The Foundational Role Of Apostles And Spiritual Gifts In The Church

The Foundational Role of Apostles and Spiritual Gifts in the Church

Introduction: Christ, the Cornerstone

Brethren, let us open our hearts and minds to the Word of God this morning. We gather as the Church, the body of Christ, and it is crucial that we understand the structure and foundation upon which we are built. For without a firm foundation, no building can stand. And so it is with the Church.

Let us turn to 1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV), where the Apostle Paul declares: "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

• Read 1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV) aloud.

Here, beloved, is our starting point. Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone, the very foundation upon which everything else is built. Without Him, there is no Church, no salvation, no hope. He is the chief cornerstone, elect, precious, as it is also written in 1 Peter 2:6 (KJV): "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded."

• Read 1 Peter 2:6 (KJV) aloud.

Christ is paramount, the head of the body, the Church. He is the source of all authority and all spiritual life. But the Lord in His wisdom did not leave us as a shapeless mass. He established order and structure within His Church, building upon this cornerstone.

The Foundation: The Apostles

Now, let us consider the foundation laid upon this Cornerstone. Turn with me to Ephesians 2:20 (KJV): "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone."

• Read Ephesians 2:20 (KJV) aloud.

Here we see clearly that the Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. These were not ordinary men, brethren. They were chosen by Christ Himself, eyewitnesses to His ministry, death, and resurrection. They were sent forth with divine authority to establish the Church and to deliver the foundational teachings of our faith.

Consider also Revelation 21:14 (KJV), describing the New Jerusalem: "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

• Read Revelation 21:14 (KJV) aloud.

The very walls of the eternal city, the New Jerusalem, are founded upon the twelve apostles! This speaks volumes about their indispensable role. Their teachings, their prophecies, their doctrines – these are not mere opinions or suggestions. They are the very foundation upon which we stand.

The early Church in Acts 2:42 (KJV) "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

• Read Acts 2:42 (KJV) aloud.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' doctrine. This was fundamental. Their words were not just helpful advice; they were divine instruction, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Their prophecies, like those recorded in the book of Acts and their letters, were not fleeting pronouncements but enduring truths for the Church age. Their teachings, preserved in the Holy Scriptures, are the bedrock of our faith and practice. They are fundamental, universal, and timeless.

The Five-Fold Ministry: Gifts of Prophecy and Teaching

Building upon this foundation of apostles and prophets, the Lord has gifted the Church with other ministries. Let us turn to Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV): "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

• Read Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV) aloud.

Here we see the five-fold ministry: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Notice that prophets and teachers are listed amongst these office gifts. These are not foundational in the same way as the original apostles, but they are crucial for the ongoing health and growth of the Church.

These ministers, gifted by Christ, also operate in prophetic gifts and in teaching. Their prophecies and teachings are vital for the edification, encouragement, and guidance of the Church in specific contexts and times. They help to interpret and apply the foundational apostolic teachings to the present needs of the body of Christ. However, their prophetic utterances and teachings, while valuable and Spirit-led, are not to be placed on the same level as the foundational prophecies and doctrines of the apostles. They build upon the foundation, they do not replace it.

Individual Believers: Spiritual Gifts for All

Now, what about the rest of us, the individuals within the Church? Does the Spirit of God only work through these appointed offices? By no means! 1 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV) tells us: "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."

• Read 1 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV) aloud.

Every man! Every believer born of the Spirit is given a manifestation of the Spirit, spiritual gifts to profit the whole body. 1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV) further clarifies: "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."