INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Leadership’s: Divine Appointment
2. The Leadership’s: Divine Assignment
3. The Leadership’s: Divine Assurance
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “Divine Call to Leadership.” One of the church’s greatest needs is sound and faithful leadership. This is not just a calling for men; but it includes their entire families; who are devoted to the work of Christ, and the shepherding of God’s people. There will be times in that service, that the family unit will be challenged; and in some cases, even caused to question their calling. Yet, if accepted and successfully executed; many will be called and won to Christ; and souls will be saved by their sacrifice and their careful watching, over God’s people.
2. First, we will consider the elders at Ephesus’ divine appointment. Paul reminded them: “To 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,” Acts 20:28. The call to leadership was from a divine source: the Holy Ghost. Who had “made them overseers, to feed the church of God” with the word of life. This is urgently necessary, because the “church is the prize possession of Christ, having been purchased with His own blood.”
3. Second, we will discuss the elders at Ephesus’ divine assignment. Paul continued with his discourse: “For I know this that after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock... And of your own selves shall men arise... Therefore watch and remember... I cease not to warn every one night and day with tears,” Acts 20:29-31. This is an office of service and devotion to the people of God. The leadership is ever vigilant in its oversight of the church. They must defend her from false doctrines and the wolves that constantly attack it. This will be accomplished with careful watching, prayers unto God often, and many tears being shed for its safety and salvation, as “they watch for their souls.”
4. Lastly, we will investigate the elders at Ephesus’ divine assurance. Paul concludes his assurance unto them: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified,” Acts 20:32. The beloved apostle now encourages them and grants unto them a divine assurance: an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. What a tremendous reminder of these men’s divine call to leadership. The Holy Ghost not only called them; but, now assures them that God will by His grace build them up, and will grant unto them “an inheritance” with all the saints. Truly, their “labor will not be in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE LEADERSHIP’S: DIVINE APPOINTMENT
A. Take heed: “First to yourselves.” Paul charges the elders to first conduct a self- examination; to first take heed unto their own soul’s condition, 2 Corinthians 13:5. He makes mention first, regarding his own life and work among them in Ephesus, after their arrival to Miletus. Notice:
1. First, he describes his commitment to them; while he labored in Ephesus, establishing the church and appointing them to this office, Acts 20:17-24.
2. Further, he mentions his commission unto them; regarding their work and the upcoming apostasy, Acts 20:25-32. We’ll speak more to this later in this lesson series.
3. Lastly, his outlines his character while he labored with them, in Ephesus, Acts 20:33-35. He wrote: “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive,” Acts 20:33-35.
4. Therefore, he could ask of them to present themselves; in the same fashion before the church, and the citizen of Ephesus. Every elder ought to be an example before the flock. The elders must be a capable teacher of the word; and in his walk in Christ. Notice....
a. Paul reminded these leaders:
1) First. “I taught you publicly; and from house to house.”
2) Further, “For three months I taught in the Jewish synagogue at Ephesus.”
3) Next, “And for two years in the school of Tyrannus.”
4) Finally, “Besides my teaching and preaching in the assembly, at Ephesus.” The apostle preached and taught them all things that were necessary that they might show works of: “Repentance toward God, and faith in Jesus Christ,” Acts 20:21. I have shown you by my example how to love God, and serve Jesus: “Your first love,” Revelation 2:4. Notice....
b. To Corinth he wrote: “Be ye then a follower of me as I am of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 11:1. We cannot ask of the church; that which we are not ourselves giving or demonstrating. I wish I had some help!
c. He admonished Timothy and Titus in the same fashion, 1 Timothy 4:11-16; Titus 2:7-8. To be a, “good example; and let no man despise thy youth,” Titus 2:15.
d. He further wrote: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also,” 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:14.
NOTE: To obtain more on Paul’s admonition to these young preachers, review our lesson: “The Minister’s Life and Work” on SermonCentral.com.
B. Then to church: “All the flock.” He now turns their attention to the flock, or the church. Please note he said: “To all the flock.” This no doubt is a reference to the make-up of the church of Christ in Ephesus. This assembly was attended by both “Jews and Gentiles.” Take heed that you oversee, “all the saints” in the body of Christ, in Ephesus. Observe....
1. The church’s make up was of both “Jews and Gentiles.” Each called into the same body by the “gospel of Christ.” Each was to have the same inheritance through their “calling and election” unto Jesus Christ. To the Ephesians’ Paul wrote: “That the Gentiles (the other members):”
a. “Should be fellowheirs.”
b. “And members of the same body.”
c. “And partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel,” Ephesians 3:1-6.
d. They were not a Jewish church; or a Gentile church. But, they were the church of Christ, having both nations as its membership, Galatians 3:26-28.
e. Illustrate: The Black and White Church. Are both these the church of Christ? Can we exist as a membership, with both white and black Christians? I am afraid....
1) The plague of segregation still haunts and shames the Lord’s people; with its roots as far back to slavery; and “Jim Crow,” in America. Will the church ever be able to present a united front to the world? I pray it will come soon first in America; and then, throughout the entire world. The divisions of white and black churches; has existed long enough!
2) Will the church of Christ ever: “Strive together for the faith of the gospel?” Philippians 1:27. Wasn’t this the “will of God” from the beginning? Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20. That there be only: “One family in heaven and earth, in Christ.”
3) Will it ever stand again as: “One fold, having one shepherd;” the body of Christ? John 10:16; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:4-6.
4) I suggest not until the eldership: “Take heed to all the flock,” Acts 20:28.
5) I know most of you don’t like hearing about this division. Some of the black congregations are fine with these divisions. But I must ask: “Is the Lord pleased with it?” Will he ever be pleased with it? Apparently not; He tore it down in the first century. But, the church of Christ; has followed the world’s views of separation; and, the building of walls; rather than the Lord’s plan, of removing to ensure the unity in the body of Christ. I wish I had some help! You folks are quite this morning. Recall....
