INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Leadership’s: Divine Appointment
2. The Leadership’s: Divine Assignment
3. The Leadership’s: Divine Assurance
Introductory Remarks.
1. Our lesson today will discuss 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. Sometimes, in that service, the family unit will be challenged and, in some cases, even cause them 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 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 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 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 among you, not sparing the flock... And of you, 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 constantly attacking her. 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 can 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 grant unto them “an inheritance” with all the saints. Indeed, 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 first charges the elders to conduct a self-examination and heed their soul’s condition, 2 Corinthians 13:5. He mentions his 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 about this later in this lesson series.
3. Lastly, he outlines his character while he labored with them in Ephesus, Acts 20:33-35. He wrote: “I have coveted no man’s silver, 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 them to present themselves in the same fashion before the church and the citizens of Ephesus. Every elder ought to be an example before the flock. The elders must be capable teachers of the Word and 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 necessary things 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 similarly, 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 learn more about 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, refers to the makeup of the church of Christ in Ephesus. This assembly was attended by both “Jews and Gentiles.” Remember that you oversee “all the saints” in the body of Christ in Ephesus. Observe...
1. The church’s makeup is made of both “Jews and Gentiles.” Each is 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 fellow heirs.”
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 members, 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 as 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 worldwide. The divisions of white and black churches have 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) 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? Christ tore down the wall of partition 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 them to ensure unity in the body of Christ. I wish I had some help! You folks are quiet this morning. Recall...
2. Paul wrote of the Gentiles' former and latter state as a people of God. Christ tore 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 nigh 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 built 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! 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) honored, all the members rejoice with it,” 1 Corinthians 12:25-26; Romans 12:15.
4. This was necessary teaching and direction for the leadership because of the 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 Trump Administration's “separation and immigration” policies.
c. Evangelicals have supported 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, was designed to enforce 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, 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 the link to learn more about the 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 does God require? Have we as a Nation forgotten what God requires of His people? Consider...
a) 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, destroy souls, get dishonest gain...The people of the land used oppression, 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 mine indignation upon them...their way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD,” Ezekiel 22:25-31.
c) Solomon wrote: “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people,” Proverbs 14:34.
d) “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 world's inhabitants will learn righteousness,” Isaiah 26:9.
e) Conclusion: When will America learn righteousness again? 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. Worldly influences, such as hatred, prejudice, and segregation, often threaten the church’s position as an institution for love and unity.
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 of others. I trust you recall the lesson: “Go and do likewise?” Luke 10:25-37.
b. The church must be the beacon of friendship, fellowship, and inclusion for all people in its membership. To “save some” is to be a friend to all, 1 Corinthians 9:20-23; Proverbs 18:24.
c. The church must: “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 honor preferring one another... Rejoice with them that rejoice... I agree with one another. Mind not high things but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your 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 visited 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 word “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 given 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 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 are named in the first verse of the Epistle to the Philippians. To form a correct idea of the New Testament bishop, we must avoid modern episcopacy,” Page 523.
1) B. W. Johnson continues: “Each church had a plurality. Elders, 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 apostles. There were both “elders and deacons” in the New Testament church. Concerning the interchangeability of the words “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” who were named as the officers (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 (in)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, and 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 with “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” was necessary, 1 Timothy 3:2.
d. With this solid foundation of elders, bishops, teachers, and 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 mention 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. While arresting and thwarting the scriptures, some religious groups take a more literal meaning of the word “pastor” in 1 Timothy 3:1-2 and 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 begins his discourse on the work by emphasizing that 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 that 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 episcope, which means, by implication, superintendence, especially the Christian “episcopate”—the office of a “bishop,” bishopric, or visitation. See Acts 1:20. The argument is that the Gr., word episkope, a noun: “Accusative Feminine Singular,” or N-ASF, could also include the woman as a bishop or pastor.
NOTE: In Acts 1:20, Luke describes the “office” and not the person in this text. Observe that the words “let another” V-2AAO-3S, and “another” A-NSM, are a verb and an adjective that modifies the noun “Judas” N-NSM in Acts 1:25. Whose, “the” T-NSM and “lot” N-NSM, “fell upon Matthias” N-ASM, “who was numbered with the eleven apostles,” Acts 1:26. [A short lesson in Greek Parsing].
NOTE: NSM stands for Nominative Singular Masculine. Please observe that the articles, nouns, verbs, and adjectives are all in the same case number and gender as “masculine.”
NOTE: Brothers, if you do this work for the Master, you must study the Greek language and own a good Greek-English Interlinear. I have recommended some in the References section at the end of this lesson. It is now time to get back to the lesson.
