WHERE DWELLEST THOU
OR
THE MARKS OF A NEW TESTAMENT ASSEMBLY
We live in a day when all christendom is in confusion, and a new convert, born again, enthusiastic, and motivated by the love for the Saviour who died for him may feel that things in general are not right. Having read the scriptures they find that what is being practiced does not match what they read. The Spirit of God exercises every believer to search for the truth as revealed by the Spirit through the word. The question the seeker asks is "where can I find the scriptures being carried out? Where do I start from, and what must I do?" There may be other unanswered questions as well, and it is to those seekers that these notes are written.
To commence the Search
To be led by the Spirit of God is a great adventure and journey in order to find God's purpose for out life, and "wayfaring men though fools, shall not err therein." Isa.35:8. It begins with the seeker believing that the bible is true, and it is to be obeyed. It may be said: if it is written, do it; if what you are doing is not written in the scriptures then don't do it! It is all a matter of faith. If we wish to draw near to God we must believe that He exists, “and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”. Heb.11:6.
The Goal
The scripture soon reveals that the goal of the seeker is to find the place sphere the Lord has placed His name, and where He dwells among His people; Deut.12. That is the place where He wants all His redeemed to be, gathered around Him where every provision for the believer is found. All scripture shows that God, from old times, has nominated a place where He dwells, and where He gathers His people around Himself. Remember the tabernacle, then Jerusalem, and now in the New Testament the Spirit of God, the Father gathers believers to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ who then is in the midst; Math.18:20. These notes describe the characteristics or marks of such a place.
The Exercise
Every person born again will go through this exercise, but that person will find every hindrance and pitfall being put in his path. Most are turned aside, falling short of obedience to the scriptures, and never realise the real purpose and sphere of service in this life.
HINDRANCES
Two of the most common of these pitfalls are:
1 Bad advice from Christian friends and associates
2 Personal unconfessed sin.
Christian Friends and Associates
The strong possibility exists that very soon after being saved the new converts will observe that there are commands and exhortations in the Word of God which they feel must be the will of God for them. However they are not being carried out by the group in which they find themselves. If this is your position carefully and prayerfully ask your older acquaintances for help in the matter. Be warned; should you become argumentative or obstinate you can be sure you are wrong. There is no place for argument in the sphere of the Spirit. One should be very meek and submissive to your elders in particular.
Be very dependant on the Spirit of God to enlighten you from the Word, and follow His leading which will always be according to that Word. Never move on feelings or intuition alone which are invariably wrong, do not retaliate in argument as contention is a weapon of the flesh, and as such is totally opposed to the will and Spirit of God.
A Hearing Aid
When listening to spiritual advice there is an absolute rule:
1. To the law and the testimony; "if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no
light in them;" Isa.8:20
2. "No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation:" 2Peter 1:20.
Simply then, in answer to your questions, or in discussion, the adviser must of necessity point out the relative scriptures. No scriptural passage stands alone, nor can it be taken out of context. All scriptures must support the proposed doctrine without exception.
Followers of Tradition
You may have friends who follow some man made tradition which can not be supported from the word. As described above it cannot be received as "thus have ye made the commandments of God of none effect by your tradition," Mat.15:6. Shun "the church says", etc.
All Commandments do Not Have to be Obeyed
This advice is from the pit of hell. Disobedience and disrespect to any of the scriptural commandments shows NO respect to the Lord who died for us. He says, "If you love Me keep My commandments" Jno.14:15 (all inclusive). "He that hath My commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth Me", Jno.14:21. No more need be said.
Don't Rock the Boat
Your "so called" friends may say, "Don’t rock the boat, you will upset people". Well you have a simple choice: Please men and upset the Lord, or please the Lord and upset men. May we remind the seeker that "men" must never be upset by our contending. Calmly and meekly explain your position which is simple obedience to the word as you understand it.
Fellow believer please do not fall short of the Lord's plea, "be my disciples". Even though the way, at first, may seem difficult there is an absolute truth. "he that hath a will to do My will shall know of the doctrine." Jno.7:17. With this also, a glorious promise, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."
To do the will of the Lord is to set out on a great journey and search. It is the great journey of discovering the Lord Jesus Christ and getting "to know Him and the power of His resurrection." The disciples asked, "where dwellest thou?"..."He saith, come and see.” You see the obedient christian sets out to find Him. There is no nobler task.