2. Paul wrote of the Gentile’s former and latter state, as a people of God. Christ, torn down the wall of separation between these two nations. We must do it also, today. Notice:
a. First, “Wherefore remember; that ye being in times past... That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made night by the blood of Christ...For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father,” Ephesians 2:11-18.
b. Further, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints; and of the household of God...In whom ye also are builded together for a(n) habitation of God through the Spirit,” Ephesians 2:19-22.
c. Finally, why was this statement so important? Take heed to all the flock! Simply, there is only one church; and its membership consists of all people.
3. There is only one “body” or “church.” To the Corinthians Paul wrote:
a. First, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular,” 1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:4-5.
1) All have been “baptized into one body,” 1 Corinthians 12:12-14.
2) All have been “added to the church of Christ, by the Lord,” Acts 2:47.
b. Further, “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him... But now are they many members, yet but one body,” 1 Corinthians 12:18-20; Romans 12:3-4.
c. Finally, “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be (is) honoured, all the members rejoice with it, 1 Corinthians 12:25-26; Romans 12:15.
4. This was necessary teaching and directions, for the leadership; because, of religious division that would plague the church during the 1st century. Jews could not get along with Gentiles; Gentiles could not stand Jews.
a. If the leadership does not set the tone for unity in the church; there will be none, and the church will be divided. And if it remains divided; all hope of winning the world, for Christ will be lost.
b. Paul places this squarely upon the shepherd’s work among the saints! Amen, somebody! There is a “defining silence,” across America; regarding the “separation and immigration,” policies of the Trump Administration.
c. Evangelicals have support it, and have aligned themselves with the President and the Republican Party in Congress. We cannot serve two masters, Matthew 6:24.
d. The churches of Christ, however: have been silent also on these issues. Why? It has a history of such practices. Recall, it was silent during:
1) Slavery and Jim Crow. The Jim Crow law; in U.S. history, are any of the laws that enforced racial segregation in the South between the end of Reconstruction in 1877 and the beginning of the civil rights movement in the 1950s. This was a wall of shame to America!
NOTE: Click on this link to learn more: http://newsreel.org/video/the-rise-and-fall-of-jim-crow. We cannot allow this nation, to return to such evil practices.
2) During the “Civil Rights Movement.” There was a struggle for social justice that took place mainly during the 1950s and 1960s for blacks to gain equal rights under the law in the United States. This was a time of social unrest in our Nation.
NOTE: Click on the link to learn more: Civil rights movement, https://g.co/kgs/Hbqp17.
3) Now during the “separation and immigration" policies, of this current administration. Consider....
e. Is there a voice of: “One crying in the wilderness to make straight a pathway for the Lord,” Matthew 3:1-3; Isaiah 40:3-5; Isaiah 57:14-15.
1) We cannot remain silent, and hope to change the “evils of this Nation.” To remain silent to these influences; is to give consent. Not to decide; is to decide not to! Stand up brothers: "In the name of Jesus."
2) What doth God require? Have we as a Nation forgotten what God requires of His people? Consider....
a) First, Micah wrote: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly before thy God?’ Micah 6:8; Proverbs 21:3; Hosea 6:6; Zephaniah 2:3.
b) Further, Ezekiel wrote: “There is a conspiracy of her prophet in the midst thereof...they have devoured souls; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows...Her priests have violated my law...Her princes are like wolves ravening the prey...to shed blood, to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain...The people of the land used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger (immigrant) wrongfully...I sought for a man among them...but I found none...Therefore have I poured out min indignation upon them...their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD,” Ezekiel 22:25-31.
c) Next, Solomon wrote: “Righteousness exalts a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people,” Proverbs 14:34.
d) Finally, “With my soul have I desired thee in the night...with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness,” Isaiah 26:9.
e) Conclusion: When will America learn again righteousness? When will she again embrace the will of God and: “Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream,” Amos 5:24. Until judgment and righteousness return to America; God will not hear its songs of praise; its sacrifices and offerings, Amos 5:21-23; Isaiah 1:13-18; 1 Timothy 2:8; Psalms 66:18; Matthew 5:23-24.
NOTE: For more on this evil, review our lesson: “I Must Need Go through Samaria,” at SermonCentral.com.
5. Recall the divisions among the church at Jerusalem? It took the apostle Paul to go to Jerusalem; and confront the “apostles and elders” regarding their divisions, Acts 15:1-24.
a. This type of behavior will stifle the work of the Lord.
b. For this reason; the “flag of leadership,” for the 1st century church, was moved from Jerusalem down to Antioch, Acts 11:22-26; Acts 13:1-3.
6. Paul had to correct Peter in Antioch; for the same confusion, Galatians 2:11-16.
a. The church’s position in the world, as an institution for love and unity; is often threaten by worldly influences, i.e., hatred, prejudice and segregation.
1) The eldership must foster genuine love among the flock; and, demonstrate it to all the saints, without partiality (respect of persons), James 2:1; James 2:8-10.
2) The preachers should develop and maintain love within the congregation, through their messages, Hebrews 13:1; Hebrews 10:24. There must not be “clicks” or “party” attitudes among the saints. The minister must preach against such practices; and not be a part of any. I wish I had some help!
3) The membership must demonstrate sincere love and care, one to another, 1 Peter 1:22; Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:1-3.
4) John wrote: “He who loves not his brother, walketh in darkness,” 1 John 2:9-11; 1 John 4:19-21. How can the church claim to love God; yet, hate its neighbor? Matthew 22:37-40. Hatred blinds the eyes to the needs and care for others.
NOTE: I trust you recall the lesson entitled: “Go and do likewise?” Luke 10:25-37.
b. The church must be the beacon of friendship, fellowship and inclusion of all people into its membership. The way to “save some” is to be a friend to all, 1 Corinthians 9:20-23; Proverbs 18:24.
c. The church should: “Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another... Rejoice with them that rejoice... Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits,” Romans 12:9-16.
