Category: local church assembly

Perfecting #5

Friday, June 22, 2018

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

What does “perfecting” mean here?

First Corinthians chapter 13 is the Holy Spirit telling the Corinthians that charity (love in action) is more important than entertainment. They should not be abusing spiritual gifts (chapters 12 and 14), using them for personal gain and attention. Spiritual gifts will pass away. Such unhealthy fixation on these experiences will damage their Christian lives once the spiritual gifts disappear.

Again: “[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. [12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

There is knowledge “in part” and prophesying (preaching) “in part.” One day, Paul says, they will have the entire revelation of God’s Word. When “that which is perfect” comes, all the partial will vanish. Remember, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:1, “I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.” Eventually, God would show man His Word in full. Once the Apostle Paul’s writings were penned, Romans through Philemon, God’s revelation to man stopped (Colossians 1:23-28).

Second Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” Paul’s Book of 2 Timothy was the final writing of God the Spirit. Although there are no more spiritual gifts today, God’s people can still reach spiritual maturity because of the completed Bible….

Perfecting #4

Thursday, June 21, 2018

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

What does “perfecting” mean here?

The Lord Jesus granted supernaturally-gifted men to the early Body of Christ so Christians would be internally repaired (remember the fisherman mending his beaten and broken nets). Using those gifted men, the Holy Spirit filled the “holes” Christians had in their spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Remember, these saints came from various pagan, idolatrous backgrounds (see 1 Corinthians 12:1,2; Galatians 4:8; Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). They had much religious tradition to abandon—especially rank spiritual inexperience. Moreover, still living among unsaved (pagan) loved ones, they were daily exposed and enticed to return to their former ways.

As today’s Scripture says, the five types of gifted men in the ministry would generate spiritual health and growth among those early Christians. God would then use these mended Christians to do the work of the ministry. The work of the ministry was the edifying of the entire Church the Body of Christ. It was a miraculous process that God the Spirit superintended; otherwise, Satan’s policy of evil (ignorance) would have prevailed.

Now, someone is bound to ask, “Brother Shawn, you keep saying the early Body of Christ. What about us today? Do we not need gifted men right now, that God’s work continue unabated?” First Corinthians chapter 13 answers: “[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. [12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

Spiritual gifts were temporary, but something permanent was coming….

Bible Q&A #505: “‘Made his arrows bright… consulted with images… looked in the liver?’”

Perfecting #3

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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

What does “perfecting” mean here?

Sin has radically changed man’s spiritual—and even physical—makeup. When a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ alone as personal Saviour, the soul is restored. It is enlightened to the things of God because of the indwelling Holy Spirit’s influence. However, the new Christian is not an automatic expert in sound Bible doctrine. Spiritual maturity is often an extremely slow process. For many Christians, unfortunately, it never comes in this life. This is not at all what God intended.

Jesus Christ, after His resurrection and ascension, gave the early Body of Christ various gifted men to bring Christians to a fuller understanding of His doctrine (cf. today’s Scripture). Father God does not want immature infants or toddlers as His children; He wants adults, fully grown men and women who are skilled in His Word and will for this the Dispensation of Grace. Children are easily deceived, but not adults.

Today’s Scripture in context: “[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: [14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: [16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

In this succinct snapshot (a single sentence!), we see the functions of the local church….

Perfecting #2

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

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

What does “perfecting” mean here?

The Lord Jesus has just begun His public ministry. Walking by the Sea of Galilee, He sees some familiar entrepreneurs. Out of His 12 disciples—later called “apostles” (Matthew 10:1-8)—four were fishermen. They were Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matthew 4:18-20), and James and John the sons of Zebedee (verses 21,22). Notice what James and John were doing when Jesus called them in Matthew 4:21, “And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them” (cf. Mark 1:19).

Fishing nets, obviously handmade in those days, were crude. They also endured a lot of abuse. Constantly wet or underwater, the heavy fish violently thrashing against and stressing the knots, and rocks cutting and fraying the ropes, the nets were deficient and thus needed “mending.” Fishermen could not perform their task without intact webbings. Something was lacking in those nets, so James and John were patching them. What could this have to do with today’s Scripture?

The Greek word rendered “perfecting” in today’s Scripture appears that sole time in the King James Bible’s underlying text. It is “katartismos,” derived from “katartidzo.” “Katartidzo” is the word our 1611 scholars translated “mending” in Matthew 4:21 and Mark 1:19. This is what God intends the local church to accomplish.