Personal Unconfessed Sin
Apart from so called christian friend's, bad advice personal unconfessed sin is a hindrance which cuts off the believer's fellowship with the Lord. There he remains in the dark until confession is made and fellowship is restored; 1 Jno.1:9. Keep short accounts with God so that the search is unhindered.
DOES GOD HAVE A DWELLING PLACE ON EARTH?
We can thank God that His word declares that His eternal purpose is to dwell among His people who are redeemed by blood and by power. Not only to dwell among them eternally in heaven, but also here on earth. Just as He dwelt among His redeemed people in the tabernacle after the exodus from Egypt, and in Jerusalem when they were in the land, so today He, the Father, gathers His obedient people to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ in corporate testimony. This is the N.T assembly.
Where does He Dwell Today?
As mentioned above He dwells in the midst of believers gathered strictly according to His Word. The following scriptures show that the local New Testament church is the dwelling place of God.
1. 1 Cor.3:16 the local church is temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you.
2. 2 Cor.6.16 I will dwell among them and walk among them.
3. Eph.2:22 it is a habitation of God through the Spirit.
4. 1 Pet.2:5 It is the house of God, the gathering not the building.
Where God does NOT Dwell Today
To suppose that God can not dwell amongst hypocrisy, cant, and gross disobedience to His Word is QUITE CORRECT. You see "holiness becometh thine house, O Lord forever." Psa.93:5. In our quest, therefore, to find Him dwelling among His people, it is a correct scriptural assumption that the place will be according to His will and purpose, and suitable for His holy dwelling place.
A Guide for the Way
We can thank Him that He has given us His Word, and the Holy Spirit to interpret the Word, which gives directions in finding Him. It also gives us a clear description of the place where He dwells. Now using the scriptures as our road map, and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can find the place where the Lord dwells among His people in our locality
Reading the Map
We are actually looking for definite collective and individual behaviour in a group of christians claiming to be gathered around His Word. We may find many false signs as most christian groups claim that the Lord is in their midst. The word of God makes it clear that this may not be so, but the Lord will only be in the midst in the place where ALL the signs are evident.
In reality the seeker should examine each group or church under review to see if all the marks described below are present. It is not recommended that one join any group, but rather watch, and note the presence of the following signs or marks.
The Marks
The marks of a scriptural assembly are described below:
1. They acknowledge that they have been gathered by the Holy Spirit to the person of the Lord Jesus
Christ.
2. They acknowledge the all sufficiency of the word of God; they have no other authority either by tradition or by writing.
3. Christ is their absolute Lord, they have no other authority but Him, and it is evidenced by their obedience to
the Word of God.
4. They allow the sovereign operation of the Holy Spirit with no one directing activities
5. Every believer is acknowledged and operates as a priest
6 They are guided by elders or overseers who may not be apparent at first
7 They are named by no other name than His.
These are not all the marks, but having found a place which meets the above criteria, it is very likely you have found the Lord Himself dwelling amongst His people.
THE FIRST MARK
Believers are Gathered to Him Alone
The seventh mark may be the first observed in that they acknowledge no other name but that of the Lord Jesus Christ. This fact should interest the seeker as it is obvious, and it may be advisable to start there. Most groups have taken a denominational name as a group which disqualifies them as they gather in reality to that.
The scriptural group, in addition to having no distinctive name, must be aware of, and be able to explain the method of incorporation. They will know that they have been gathered by the Holy Spirit to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ in local testimony. They will know the distinction between the church which is His body, and the church in local testimony. It is not possible to be scripturally gathered unless the members of the local church have a very clear knowledge of this doctrine.
Now let us briefly study the doctrine of "the church which is His body: and the "church in local testimony" which has been much confused by men, and one fears deliberately so.
The Church Which is His Body
The first mention of the church in all the scriptures is in Mat.16:16-18. In verse 16 Peter says "Thou art the Christ the son of the living God", and in reply the Lord says: v.18, "thou art Peter (petros; a small stone), and upon this rock (petra; very large boulder) I will build (oikodomeo; to build a house) my church (ekklesia; to call out of, gathering, it is a noun). There is no possible way the Lord meant the church would be built on Peter, a little stone. He clearly indicates that it is upon the huge rock, Himself, He would build His assembly (singular), of called out ones.