C. The leadership’s divine appointment: “Over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” There is no mention on the isle of Miletus of their appointment, but it was Paul's custom to: “Ordain elders in every church,” Acts 14:22-23; Titus 1:5. Notice:
1. The Holy Ghost had set them in the church before Paul’s visit with them; on the beach, at Miletus. This was possibly the work of Timothy in Ephesus; if, Paul had not appointed them, before the close of his second missionary journey, Acts 20:1; 1 Timothy 1:1-3.
a. The words “hath made” in the Gr. is tithemi, or te'-tha-me, which means: to place, or set upright, in an active position; to advise, appoint; to make, ordain, put, or set (forth).
b. These men were “set in place” or “set forth” as overseers, by the Holy Ghost.
c. We find the same word in Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians regarding members and apostles. Observe,
2. God has set members and leaders in the church as it pleased Him.
a. First, “But now hath God set (tithemi) the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him,” 1 Corinthians 12:18.
b. Second, “And God hath set (tithemi) some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers...diversities of tongues,” 1 Corinthians 12:28.
3. Christ has given gifts to men. He gave leadership to the church of Christ. Paul wrote: “And he (Christ) gave some, apostles; and, some prophets; and, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,” Ephesians 4:11; Romans 12:6-8. Notice....
a. The word gave in Gr. is didomi, de'-do-me, which means to bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, make, to have power, put in place, set up.
b. Surely, this is the same idea, as that of tithemi. Christ gave the church the gift of officers; and the Holy Ghost set them in place in the church.
c. The elders were also called: “bishops” or “overseers” in the church. The words were often used interchangeably, as in Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28.
1) We find a similar use of these words, in 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9.
2) Peter also uses both of these words, in 1 Peter 5:1-5.
d. B. W. Johnson wrote: “If a man desires the office of a bishop. Here, for the first time in the New Testament, is there a delineation of the qualifications and duties of bishops and deacons. Both offices have been alluded to in Acts, and both are named in the first verse of the Epistle to the Philippians. To form a correct idea of the New Testament bishop we must get away from modern episcopacy,” Page 523.
1) B. W. Johnson continues: “Each church had a plurality. Elders or presbyters, and bishops were only different designations for the same office. This arrangement was not changed until after the close of the first century and the death of the last of the apostles. There were both “elders and deacons” in the New Testament church. Concerning the interchangeability regarding the use of the word “elders and bishops.” This is important because they were not separate offices or officers...They were being described differently,” Page 523.
2) B. W. Johnson concludes:
“(1) Paul (Acts 20:17) summons the “elders” of the church at Ephesus, and in verse 28 calls them “bishops.”
“(2) The church at Philippi had “bishops and deacons” that are named as the officers, in (Philippians 1:1).”
“(3) Paul in this Epistle (Ephesians) names bishops and deacons as the officers (chapter 3), but in 5:17–22, names “elders” as officers (en)trusted with the same duties; already named as those, of the bishops.”
“(4) In the Epistle to Titus, Paul commands (1:5) to “ordain elders in every city,” but in turn describing the qualifications of an elder, he calls him a bishop (1:7).”
“(5) Peter (1 Peter 5:1, 2) addresses “elders” and commands them to exercise the office of “bishops” over the flock. The Greek word as well as the word bishop, etymologically means to act as an overseer, or to take the oversight.”
“(6) I might add that Clement of Rome, who wrote to Corinthians about the beginning of the second century, uses the terms interchangeably,” Pages 523-524.
e. Conclusion: The Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, had a part in establishing New Testament leadership in the church. This is a divine appointment.
4. There was always a plurality of elders and deacons in the local church. Paul wrote: “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons,” Philippians 1:1; Acts 15:4; Acts 15:6. Stay with me now; some are going to say, I’m meddling! Observe....
5. The elders and deacons were also, teachers and preachers in the early church:
a. Philip the evangelist (minister) was also a deacon, Acts 6:7; Acts 8; Acts 21:8.
b. Elders were also “teachers of sound doctrine,” 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Titus 2:1.
c. Elders were charged to: “Holding fast the faithful words as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers,” Titus 1:9. Thus the requirement that they be: “Apt to teach,” 1 Timothy 3:2.
d. With this solid foundation of the elders or bishops, being teachers; and the deacons, preachers. We have discussed their qualifications and work in the church.
6. It is appropriate now to discuss: “Women pastors and preachers.” Please note that we are not trying to be, unkind or judgmental. There is no mentioning of women preachers or pastors in the New Testament. This work was left entirely unto men then; and men today in the Lord’s church. Some religious groups while arresting and thwarting the scriptures; take a more liberal meaning of the word “pastor,” in 1 Timothy 3:1-2; 2 Peter 3:15-16. Consider....
a. First, Paul wrote: “This is a true saying, if a man desires the office of a bishop,” 1 Timothy 3:1a. Paul beings his discourse of the work; by emphasizing a man must have a sincere desire for the office.
1) The word man in Gr. is ei tis, or a' tes, which means: if any:—he that, if a-(any) man, whether any, whosoever. Their emphasis is on the idea of “whosoever.” They stress the word does not eliminate the woman; but could include her. A similar argument is made of “If any be blameless,” in Titus 1:6-9.
2) The word bishop in Gr., is episkope, or e-pe-sko-pa, which means by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian “episcopate”:—the office of a “bishop,” bishoprick, or visitation. See Acts 1:20. The argument here is that; the word episkope, being “Genitive Feminine Singular,” could also include the woman as a bishop.
3) Remember, the word man in Gr. is ei tis, or a' tes.
4) Well let’s proceed a little further in the text, and see if God has fixed this for us!
b. Further, he continued: “He desireth a good work,” 1 Timothy 3:1b. Here are the finishing thoughts of this verse: “He desireth a good work.” In Gr., he desireth is epithymeo, or e-pe-thü-me'-o; which means to set the heart upon, i.e., to long for:—covet, to desire, would fain, or to lust (after).
c. Next, he affirms: “A bishop then must be blameless:”
1) “The husband of one wife (at the time of his appointment),” 1 Timothy 3:2.
2) “One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection,” 1 Timothy 3:4.
3) “(For if a man (ei tis) know not how to rule his own house... how shall he take care of the church of God?),” 1 Timothy 3:5.
4) “He must have a good report among them that are without,” 1 Timothy 3:7.
d. Finally, he concludes: “Likewise must the deacons be...even so must their wives... Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife... ruling their houses well,” 1 Timothy 3:8-12. To rightly “divide the word of truth;” we must consider the entire context, of the text under discussion, 2 Timothy 2:15.
e. Summary: The context indicates both the bishop and the deacon must be married; have believing children; and rule their houses well. A woman bishop or deacon; cannot be: “The husband of one wife; or rule his own house well.” I wish I had some help!