At the time Paul the Apostle wrote Ephesians 4:11, the giving of spiritual gifts had passed (very few notice this most important detail but it will be brought to your attention here). Jesus Christ “gave”—not “is giving,” “will give,” “may give,” “has been giving,” et cetera—those spiritual gifts. The action is past tense. Those spiritual gifts were to “perfect” the saints. Something was missing in these people, and God would supply the tools and materials needed to complete the task. In light of the verses we have just discussed, we see that Ephesians 4:12 is really describing a repairing process….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why did the Lord Jesus tell parables?”

Perfecting #1

Monday, June 18, 2018

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

What does “perfecting” mean here?

Recently, my niece’s softball team competed in yet another championship. They played seven 70-minute games over a two-day period—beating several teams to win second place overall!! After practicing and playing tournaments these past many, many months, their attitudes and skills have improved significantly. While they still make mistakes, they have matured enough to be unrecognizable compared to what they were last year. Now, they better understand the game’s rules. They have become physically stronger, faster, and more proficient. After all that training, they have learned how to win more games. They have also experienced firsthand that losing (more than once… twice… thrice!) is a part of life. Most importantly, they made new friends and had fun!

In today’s Scripture, the local church is under discussion. We will start reading the context: “[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. [8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)”

After His resurrection and ascension “far above all heavens” (verse 10), the Lord Jesus gifted various men. Five such spiritual gifts are listed in today’s Scripture—(1) apostles, (2) prophets, (3) evangelists, (4) pastors, and (5) teachers. These supernaturally imparted gifts, which the Holy Spirit used for God’s glory, were not given to entertain others or promote self. They were “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” When we think about it, a sports game is very similar (although not identical) to how the local church operates. In our upcoming studies, let us focus on this issue, especially what the “perfecting” process entails….

The Greater Condemnation #5

Saturday, June 16, 2018

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:1,2 KJV).

While many want to lead in local assemblies, today’s Scripture issues a stern warning. They had better reconsider!

“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” None of us are perfect, but we had better get our doctrine straight before we become Bible teachers. Compared to all other things in nature, sinful man’s tongue is the most unmanageable (see verses 3-12). Only a “perfect” (spiritually mature) man can control his tongue. If he can govern the most intractable member, he can manage the rest of his body. Such a Christian (or teacher) is rare; therefore, we should not impetuously appoint the first “teacher” who desires the office!

Paul advised the Ephesian church elders in Acts chapter 20: “[28] Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. [29] For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. [30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” (Notice the “speaking” evil doctrine!!) First John 4:1 says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Moreover, 1 Timothy 4:1: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;….” (The “spirits” here are the voices of false teachers!)

As a final addendum, Acts 13:14-15 says the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia allowed complete strangers to teach their congregation! (They heard from Paul sound doctrine, but just imagine if he were a false teacher!) Would you want visitors taking over your assembly, people whose doctrine you have not thoroughly examined?! “Be not many masters!”

The Greater Condemnation #4

Friday, June 15, 2018

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:1,2 KJV).

While many want to lead in local assemblies, today’s Scripture issues a stern warning. They had better reconsider!

God will hold church leaders—“masters” (today’s Scripture) or teachers (John 3:10)—to a much higher standard than He will church members. Do they believe the right doctrine? Are they practicing what they preach and teach? Christ said to Israel’s religious leaders in Matthew 23:14: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” Unsaved false teachers will have a hotter place in Hell than those whom they misled!

In time past, Israel had God’s Word and the Gentiles did not (Romans 3:1,2). Compared to Gentiles, Jews were the teachers. Yet, the Israelites were hypocrites—they committed the same sins they had condemned the “wicked” Gentiles for doing! In Romans chapter 2, God holds the Jews as the more responsible party. Gentiles were without God’s revelation; Israel knew God’s Word and still committed those atrocious deeds (see verses 1-3,12,17-27). They would all endure God’s wrath!

While we members of the Church the Body of Christ never have to fear seeing God’s angry face or winding up in Hell, we should know that God Himself will review our Christian service. Jesus Christ will examine our soul, to determine the quality of doctrine we built into it (see 1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9,10). Was it “gold, silver, precious stones”—valuable, spiritual information, His Word rightly divided? Or “wood, hay, stubble”—useless doctrine, human wisdom, religious tradition? Paul warned the Corinthian saints that they were allowing false religious leaders to contaminate them with doctrinal error, which would cause them loss of reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ (see 1 Corinthians chapters 1-3).