On conversion the Lord does some wonderful things for each believer:
1. Acts 15:14; He is taking out of the gentiles a people for His name.
2. Cor.15:14, "for by one spirit we are all baptised into one body". see Eph.4:4.
3. Eph.5:30, "for we are members of His body, of His flesh, of His bones."
4. Eph.1:21-23, that one body is in heaven where the Lord is raised, “and set down at the right hand of
God in the heavenly places, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church which is His body,
the fullness of Him that filleth all in all”.
5. Eph.4:30, Eph.1:13, we are sealed WITH the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption.
This body is singular, it stands alone in heaven, every believer is baptised into it irrespective of what denominational tag they wear on earth. There is no male or female in it, no evil can corrupt it, no eye has ever seen it, and all the power of the Devil can not prevail against it. Every believer from Pentecost to the rapture is in it, and can never be severed from it. It is the believer's eternal position. Above all it is the sole property of the Lord who purchased it with His Own precious blood. "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, but with the precious blood of Christ", 1.Pet. 1:18-19.
The Church in Local Testimony
Just a cursory glance at the New Testament will reveal a second aspect of the church by the scriptural phrases, "churches of the saints", and the "churches of God". Both these when addressed individually or collectively, "are always in their local capacity as a testimony for God in a twofold character as a golden lamp stand." See "The Churches" W J Driller. The church in local testimony, as we will see, is that place where the Lord dwells amongst His people. First let us note the characteristics of the lampstands. It is a testimony to:
1 The world in the gospel. 1 Thes.1:7-8
2. The saints as the pillar and ground of the truth 1 Tim 3:15.
Now we can not see the church which is His body in the heavenly places, but we must know what we are to look for on earth.
An Introduction to the Local Church
It is important to note the statement in 1Cor.12:27, where the apostle Paul is speaking to the church of God at Corinth and he says, "ye are "the" body of Christ...” As we have already seen it is not possible to address the church in the heavens because:
1. It is invisible
2. It is spiritual
3 .The church which is His body consists of every believer ever saved, and is not yet completed.
This brings us to ask, just what is he addressing? It must be something else. The student will note that in verse 27 there is no definite article in the original Greek. The omission of this article changes the meaning to "ye are (that which represents or is characteristic of) the body of Christ." We understand from this that whatever he is addressing has similar traits to that of the body in heaven. This is of utmost importance.
What we can say at this time is that the body in heaven is one, a unity. Its members are as close as the members of a human body, Eph.5:30. Therefore the local church, for that is what the apostle is addressing, must faithfully portray it. 1 Cor.1:2, "unto the church of God which is at Corinth." You may say, "I can see that, but how is it put into action?" In order to answer that question we must study and see how a local church is formed.
A Local Church Formed
The first mention of the "church in local testimony" in the Word is prophetic in Math 18:20. Let us undertake a careful study of that passage so that we may understand how the place where the Lord dwells among His people on earth is formed.
Matthew 18:20
for (gar) Because this is the case, therefore
where (hou)Place or scene of something
two or three The smallest number to constitute and church, and the SUBJECT of the sentence
are gathered together. (sunago) :(sun) = together; (ago) = bring, gather
We must stop at this point and study the verb which is vital to the understanding of the passage even in English. Unless we do, we can never understand the doctrine of the church. We note the verb is:
1. Passive voice
2. Aorist tense
Passive Voice
The passive voice simply means that the subject does not do the action, which in this case the "two or three". Furthermore it is correct English grammar to add to the auxiliary verb to a participle to indicate passive voice. All this is very easy to understand. The auxiliary verb is "are" and the past participle is "gathered". Simple English it may be, but all error in understanding this verse is caused by the readers, deliberately or otherwise, making the verb active voice.
The passive voice means that something or someone else did the gathering of the "two or three". The scriptures clearly indicate that the Holy Spirit is the gatherer. He leads the believer to the person of the Lord.
Wrong Interpretation - Active Voice
Unfortunately ignorant and disobedient believers change the meaning of the verb "gathered" to active voice, and they make their own church by calling down the Lord into their midst. God is sovereign and He will rule. He will place His name in the place He chooses, He will require obedience, and He will not be dictated to by men, even good men. Matthew 18:20 is not a promise. A promise is an explicit undertaking to do, or not to do something. Math 18:20 is neither an explicit, implied, or even conditional promise that He will come and be in the midst of a gathering of any kind. He is making a statement of fact. In the place where He places His name He WILL gather His own to Himself. It is akin to black magic to expect to be able to call down the Lord into the midst of a group which may have no intention of obeying His word. Those who do so show a total lack of knowledge of the church. No doubt each individual christian can and should have the Lord present with him. Mat.18:20 is speaking about the formation of the church in local testimony, the habitation of God in a particular locality.