D. Their divine work: “To feed the church of God.” The elders or bishops are charged with the task to “feed the church.” To fully understand this charge, we must investigate the meaning of the word “feed.” Consider....
1. The word feed in the Gr., is poimaino, or poi-mi'-no, which means: to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, supervisor):—feed (cattle), to rule. The shepherd feeds the sheep; and guides them. He does not drive the flock, but, leads it.
2. David’s picture of the Divine Shepherd: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake,” Psalms 23:1-3; Psalms 100:3.
3. Jesus the Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep...And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd...This commandment have I received of my Father,” John 10:11-18. Peter and the other apostles were called to feed the church of Christ. Consider....
a. Jesus told Peter to: “Feed my sheep, feed my lambs,” John 21:15-17.
b. Peter an elder wrote: “Take the oversight, feed the sheep,” 1 Peter 5:1-2.
c. This is NOW the work of the eldership:
1) To speak to the flock: the word of the Lord, Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:2.
2) To watch over the souls of the saints, Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2.
3) To have rule over them: not as lords; but, as being an ensample to the flock, Hebrews 13:24; 1 Peter 5:3.
4. Isaiah wrote: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young,” Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:23; Ezekiel 37:24.
5. Jeremiah wrote: “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding,” Jeremiah 3:15; 1 Peter 2:1-3.
E. A prize possession: “Which he hath purchased with His own blood.” Paul now moves his message to the preciousness of the church. The church was purchased with “the blood of Christ.” This makes her precious, in the eyes of the Lord. Consider....
1. Peter wrote: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by the tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot,” 1 Peter 1:18-19.
2. Jesus said: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins,” Matthew 26:28. He shed His blood on the cross of Calvary, John 19:34.
3. Paul’s message regarding the blood of Christ:
a. First, “it was shed to purchase the church,” Acts 20:28.
b. Further, it brought peace: “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven,” Colossians 1:20. Note:
1) It was shed that: “The far off (the Gentiles) might be made nigh, by the blood of Christ,” Ephesians 2:13; Colossians 1:21.
2) It was shed for our redemption: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins,” Colossians 1:14; Ephesians 1:7. Consider....
a) Redemption was made possible: “Through his blood,” Colossians 1:14.
b) When Christ: “Made peace through the blood of his cross,” Colossians 1:20.
c) That in: “The body of his flesh through death, (He) might present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled,” Colossians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:23-27.
3) Therefore, it was through His blood: “Atonement was possible; for in the blood there is life; and without the shedding of blood there is no remission,” Hebrews 9:22.
a) Matthew Henry wrote: “There was such a value in the blood of Christ that, on account of Christ's shedding it, God was willing to deal with men upon new terms to bring them under a covenant of grace, and for his sake, and in consideration of his death upon the cross, to pardon and accept to favour all who comply with them,” Page 1322.
b) B. W. Johnson wrote: “Having made peace. Christ came to make peace between Jew and Gentile, man and man, man and God. The means employed was the blood shed on the cross. Through it the law, the partition wall between Jew and Gentile, was removed, and both alike have access to God. By him to reconcile all things unto himself, It pleased the Father (verse 19) ... (By) him (Christ) to reconcile all things to himself (the Father),” Page 498.
c. Jesus shed His blood, to establish the New Covenant, Hebrews 9:14-17.
d. His blood is “the cup of blessing, the communion of the blood of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30. This we observe on the: “First day of the week,” Acts 20:7.
4. John wrote: “The lamb slain before the foundation of the world,” Revelation 13:8. That lamb was Christ, John 1:29.
5. Isaiah wrote: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with his stripes we were healed. All we like sheep have gone astray...He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied... and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors,” Isaiah 53:5-13; 1 John 2:1-2. Let us now consider our next point.
II THE LEADERSHIP’S: DIVINE ASSIGNMENT
A. Urgency of their assignment: “For I know this after my departure.” This was something that was already working; as the apostles spoke to these leaders on the beach, at Miletus. He knew this as a result of the Holy Spirit’s; empowering him, as an apostle. Notice:
1. First, he notes: “For I know this, that after my departure,” all these things will occur. They shall occur real soon. It was Paul’s presence, vigilance and preaching, in Ephesus; that had kept these wolves at bay. But now, “he goes bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem; and they will see his face no more,” Acts 20:22; Acts 20:25; Acts 20:38.
a. He admonishes these elders, to be on guard for after his departure, these wolves will be entering in among them, Acts 20:29. They were promised first, to come from without. They: “Shall enter in among you.”
b. They will attack the “faith and confidence” of the leadership, and the church.
c. Therefore, they must watch for, and be prepared to deal with, these assaults from evil workers, and false brethren (those of the circumcision), Philippians 3:2; Galatians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 11:26.
2. Further, the minister’s work is to prepare the leadership, other ministers and the church to stand on the word, whether he is there or absent. He advised the church at Philippi: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that he stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27.
a. This was Paul’s ministry, to equip the church to stand against all attacks; from outside as well as those that come, from among his countrymen and false brethren.
b. He warned the Galatians of such a departure, Galatians 1:6-12. He thought it very strange that these “new babies” in Christ, were on the immediate verge of “departing from the grace of God; unto another gospel, which is not another,” Galatians 1:6-7.
c. He asked the Thessalonians to “Pray for him, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith...but the Lord is faithful; who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil,” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3.
3. Next, he warned Timothy of such a departure: “The Spirit speaketh expressly that some shall depart from the faith,” 1Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This will occur in the latter times; in the not so distant future. He doesn’t suggest how far away this departure lurks; he merely states it will come. Paul affirms: “Some shall depart from the faith.” There shall be a, “great apostasy.” Paul in this Letter notes some signs or teachings of this great apostasy. Notice:
a. First, they are giving heed to seducing spirits. The apostle seems to recognize a supernatural element which speaks by false prophets, in false utterances which claims to be from God. These seducing spirits might work through hierarchs, who claimed to speak for God, or through councils which claimed to make infallible utterances. They speak and preach the commandments of men, Matthew 15:7-9.
b. Further, they are teaching the doctrines of devils. These doctrines are the work and suggestions of demons. The word for devils in Gr. is “daimonion,” which means demons, not devil, it always refers in the New Testament, to an “evil spirit,” Acts 19:15-16.
c. Next, they will be speaking lies through hypocrisy. He states: "Some shall depart from the faith ...through the hypocrisy of men, speaking lies." These are men which will speak lies; some no doubt because of deception; and others to insight deception. They may know the “truth”; but, for “filthy lucre sake,” they fail to reverence and teach it, Titus 1:11-16.
d. Additionally, the great deceiver shall: “Come after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall sent them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness,” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.
