as "shepherds of the flock of God" , elders are responsible for seeing that the flock is well fed. Moreover, we learn that being "apt to teach" and "able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict", are two of the qualifications of an elder (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9). Therefore, elders are the ones who are responsible for overseeing the spiritual feeding and nourishment of a church, which would consequently include having tremendous influence and responsibility in selecting a local preacher.

As we observed in our study of church autonomy, the elders are to shepherd the flock "among them" (I Peter 5:1-4). This passage prevents outside organizations, including outside elders, from selecting a preacher for a church of which they are not a member and whose number they are not "among". Therefore, each church must select its own preacher, led by their elders.

This explains how a church selects a preacher, but how does one decide to become a preacher? There are two parts to this answer. First, a person, like the prophet Jeremiah, must feel a strong responsibility and motivation to proclaim God's Word to a lost and dying world that so badly needs the gospel (Jeremiah 18:9). Part of this motivation, or reason for deciding to become a preacher may be the recognition of opportunities and talents that obligate one to fulfill this needed task. Although directly instructed to preach, the prophet Ezekiel was warned that he would share in the punishment of the wicked if he observed their wickedness, but refused to teach them (Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:1-11). This same principle is evident in Jesus parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Opportunity implies responsibility.

Not only must a preacher be properly motivated, but he must also be diligent to perform his work as directed in God's Word. This includes constant study, meditation, and proclamation of God's Word - even when the audience does not want to hear the truth (II Timothy 4:1-5). If a person does not want to bear this responsibility, then he should heed the New Testament warning and not become an evangelist, or teacher (James 3:1). It should only be undertaken by men driven to serve the Lord in this capacity and are willing to do the service necessary to "fulfill your ministry" (II Timothy 2:1-5).

FATHER, REVEREND, PRIEST, AND PASTOR

Evangelists are often recognized as a "pastor", or maybe as a "priest". In conjunction with the role of "priest", many evangelists are also called "Father" or "Reverend". This has become a common tradition among many churches, but what does the Bible have to say about these practices:

"But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:8-12

Jesus strictly forbid the use of titles such as "Father", "Teacher", or "Rabbi" (meaning "Master"), explaining that these are titles and names for God, not people. In the Old Testament, we learn of another description or title for God.

"He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name." Psalm 111:9

Using such titles defies the direct command of Jesus, and it encourages the very attitude that He warned against. Christians are not to exhalt themselves or seek the recognition of men. Jesus made application of this principle specifically to the use of titles.

As we studied earlier, the word "pastor" means "herdsman, or shepherd", and it is most often used in conjunction with the office of elder. An evangelist may also serve as an elder, but being an evangelist does not necessarily make one a pastor. The elders are the ones who "oversee" and "shephed" the flock of God (I Peter 5:1-5).

During the Old Testament, God selected the tribe of Levi as a holy tribe from which "priests" would be chosen. The duty of these priests was to work in the temple and teach people about God and His will. However, in the New Testament, all Christians are to be priests. All Christians are to study and understand God's will for themselves, and they are to offer up their own spiritual sacrifices (I Peter 2:5; Hebrews 13:15). Jesus Christ alone serves as our High Priest and mediator between us and God (I Timothy 2:5). Therefore, recognition of evangelists as "priests" separate from all Christians is a misuse of the Bible term and an unscriptural title of exhaltation (Matthew 23:8-12).

Though the Bible forbids titles such as "Father", "Reverend", or "Priest", it does use the following designations for the role of one spreading the gospel: preacher, teacher, minister, and evangelist. Although they should never be used as titles of exhaltation, any of these terms can scripturally be used to describe this work and those who assume this role.

CONCLUSION

Each of us can serve as an evangelist and preacher whenever we proclaim the gospel. However, the Bible typically uses these words in a special sense to refer to men who choose to preach the gospel as their profession and live by it. Although we have specific authority for men receiving compensation for preaching, the Bible teaches that men should be willing to "labor with their own hands" whenever it increases their effectiveness in proclaiming the gospel, such as Paul (I Corinthians 9:14-23; Acts 20:33-35). Moreover, preachers must consider their responsibility to study so that they "speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine" (II Timothy 2:15; Titus 2:1).

Because of this influential role of a preacher, it is important that the elders of a local congregational be diligent in selecting an evangelist that will be faithful in performing his tasks. An evangelist is chosen at the intersection of men who are willing and capable to serve the Lord as ministers of the gospel and of the decision of a local congregation, led by their elders.

Let us never ignore, minimize, or pervert the important role of the gospel preacher and evangelist. It is one part of the many gifts that Christ has given His church to promote its "building up". When a congregation selects a preacher who diligently proclaims God's Word, then each of its members will be able to personally relate to the apostle Paul's statement:

"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? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:14-15

Please consider the desperate need for this great work:

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matthew 9:36-38

Will you proclaim His Word today?

Next: Elders, Bishops, and Pastors