Dear friends, we had better be cautious of whom we allow to become our Bible teacher. Furthermore, we had better not rush into becoming Bible teachers ourselves. Bible teaching is a most serious job….

The Greater Condemnation #3

Thursday, June 14, 2018

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:1,2 KJV).

While many want to lead in local assemblies, today’s Scripture issues a stern warning. They had better reconsider!

“Masters” here is didaskalos, or teachers (“didactic”—instructive). God’s Word repeatedly cautions against corrupt teachers, those who should not be leading congregations. We should be on guard concerning their “ministries.” First Timothy chapter 6 says of those who refuse to embrace Pauline doctrine: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

The Holy Spirit forewarned in 2 Peter chapter 2: “[1] But there were false prophets also among the people [see 1:19-21], even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”

Chapter 3 also speaks of non-dispensational teachers, those “wresting” (distorting) God’s Word: “[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; [16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” Brethren, such spiritual catastrophes are the risks we run when we hastily appoint teachers or rashly become “masters” ourselves….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Was Luke 21:20-24 fulfilled in A.D. 70?”

The Greater Condemnation #2

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:1,2 KJV).

While many want to lead in local assemblies, today’s Scripture issues a stern warning. They had better reconsider!

A dear sister in Christ recently explained to me how her pastor has gotten into the habit of delivering “conspiracy theory” sermons. She and her family have to deliberately skip fellowshipping there at times in order to avoid hearing that nonsense. When the brother could be talking about valuable material, he wastes time on speculations and schemes. They are prudent in shunning such services!

“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Romans 16:19). The Holy Spirit through Paul said He preferred us to be “wise” (knowledgeable) concerning good, and “simple” (inexperienced) regarding evil. Rather than focusing on erroneous thoughts and committing wicked deeds, we should be entertaining beneficial information and conducting our lives accordingly.

Every Christian—especially the minister—needs to reflect on Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Dear friends, if our message does not underscore God’s grace, Pauline doctrine, it is destructive to our listeners and readers. We had better not utter one peep or pen one letter—the best action to take is to be silent!

In the context of today’s Scripture, James is writing about the dangers of the human tongue. Read that third chapter in your own time. The Holy Spirit has quite some ghastly insight into how man’s uncontrollable tongue gets him into such major trouble! All gossipers and tabloid writers, and many reporters and news anchors, are experts here. Well, frankly, a lot of preachers and teachers are professionals in this regard as well. Rather than talking about sound Bible doctrine, they (sidetracked) can rattle on and on about everything else (and thus distract their audience). They need to take heed as James instructs….

The Greater Condemnation #1

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:1,2 KJV).

While many want to lead in local assemblies, today’s Scripture issues a stern warning. They had better reconsider!

It is no secret that there are some individuals in local churches “teaching” the Bible who should not be teaching. How dangerous to be in such a leading role with so little (to no) skill in the Word of God. They should be students for several more years before being allowed to be teachers! For example, I have heard some “grace” preachers and teachers who have been “studying” the Bible “rightly divided” (supposedly) for at least two decades. Upon listening to their messages, however, I was shocked to discover they knew as much about the Bible as I or less (!)—and I have been studying it for just over one decade! There are some people at local assemblies who can teach the Bible but are not. This is partly because those who cannot teach, or who are promoting false doctrine, are holding the “teaching” position. How sad!

Being a teacher or preacher in a local church is quite a serious responsibility. Unfortunately, I am afraid that a good number serving in such a capacity are not undertaking their duties with gravity. There is much sloppiness and flippancy. Regrettably, some “grace” ministers are guilty of this, along with most denominational leaders. How such assemblies have not guarded against false teaching, both inside and out. They have not examined doctrine enough before appointing candidates to church management. Not only do they encourage God’s condemnation on themselves, they also incite His disapproval on the individuals they have selected to (mis)lead them.

Some church members study the Bible for just a few months or a couple years. Suddenly, they write and speak prolifically about what is and what is not sound doctrine. This is problematic, especially if they are still entertaining the most basic questions they have yet to answer. As today’s Scripture says, they need to exercise much more caution before becoming leaders….