NOTE: Illustrate: Tares among the wheat, Matthew 13:24-30; Matthew 13:37-43; Matthew 13:49-50.
e. Finally, this is due largely because their conscience are sheered with a hot iron. The liars just mentioned, have had the sensitiveness of their consciences destroyed by the branding iron of the devil.
1) They have become blinded by the evil one – they are preaching a message of deceit and deception, 2 Corinthians 4:1-7.
2) And for it, they have become the product of their own words of deception.
3) Paul concludes: “But evil men and seducer shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived,” 2 Timothy 3:13.
4. Again, he repeats this warning, in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. He charges the young Evangelist:
a. To preach the word “in and out of seasons;” when they want it and when they don’t want it.
b. That the “time will come they (the church) will not endure sound doctrine; or they will no longer desire ‘sound doctrine’ or the ‘truth’ to be preached unto them.”
c. But after their own lust: “They shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; they will search for doctrines that satisfy the lust of the flesh and not the fruit of the spirit,” Galatians 5:19-21; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesian 5:9.
d. They shall “turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables;” they will chose error, in place of truth. Those who preach it, and those who follow it; shall become slaves to unrighteousness and ungodliness, Jude 16-19; 2 Timothy 3:13.
e. But “watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” But you must be on guard, to stand and preach against these heresies. You must endure afflictions; do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of thy ministry.
f. Conclusion: In these verses Paul reminds the preachers that a “falling way;” a “departure from the faith” and, the church “will not endure sound doctrine.” They shall, “turn away their ears from the truth,” as a result of preachers which have “itching ears.” The church shall “turn away their ears from the truth and be turned unto fables.” The church must remain on guard for such departures even in our day and times.
B. Attacks from without: There will come: “Grievous wolves entering in among you, not sparing the flock,” Acts 20:29.
1. The “grievous wolves” were the false teachers, and the special interest leaders known as the Judaizing teachers, who taught that the Gentile Christians must keep the Ceremonial law of the Jews. This included: “Circumcision and keeping of the law of Moses,” Acts 15:1-4.We will speak to this in great depth later in the lesson. It is important to note, that....
2. Paul's ministry in the gospel was full of tenacious debates and battles with the schismatics (the sower of sects and divisions).
a. Several are listed in Timothy’s Epistles: 1Timothy 1:3-4; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 1:15; 2 Timothy 2:17.
b. These references identify the names of some six of these “grievous wolves,” to which Paul speaks of in his discourse to the elders.
3. The Apostle John also identified some of these wolves, in Revelation 2:6.
a. He notes some were false teachers, at Ephesus.
b. He warns of similar men in his Letters to the children, the Elect lady, and to Gaius; in 1 John 2:18-19; 2 John 7-11; and 3 John 9-10.
c. John wrote: “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us,” 1 John 2:19.
4. Jesus warned of false prophets: “Which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits...Wherefore by their fruits shall ye know them,” Matthew 7:15-20.
5. Peter warns of false prophets among the people. He first mentions how holy men of God in the Old Testament; presented the scriptures, as opposed to false prophets. Notice:
a. First, he wrote of holy men of God: “Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old times by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” 2 Peter 1:20-21.
b. Further, he wrote of false prophets: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow... and the way of truth shall be evil spoken of,” 2 Peter 2:1-2.
c. Finally, Peter warns and assures us; that, as there were false prophets then, there shall also be “so called” prophets, and false teachers today. The elders must be on guard, to resist their teaching and influence.
C. Attacks from within: “Also of your own selves shall men arise.” Or, they shall come from within your ranks, men promoting themselves wiser and teachers of men that will cause offense and trouble, in the body of Christ.
1. The apostle predicts that some of the wolves would rise from within the congregation of God. They would profess to be learned; and bearing teachings from even the apostles of Christ.
2. Paul had just sometime earlier been sent to Jerusalem to put to silence: “False brethren...who had come in privily to spy out the liberty which the church at Antioch had in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 2:4.
3. The beginning conflict in the church. We now turn our attention to such an event in the 1st century, which illustrates the message of Paul to these elders. No doubt, he was reflecting on these events, as he spoke unto these elders. Luke wrote:
a. They came from Judaea to Antioch: “Certain men which...taught the brethren, and said, except ye (are) circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved,” Acts 15:1.
1) This teaching created: “No small dissension and disputation among with them,” Acts 15:2. In other words, the debate got a “little heated.” Voices got loud; and tempers were aroused between Paul, Barnabas and those of the “sect of the Pharisees.”
2) These teachers professed that their doctrine had originated in Jerusalem, “from among the apostles and elders,” Acts 15:24.
b. The church at Antioch: “Sent Paul, Barnabas, Titus and other disciples to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question,” Acts 15:2; Galatians 2:1-10. This teaching was causing dissention and division among the saints at Antioch.
c. Paul and others arrive at Jerusalem: “They were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them,” Acts 15:4. Paul and Barnabas spake of their success among the Gentiles, Acts 11:22-26; Acts 13; Acts 14. This was a rehearsal; of their first “Missionary Journey,” among the Gentiles.