Wrong Interpretation - Splitting the Verb
The second error is splitting the verb which shows a lack of knowledge of both the Greek and English. An endeavour is made to make two verbs out of one. In this case "are" and "having been gathered together". It may be an attempt to explain the aorist tense in the Greek, but it leaves itself open to any wild interpretation. How did they get there, and who gathered them? Auxiliary verbs simply help other verbs to form their voice, mood, or tense. There is only one word in the Greek for "are gathered together".
Aorist Tense
The difference between the past tense and "punctiliar aorist" is little. The Spirit gathered believers at a point in time thus constituting a New Testament assembly.
Matthew 18 continued
unto (eis) Indicates motion towards when used this way
my name (onoma) "for all the name implies, authority, character, rank, majesty etc. of everything that the name covers" W. E.Vine.
There (ekei) in that place
am I
in the midst (mesos) middle; same as in English
of them
The verse then means: because where two or three believers have been gathered together, by the Holy Spirit, unto my very person, and all that is characteristic of me, I am there in the middle of them. The best exposition of Math 18:20 is Deuteronomy chapter 12, where the eternal principles of God are detailed. First the Lord chooses a place to place His name, and where He will dwell. It is then incumbent upon the faithful believer to go to that place for all collective worship. Today we note it is still a complete and total work of the Lord. He still names the place, He still gathers believers to Himself, and above all it is His work alone.
First Mark Characteristics
The following summarise the first mark:
1 The church does not have any identifying name
2. The members are very conscious that the church was formed by the Holy Spirit gathering them to the
person of the Lord
3 The only name they wish to be known by is those given in scripture.
Probably the only notation they have about themselves is, "christians gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ". The only names they acknowledge are the names given in the scriptures such as brethren, believers, and saints. Brethren as a denomination is not in scripture.
THE SECOND MARK
The All Sufficiency of God's Word
How soon, even in the Apostle Paul's lifetime, believers had departed from the truth of the word of God. He could say, "All they which are in Asia be turned away from me", 2 Tim 1:15. Apart from the word of God there is no guide, there is no light. The Word of God contains the mind of God for us; nothing else does! Psa.119:105. Nothing else lights up the way. 2 Tim 3:16-17, all scripture is given by inspiration of God which is able to thoroughly equip the believer to EVERY good work. All tradition is excluded, no human authority is cited, and no man's word is accepted.
The open minded acceptance of, obedience to, and willingness to be examined by the Word of God is the foundation of ALL spiritual growth and achievement. This is really where everything starts. It is what leads us on in the pathway to Him.
This mark is evidenced among a group of believers by the fact that they will make the scriptures the first and final authority. Should human reasoning come in by any means they will say, "to the law and the testimony; if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them", Isa.8:20. Everything is judged on this basis: they are those who have no confidence in the flesh: Phil3:3. The seeker who moves according to revealed light from the Word will find comfort among such as are of a similar mind. However there are other marks which must exist before a group proves itself to be a properly constituted assembly.
THE THIRD MARK
The Absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ
In a church where the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ is owned and acknowledged nothing is allowed to come between the believer and his Lord. "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," 1 Tim 2:5. The only time scripture allows intervention is when scriptural discipline is required. They accept no instructions from any person, organisation, or body, except from the Lord Himself. These commands will be according to the Word of God, and will be communicated to them by way of the Holy Spirit. The believers in the scriptural church recognise the right of the Lord to be the Lord of the church in local testimony because it is:
1. His by purchase: "feed the church of God which He has purchased with His own blood," Acts 20:28
2 His by authority: God "gave Him to be head over all things to the church," Eph 1:22a: "Christ is
head Over the church", Eph.5:23.
3. His by love: His love should bind us to Him to own His Lordship, "even as Christ also loved
the church, and gave Himself for it," Eph 5:25-28.