3) Remember, the word man in Gr., is ei tis or a' tes.
4) Let’s proceed 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., the desireth is epithymeo, or e-pe-thü-me'-o, which means to set the heart upon, i.e., too long for: —covet, to desire, to yearn for or 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) knows 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 that the bishop and the deacon must be married (have one wife), 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 “feeding the church.” To fully understand this charge, we must investigate the meaning of “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 made me lie down in green pastures and 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: I lay down my life for the sheep...And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: 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: “He hath purchased with His 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: “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, 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 favor 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 the law, the partition wall between Jews and Gentiles was removed, and both alike had 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 already working as the apostles spoke to these leaders on the beach at Miletus. He knew this because the Holy Spirit empowered 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. Paul’s presence, vigilance, and preaching in Ephesus 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 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 (of the circumcision), Philippians 3:2, Galatians 2:4, and 2 Corinthians 11:26.
2. Further, the minister’s work prepares 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 you 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 and those from among his fellow citizens and false brethren.
b. He warned the Galatians of such a departure, Galatians 1:6-12. He thought it strange that these “new babies” in Christ were on the 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 establish 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,” 1 Timothy 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 notes some signs or teachings of this great apostasy in this Letter. Notice:
a. They are giving heed to seducing spirits. The apostle seems to recognize a supernatural element spoken by false prophets in false utterances that claim to be from God. These seducing spirits might work through hierarchs, who claimed to speak for God, or councils that claimed to make infallible utterances. They speak and preach the commandments of men, Matthew 15:7-9.
b. 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; in the New Testament, it always refers to an “evil spirit,” Acts 19:15-16.
c. They will be speaking lies through hypocrisy. He states: "Some shall depart from the faith ...through the hypocrisy of men, speaking lies." These men will speak lies; some doubtless because of deception, and others to insight deception. They may know the “truth,” but for “filthy lucre’s sake,” they fail to reverence and teach it, Titus 1:11-16.
d. 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 send 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. This is mainly due to their consciences being 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 – 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. Finally, 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.
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 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 choose error in place of truth. Those who preach and 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.” 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 your ministry.
f. Conclusion: In these verses, Paul reminds the preachers that a “falling way” is a “departure from the faith,” and the church “will not endure sound doctrine.” They shall “turn away their ears from the truth” because preachers 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 extraordinary 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: 1 Timothy 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,” which Paul speaks to the elders in his discourse.
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 instead of 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 the Holy Ghost moved them,” 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, 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 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 will rise from within the congregation of God. They will profess to be learned and bear teachings from even the apostles of Christ.
2. Paul had been sent to Jerusalem sometime earlier 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 of conflict in the church. We now focus on such an event in the 1st century, illustrating Paul's message to these elders. He was undoubtedly reflecting on these events as he spoke unto these elders. Luke wrote:
a. They came from Judaea to Antioch: “Certain men who...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 caused discord and division among the saints at Antioch.
c. Paul and others arrive at Jerusalem: “They were received of the church, and the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them,” Acts 15:4. Paul and Barnabas spoke 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 appeal of God's work with them (among the Gentiles) fueled the start of a great debate over the Gentiles’ obedience to the faith, Romans 15:18-19. Notice that Luke wrote:
a. But there rose: “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 the gainsayers, we must permit them to speak. Consider...
b. The apostles and elders: “Came together to consider this matter. And when there had been much disputing. Peter rose 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 first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this, agree with 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 fornication, and 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 gathered 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,” Acts 15:33-34.
c. Paul and Barnabas: “Continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with many others also,” Acts 15:35.
d. God had divinely sent Silas to Antioch so that he might accompany Paul in the work during his second missionary journey. A disagreement over taking John Mark with them causes Paul to take Silas and Barnabas to take John Mark with him. Two missionary teams continue their work among the Gentiles, 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 following few verses. We will find these “doctrines” as the teaching of demons. They oppose “sound doctrine,” which he speaks of throughout 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. These doctrines will include, but are not limited to:
1. Forbidding someone to marry. Not long after Paul's time, the superior holiness of the unmarried life began to be preached in the church, resulting 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 forbade the union of marriage before one could serve in the work of the Lord. These are 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, 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 was the exact phrase for both the husband and the wife. Therefore, whatever it meant for the men meant the same thing for the women.
2. Commanding to abstain from meats. The practice of abstaining from meats came from misrepresenting 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. The deceivers had dropped 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 has created all things. The foods God has 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 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 God's goodness.