4. The Jerusalem Conference: The great debate and decision. The arrival of Paul, Barnabas and others’ at Jerusalem, and their opening exhortation of the work that God had done with them (among the Gentiles); fueled the start of a great debate over the Gentiles’ obedience to the faith, Romans 15:18-19. Notice, Luke wrote:
a. But there rose up: “Certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses,” Acts 15:5. These men were already in the assembly. They are now ready to espouse their doctrine: The circumcision of the Gentile Christians, and their need to keep the Law of Moses to be saved. This charge will now open the discussion of this question; and the Jerusalem leadership will allow it to progress, without censorship. To exhort and convince to gainsayers, we must permit them to speak. Consider....
b. The apostles and elders: “Came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing. Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren...But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they,” Acts 15:6-11. The Apostle Peter begins the rebuttal of the claim; that the Gentiles needed to be circumcised; and to keep the Law of Moses to be saved.
c. Barnabas and Paul: “Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them,” Acts 15:12.
d. James, the Lord’s brother: “And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren hearken unto me: Simeon (Simon Peter) hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written:
1) First, “After this I will return, and build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: that the residue of men might seek after the Lord... who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world,” Acts 15:13-18.
2) Further, “Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God,” Acts 15:19.
3) Finally, “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day,” Acts 15:20-21.
e. The assembly pleased: “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas chief men among the brethren,” Acts 15:22.
5. Results of the Jerusalem Conference were communicated:
a. They wrote letters: “And they wrote letters by them after this manner; the apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment,” Acts 15:23-24.
b. It seemed good: “Unto us being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth,” Acts 15:25-27.
c. It seemed good: “To the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:”
1) “That ye abstain from meats offered to idols,”
2) “And from blood,”
3) “And from fornication:”
4) “From which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well.”
5) “Fare ye well,” Acts 15:28-29.
6. Conference concluded: “So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gather the multitude together, and delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation,” Acts 15:30-31.
a. Judas and Silas: “Being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them,” Acts 15:32.
b. After they had tarried: “There a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.”
c. Paul and Barnabas: “Continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with many others also,” Acts 15:33-35.
d. God had divinely sent Silas to Antioch; that he might accompany Paul, in the work, during his second missionary journey, Acts 15:36-41.
D. Their deceitful work: “Speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” What was the doctrine of this departure? Paul gives some signs of this departure in the next few verses. We will find these “doctrines” as teaching of demons. They are opposed to “sound doctrine” which he speaks of throughout 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. These doctrines will include, but are not limited to:
1. Forbidding some to marry. Not long after Paul's time the superior holiness of the unmarried life began to be preached in the church, and this resulted at last in monasticism and a celibate clergy. This is one of the doctrines of the Holy Roman Catholic denomination. It however, is not a teaching of the New Testament. Notice:
a. Paul to the Hebrews: “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge,” Hebrews 13:5.
b. No Apostle, evangelist, minister, pastor or leader in the New Testament ever forbad the union of marriage before one could serve in the work of the Lord. This is heresies ordained by the evil one – the devil himself.
c. Peter, the lead apostle to the Jews was married “and carried about his wife.” Notice Paul: “Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?” 1 Corinthians 9:5; Matthew 8:14; Mark 1:30.
d. The bishops or elders, “are to be the husbands of one wife,” 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 3:12; Titus 1:6.
e. The widows are to be “the wife of one husband,” 1 Timothy 5:9. This by the way; was the same phrase; for both the husband and the wife. Therefore, whatever it meant for the men; it meant the same thing for the women.
2. Commanding to abstain from meats. The practice of abstaining from meats came out of a misrepresentation of the: “Letter to the Gentiles,” in Acts 15. In that Letter, they were:
a. Commanded to: “Abstain from meat offered to idols, and from things strangled and from fornication,” Acts 15:28-29. What the deceivers had done was to drop the clause: “offered to idols” in their teaching; and made it a commandment to abstain “from meats” or all meats. This of course was not the commandment of God, Acts 10:9-15; Acts 11:5-10. God had created all things good, and nothing to be refused. Notice Paul’s instruction in the text:
1) First, God hath created all things. The foods which God hath created are for use, to be eaten thankfully by those who know the truth, instead of having their minds darkened by delusions. Paul continues....
2) Further, every creature is good. Everything God had created is good and has its proper use, Genesis 1:31. Hence, it is not to be refused, as sinful or unclean. This applies to what God has created. God did not create one thing that was not good. Therefore, all should be received, because of the goodness of God.
3) Finally, if it is received with thanksgiving.
a) It is sanctified by the word of God. God has sanctified all things through His Word.
b) And through prayer, after the giving of thanks before eating God’s blessings.
b. These practices are still found among certain orders of the Latin and Eastern churches; the “abstaining from meats.” It was once forbidden for Catholics to eat meats on Fridays.
1) This teaching was later amended and they were permitted to indulge in meats. In which time was the Pope infallible; when they could not eat, or, now that they can eat?
2) Only the “apostles of Christ,” spake the word with complete infallibility.
c. He concludes, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained,” 1 Timothy 4:6.
3. The aim of these wolves: “To draw away disciples after them,” Acts 20:30. There are many “splintered and broken congregations” among us; because, they lack sound and faith leadership. And also, there are no “watchmen among them.”
4. Paul wrote to the Romans: “Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple,” Romans 16:17-18. The elders and ministers must be watchful for those that will come into the body to cause contentions and confusions. He now makes mention of this important task of the leadership team.
E. The leadership’s divine assignment: “Therefore watch, and remember,” Acts 20:31. Paul continues his discourse with these elders with a warning. Consider....
1. The, “therefore” comes as a result of the words “before” it. Due to the soon “departure from the faith” and the “grievous wolves entering in among you;” ye therefore, watch and remember all the things I am mentioning now, and while I was with you, laboring in Ephesus.
2. He reminds them: “That by the space of three years I cease not to warn everyone night and day with tears,” Acts 20:31. My warnings were with tears of anguish.
3. He cautions them to consider the pain and travail he underwent while planting the church in Ephesus. Remember: “For a space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears,” Acts 20:31.