The owning of His Lordship can only be demonstrated one way, and that by implicit obedience to His Word. It is the grossest sin to claim that one owns Him as Lord whilst being disobedient. "And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46. "If ye love me keep my commandments," Jno.14:15; "he that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me" Jno.14:21. Obedience is the acid test. One only acknowledges the Lordship of Jesus Christ in as much as they are obedient to His Word.
Again this mark is very obvious in that the local church does not have any leader, head, controlling authority. It acknowledges the absolute right of the Lord to exercise total control through the Holy Spirit according to His Word. Because of this each local church has no connection with any other church or group (except by way of fellowship) as it is responsible to the Lord alone.
THE FOURTH MARK
The Sovereign Operation of the Holy Spirit
We can thank God in His infinite wisdom that He has used the body as a picture. We have already seen the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and that the local church has a head in heaven. We individually are members of that body. What has not been made clear is just how He exercises His Lordship. How does He control it?
The Functional Body
Please note again very carefully that God uses the body as a picture to describe the church because of the similarities. Now in the body the big toe can not direct the arm, nor is it possible for any member to control another. All the directions come from the brain via the nerves to control the appropriate member. In just the same way, in the spiritual realm, the Lord as Head does the thinking, and sends His message to the individual member by way of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit not only brings the message from the Head, but also brings the power to act in obedience. This is the only legitimate means of operation in the local church. It could be said, "Trust and obey for there is no other way," would prove to be wise.
Body Malfunctions
However there is a disastrous possibility. The member in the local church can operate being powered by another source which is totally opposed to the mind of the Head. Every believer can make a conscious decision to use his own logic, reasoning ability, or fulfill his personal desires and act on that. Irrespective of how intelligent, expedient, or good it may seem the action, if not according to the word of God, is evil. 1 Cor.1, 2, & 3.
Wrong Messages >From the Flesh
From the above we can see that if an action is not scriptural and powered by the Spirit and it comes from human intelligence or tradition it is wrong. Wrong messages come from wrong sources such as:
1 The individual believer's own reasoning or understanding: "trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and
lean not unto thine own understanding," Prov.3:5.
2. By some member giving other members orders, "who art thou who judgest another man's servant?
to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him
.stand," Rom.14:4.
Both methods are wrong, and are condemned by scripture. The young believer may find difficulty in this, but take the promise, "I will never leave thee or forsake thee." Each member must become skilled in determining the source of the message, and not follow wrong directions. He must recognise, and respond to the leading of the Spirit. The messages from the Spirit of God are always according to scripture. One must match the message with the Word. One good rule is "let the peace of God rule (brabueo: act as umpire or arbitrator) in your heart" Col 3:15. Error will unsettle, but truth gives peace. Refuse to act when in doubt.
Wrong Messages Due to Unconfessed Sin
It must be obvious to all that no messages will be received if there is unconfessed sin in the life. On committing the sin fellowship with the Father and His Son is broken. It remains so until confession is made and fellowship is restored. Any action taken by that person will be wrong as he will be operating in the flesh. If this detected by others, "ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness..." Gal 6:1
Summary
The sovereign operation of the Holy Spirit simply means that the messages from the Head to the members are not interfered with by any means. The Head can use any member, and exercise any gift given, at His sovereign will.
THE FIFTH MARK
The Priesthood of Every Believer. The New Testament clearly shows that there are not different classes of believers in a church. In fact it is clear from 1 Peter 2:5 that each individual believer is a living stone, and is used to build up a spiritual house, and is also a holy priest to offer up spiritual sacrifices. In verse 9 of the same chapter each believer is a royal priest. It is terrible indeed to see this distorted by men who form a special class of believer to take the roll of priest.
Repeating each individual believer is three things:
1 A living stone used to make up a spiritual house
2 A holy priest
3. A royal priest
A Spiritual House
Where the apostle Paul uses the expression "body", Peter uses "house". In fact the local assembly is the "habitation of God", Eph 2:21-22. This is very salutary indeed. Not only do we individually constitute the house, but also we must know "how thou oughtst behave thyself in the house of God which is the church of God, the pillar and ground of the truth," 1 Tim 3:15. The church is not the building, but the believers!