3) Finally, if it is received with thanksgiving.
a) The word of God sanctifies it. God has sanctified all things through His Word.
b) And through prayer, after giving thanks before eating God’s blessings.
b. These practices are still found among specific orders of the Latin and Eastern churches, such as “abstaining from meats.” It was once forbidden for Catholics to eat meat on Fridays.
1) This teaching was later amended, allowing them to indulge in meat. At which time was the Pope infallible? Was it when their disciples could not eat meat on Friday, or now when they are permitted to eat it on Friday?
2) Only the “apostles of Christ” spoke the word with complete infallibility.
NOTE: See our lesson “Divine Revelation and Inspiration” on SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
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 is “to draw away disciples after them,” Acts 20:30. There are many “splintered and broken congregations” among us because they lack sound and faithful leadership. Also, there are no “watchmen among them.”
4. Paul wrote to the Romans: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve, not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple,” Romans 16:17-18. The elders and ministers must watch for those coming into the body to cause contentions and confusion. He now mentions this critical 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 word “therefore” comes from the word “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 every one 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 all night and day with tears,” Acts 20:31.
4. Paul likens himself to a faithful guard:
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-called teachers of Christ.
b. He warned everyone; in addition to his public warnings in his preaching, he applied himself to particular matters he saw in them, which he could speak peculiarly to them regarding their faith in Christ.
c. He constantly provided them warnings; he warned night and day; his time was filled with work. In the night, when he should have been reposing himself, he dealt with those he did not get to speak with in the day. 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 sometimes resistant against his warnings, 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, 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 great affection and concern and warned them with tears. As he had served the Lord, so he had served them, with many tears (Acts 20:19, 20:31, 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 the 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, 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 labor 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 tremendous responsibility, he commends them to God. He knew the burden of leadership and whose hands he was committed to. Consider...
1. Paul wrote: “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he can 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 the word of his grace. The word will guide all their difficulties, 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 nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you,” James 4:8. God has taken the first step in reconciling us unto Himself; he sent Jesus. His love 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 the 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 and 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. Everything should be done for edification, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Romans 14:19, and 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 can do exceedingly 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 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 are 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 so that it might stand fast in the faith.
c. What 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 their labor 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 can give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified,” Acts 20:32.
2. The word of God’s grace grants us divine knowledge and 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 could save and sanctify the elders and saints at Ephesus. It has the power to sustain them through the challenges that lay ahead. They can be confident.
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. 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 glorious body,” Romans 8:23; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2-3. All this will occur when He returns from heaven to call His own from the dead; therefore, “comfort one another with these words,” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
4. Peter wrote: “Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...who 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 steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor 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 made to the elders and saints of Ephesus and to all who are sanctified.
1. The word sanctified in Gr., is hagiazo, or hä-ge-ä'-zo, which means to make holy, i.e., to purify or consecrate; to venerate: —hallow, be holy, sanctify. What sanctifies or makes one 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 answer 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, purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, 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 used the same greeting to the other churches to which he had written. He called 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 is God’s,” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. As church members, 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 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 to the church. His object was to sanctify it and make it holy. To do this, it was necessary to cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. All commentators of repute in all bodies refer to this as baptism. All in the church pass through the waters of baptism. But washing 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: “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 older 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 becomes 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 agree 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 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 blood.”
2. Second, we discussed the elders at Ephesus’ divine assignment. Paul continued warning: “For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter among you, not sparing the flock... And of yourselves 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 constantly attacking her. 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 can 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 grant unto them “an inheritance” with all the saints. Indeed, their “labor will not be in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
C. Invitation. Present God’s pattern of conversion. Jesus said: “Come unto me all ye that labor,” Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins, Luke 24:44-47; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33; and then, by obeying the gospel, Romans 10:16-18; Romans 6:17-18; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:13-14].
D. Exhortation. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
Consultations and Commendations
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
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 and acknowledge our consultation of their work in this lesson.
5. Slavery and Jim Crow Law: http://newsreel.org/video/the-rise-and-fall-of-jim-crow.
6. Civil Rights Movement: https://g.co/kgs/Hbqp17.
7. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
8. Orr, James, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume IV, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI., 1986.
9. Hastings, James, A Dictionary of the Bible, Volume 3, Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, MA., 1988.
10. Roberts, J.W., Letters to Timothy, Sweet Publishing Company, Austin, TX., 1964.
11. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
12. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
13. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, @ 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
Lesson updated 8/1/2024 by Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
Visit and worship with the Church of Christ at Pickensville, AL, every Sunday at 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 6:00 PM. The call-in number is 1-302-202-1110, and the PIN is 214733. These men "know the Shepherd!"