4. Paul likens himself as a faithful watchman:
a. Warning them, of the continued dangers of Judaism and heathenism, they had now prevailed against; when they embraced Christ by “grace through the faith,” Ephesians 2:8-19. Watch out for these so call teachers of Christ.
b. He warned everyone; besides the public warnings he gave in his preaching, he applied himself to particular matters he saw in them, which he could speak peculiarly unto them, regarding their faith in Christ.
c. He was constant in providing them warning; he warned night and day; his time was filled up with his work. In the night, when he should have been reposing himself, he was dealing with those he did not get to speak with in the day. That he might be “pure from the blood of all men... having declared unto them the whole counsel of God,” Acts 20:26-27.
d. He ceased not to warn. Though they were sometime resistant against his warnings, yet he did not cease to warn, that they by the grace of God, might not be overcome by the evil one; though they appear so pious in their walk; yet he did not think he should cease from continued warnings and exhortations. He like Ezekiel, warned:
1) The wicked man, to turn from his wicked ways.
2) The wayward man, to return from his wicked way.
3) The righteous man, to remain in his righteous walk, Ezekiel 3:18-21.
5. He spoke to them about their souls, with a great deal of affection and concern: he warned them with tears. As he had served the Lord, so he had served them, with many tears, Acts 20:19; Acts 20:31; Acts 20:37. A loving eldership and ministership: will not only pray for the church; but will sometimes weep over it, in private and public.
NOTE: Illustrate: Tears I shed for the church. I could only cry and pray for it. It seemed my preaching was not availing anything! 2 Corinthians 5:9-11.
a. He warned them with tears of compassion, thereby showing how much he was affected by the hurt and danger awaiting them, still in Ephesus.
b. He assures them that “the bonds and afflictions awaiting him in Jerusalem” would not deter him in his work, Acts 20:22-23; Acts 21:10-14.
c. He would soon assure them, “that their labour is not in vain in the Lord,” as he had also told the brethren at Corinth, 1 Corinthians 15:58. We will return to this at the end of the lesson. Now, this brings us to the last point in this lesson.
III THE LEADERSHIP’S: DIVINE ASSURANCE
A. Paul’s commendation: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God.” There were no more capable hands; the apostle could have placed these loving elders. He knew to commend them unto God. In their awesome responsibility he commends them to God. He knew the burden of leadership; and he knew whose hands he also was committed. Consider...
1. Paul wrote: “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day,” 2 Timothy 1:12.
2. Peter wrote: “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator,” 1 Peter 4:19.
3. Jesus said: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the ages,” Matthew 28:20.
4. The Hebrew writer penned: “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me,” Hebrews 13:5-6. Notice:
a. We need not fear what man can do unto us, Psalms 56:4; Psalms 118:6.
b. If God is for us:
1) No one can be against us, Romans 8:31-32.
2) No one can accuse us, Romans 8:33-34.
3) No one can alienate us, Romans 8:35-39.
c. To understand these promises more fully, obtain the lesson below.
NOTE: Download our lesson: “If God be for us,” at SermonCentral.com.
B. His source: “And to the word of His grace.” He now commits their trust in God and in the word of his grace. The word will be their guide in all their difficulties and is able to build them up and give them an inheritance among all the sanctified. If it is followed, they cannot stray or fail, in their work and oversight of the church. Notice:
1. Paul commends them to God, to provide for them, to take care of them, and to supply all their needs, and encourages them to cast all their care upon him, with an assurance that he cared for them, 1 Peter 4:6-7. Consider....
a. First, Matthew Henry wrote: “Whatever you want, go to God, let your eye be ever towards him, and your dependence upon him, in all your straits and difficulties; and let this be your comfort, that you have a God to go to, a God all sufficient,” Page 469.
b. Further, He continues: “I commend you to God, that is, to his providence, and to the protection and care of that. It is enough that, from whomsoever we are separated, still we have God nigh unto us,” Page 469.
c. Finally, James wrote: “Draw night to God, and He will draw night to you,” James 4:8. God has taken the first step in reconciling us unto Himself, he sent Jesus. It was His love which caused this gift, of grace, John 3:16; Romans 5:8-10. Notice:
1) The love of Christ constraineth us, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
2) God has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
3) We have Him because He first loved us, 1 John 4:19.
2. He commends them to the word of grace, which will grant them comfort and hope, through their faithfulness to the: “Gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24.
a. His word is spirit and life, John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12.
b. His word is truth, John 17:17; John 18:37.
c. His word provides eternal life, John 6:66-68.
d. His word, the truth can’t be compromised, Galatians 4:16; 2 Corinthians 13:8.
e. His word, the truth shall stand forever, Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:23-25.
3. He commends them to the word of Christ's promise, which he spoke to his disciples when he sent them forth, the commission he gave them, with assurance that he would be with them “always to the end of the world,” Matthew 28:20.
C. Its purpose: “Able to build you up.” The word will strengthen, lead, guide, encourage and sanctify them, as well as all believers. Observe; the word shall build them up, in the most holy faith. Here he commends them to the word of God's grace, for their spiritual blessings which will be needed for the work ahead. They had received the gospel of the grace of God, and are now entrusted to preach and guard it. Consider, the word is given...
1. For their edification: “It is able (the Spirit of grace working with it and by it) to build you up,” that they might: “Build themselves on the most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” Jude 20. All things should be done for edification, 1 Corinthians 14:26; Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
2. For their strengthening: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend...And to know the love of Christ...Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen,” Ephesians 3:16-21.
a. The elders and saints, while they are in this world, must continue to grow; in grace and knowledge, to continue in the grace with God, 2 Peter 3:17-18; Romans 5:1-2.
b. It is still able to build them up, 1 Peter 2:1-3.
3. Their work of leadership: “To equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
a. It will continue: “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.”
b. For the reason: “That we henceforth be no more children... carried about by the sleight of men...but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things,” Ephesians 4:11-17. The leadership’s work is to build up the church; that it might stand fast in the faith.
c. What a great work is given to the leadership, ministership and membership, of the church of Christ. That is, to evangelize the world; and to build up the saints.
D. The leadership’s assurance: “To give you an inheritance.” Paul reminds them that their labour will not be in vain in the Lord. They too, have an inheritance; which the Chief Shepherd shall give them at His appearance, 1 Peter 5:4; Hebrews 13:20-21. The Lord shall preserve them for....
1. Their inheritance and sanctification: “It is able to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified,” Acts 20:32.
2. The word of God’s grace not only grants unto us divine knowledge; but, it has brought both: “(Life and immortality to light by the gospel),” 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:1-3; Titus 2:11-14.
3. The word of God is able to save and sanctify the elders and saints, at Ephesus. It has power to sustain them through the challenges that lay ahead. They can be certain....
a. That God: “That cannot lie, has grant unto them eternal life; which He has made manifest, through the preaching of Christ;” Titus 1:1-3.
b. That, the Holy Spirit of grace; has been given to them (the elders and the saints at Ephesus); and unto all that obey Him, Acts 19:1-7; Acts 5:32; Acts 2:38.
c. That, the Holy Ghost, has been given as: “The earnest seal of their inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, and the hope of eternal life,” Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30; Titus 3:5-7. Amen, somebody!
d. That, the “resurrection and the redemption of their bodies; will be fashioned like unto Christ’s His glorious body,” Romans 8:23; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2-3. All this will occur when He return from heaven to call His own from the dead, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Therefore, “comfort one another with these words.”
4. Peter wrote: “Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”1 Peter 1:3-4.
5. Paul to the Corinth: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 5:1. Lastly, he says....
E. With whom: “Among all them which are sanctified.” These promises were not only made unto the elders and saints of Ephesus, but, unto all that are sanctified.
1. The word sanctified in Gr., is hagiazo, or hä-ge-ä'-zo, which means to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:—hallow, be holy, sanctify. What sanctifies or makes on holy? It is the word.
a. First, Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them through the truth: thy word is truth,” John 17:17. He prayed, Father “set them aside for thy work and service through the truth: thy word is truth.”
b. Further, He continues: “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth,” John 17:19. As Jesus was set apart to the service of the Father; we must be, set apart for the service of Christ.
c. Next, Peter wrote: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear,” 1 Peter 3:15.
d. Finally, Paul wrote to Timothy: “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work,” 2 Timothy 2:21. He speaks of departing from iniquity; and being a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. All saints are spoken of as being sanctified, unto God. Paul wrote to the Corinthians of their sanctification. Notice:
a. He wrote that the church at Corinth was: “Sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,” 1 Corinthians 1:2. Paul uses the same greeting to others churches; to which he had written. He calls each assembly, “saints” in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 1:1.
b. He wrote unto them: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God...And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
c. He continues: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s,” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. As members of the church, they were: “Purchase with the precious blood of Christ,” Acts 20:28.
d. He reminded the church at Ephesus: “Husbands love your wives... That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish,” Ephesians 5:25-27.
e. These saints have been sanctified (set apart) by the “washing of water by the word,” Ephesians 5:26. They are now sanctified unto the service of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. These verses bear some discussion by our ancient writers.
1) Matthew Henry wrote: “The apostle, having mentioned Christ's love to the church, enlarges upon it, assigning the reason why he gave himself for it, namely, that he might sanctify it in this world, and glorify it in the next: That he might sanctify and cleanse it, with the washing of water by the word (v. 26)—that he might endue all his members with a principle of holiness, and deliver them from the guilt, the pollution, and the dominion of sin. The instrumental means whereby this is affected are the instituted sacraments, particularly the washing of baptism and the preaching and reception of the gospel,” Page 1252.
2) B. W. Johnson wrote: “That he might sanctify it. The great love of Christ for the church, his bride, is shown as an example to Christian husbands. Christ gave himself for the church. His object was to sanctify it, make it holy. In order to do this it was needful to cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. All commentators of repute in all bodies refer this to baptism. All in the church pass through the waters of baptism. But the washing of the water would be of no avail without the word. The power is in the word of the Lord which offers the gospel and commands baptism. That he might present it to himself a glorious church. A church cleansed from sin; a bride without a blemish,” Page 480-481.
3) Conclusion: Sanctification, also means holiness: “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God,” Leviticus 20:7; Jeremiah 2:3.
a) Peter admonishes us to: “But as he that hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy,” 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 7:1.
b) With holiness: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” Hebrews 12:14.
c) The way of holiness: “And a(n) highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein,” Isaiah 35:8.
d) Put on the new man: “Is so be that ye have heard him...That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man...And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 4:21-24. This we have done: “Through the faith of the operation of God,” Colossians 2:11-13. Recall our lesson: “Are you in Christ?” This sermon explains in great detail the “new man” and how one become; a “new creature” in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
3. This rendering and explanation of Ephesians 5:26-27; also mirrors Paul’s Letter to Titus. He wrote: “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7.
4. As I move to a conclusion, let me state that both Matthew Henry and B. W. Johnson, agrees that the “washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost;” refers to the “new birth” in John 3:5; which is brought about: “By the washing of water by the word,” Titus 3:5. With Paul’s harmony of this idea within his Letter to Titus, clearly the meaning is the “washing of baptism.” Please refer to these writers yourself. On this note, let me conclude. Recall we mentioned....
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Leadership’s: Divine Appointment
2. The Leadership’s: Divine Assignment
3. The Leadership’s: Divine Assurance
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the elders at Ephesus’ divine appointment. Paul reminded them: “To take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood,” Acts 20:28. Their call to leadership was from a divine person: the Holy Ghost. Who had “made them overseers, to feed the church of God” with the word of life. This is urgently necessary, because the “church is the prize possession of Christ, having been purchased with His own blood.”
2. Second, we discussed the elders at Ephesus’ divine assignment. Paul continued his admonition: “For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock... And of your own selves shall men arise... Therefore watch and remember... I cease not to warn every one night and day with tears,” Acts 20:29-31. This is an office of service and devotion to the people of God. The leadership is ever vigilant in its oversight of the church. They must defend her from false doctrines and the wolves that constantly attack it. This will be accomplished with careful watching, prayers unto God often, and many tears shed for its safety and salvation, as “they watch for their souls.”
3. Lastly, we investigated the elders at Ephesus’ divine assurance. Paul concluded with an assurance unto them: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified,” Acts 20:32. The beloved apostle now encourages them and grants unto them a divine assurance: an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. What a tremendous reminder of these men’s divine call to leadership. The Holy Ghost not only called them; but, now assures them that God will by His grace build them up, and will grant unto them “an inheritance” with all the saints. Truly, their “labor will not be in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
We thank these prolific writers for their wisdom and insight into the Holy Scriptures. We acknowledge here our consultation of their work, in this lesson.