A Holy Priest
Every saved soul is a priest. In 1 Pet 2:5 he is a holy priest, one who offers up spiritual sacrifices. In Heb 13:15. "by Him, therefore let us offer the sacrifices of praises to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." The natural consequence of being saved is to have a heart full of thanksgiving and praise for One who bore our sins and died for us. This is the automatic response from the heart of the individual to God. It is not only unnecessary to have any one else relaying that praise to God on the worshipper's part, but also it is a positive evil. "The Father seeketh such to worship Him." He looks for the individual response. How good it is to come together, as an assembly, to offer up sacrifices of such a nature. We see then our holy priestly function is Godward.
A Royal Priest
Each believer is not only a holy priest, but also is a royal priest according to 1 Pet 2:9, "but ye are a chosen generation (genos; race), a royal priesthood, a holy nation (ethnos; nation or people) a peculiar (peripoiesis; possession, God's own) people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light." A royal priest shows forth to the world the value and worth of the Lord Jesus Christ, and towards sinner the sounds out the word of the Lord, 1Thes.1:8 & Phil 2:16. Thus we should move with dignity through this scene as we are the sons of a King.
Priestly Order
Priestly order means, in this case, the fact that everything in service emanates from worship. Even at Pentecost when the first activity was to preach the gospel, it was a gospel which declared the wonderful works of God. They were motivated by a worshipping heart. Unless there is a worshipping heart there is no spiritual activity of any kind.
Unfortunately there are some who relegate this priestly service to pure formality. For example, "no church activity should take place before worship". No spiritual christian can object to that as he has a continual worshipping heart. What is meant by the above statement however is that there must be a worship service before any other activity. In the first instance there is no mention of a worship service in the New Testament. Worship is a state of heart. It is not improved by any service, but is maintained by fellowship with the Lord, and by obedience to His Word.
Let us be sure of one thing, the holy priest has a continual attitude of worship, he does not need any formal rules or regulations which can do nothing but curtail him. He is a worshipper, and as a result of that worship he acts. He then automatically enters the role of royal priest, and tells others of the Lord's beauty. He has a similar attitude to that of the Lord towards both the household of faith, and to the world. By this activity the priest, "grows in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," 2 Pets3:18. He is also "transformed by the renewing of the mind." Rom 12:2. This is a continuous process until completely "conformed to the image of His Son," Rom 8:29. All this happens because the priest functions. He may not be conscious of this transformation as it is all a work done by the Holy Spirit without effort on the part of the believer.
Note
Every believer is to offer these sacrifices as they have direct access to God through the Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no ground given in the scripture for the thought that some believers constitute a class of priests, and have sole access to God on behalf of others. Again all are priests.
A it is the duty of every priest to approach God, and offer up these sacrifices "when the whole church be come together into one place," 1Cor.11:20, you would expect to see any believing man, as led by the spirit, offering up praise to God. Likewise every believing woman being silent as ordered by 1Cor.14:34, and also 1 Tims2:12. There would be no special class of christian offering praises exclusively because of their rank.
It must be explained that the gift of the Spirit is given to everyone to profit the whole. The gift of the evangelist and pastor teacher is typified by the Levite and not the priest. Therefore the exercise of the gift given and that of the offerings of the holy and royal priest are not the same. It may be said then that the priesthood of every believer eliminates class distinction between believers. Women are silent in the church, but in silence, in private, and in witness every man and woman should function as priests.
A SUMMARY OF THE FIRST FIVE MARKS
The previous five marks are visible from a position outside the meetings under review. That is to say you do not have to be a member to see them. What can be seen is:
1. Believers are gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. No other names, of any kind, are
used to denote or describe them.
2. The only authority used by them is the bible. No other books, sets of doctrines or magazines are
used or quoted as an authority.
3. The Lordship of Jesus Christ is visible in that no individual, or group of individuals, control any of the
church activities in any way.
4. The members are visibly seen to be reliant on the leading of the Holy Spirit in worship, and in the
exercise of the gifts in the church.
5 There is no individual or group of individuals acting as mediators for other believers as a superior class.
Should the group under study possess all the above marks or traits then it is likely that they will also have the other qualities which the scriptures require.
THE SIXTH MARK
Elders and Overseers
On reflection one may ask, "How can a group of people operate without a leader?" This question supposes that a group must have a visible leader which the New Testament does not have or need. The Lord Jesus Christ is the leader directing the members by way of the Holy Spirit according to His Word. The real questions ask are:
1 How can a group of diverse people operate cohesively without a visible leader?
2 How can confusion be avoided?
In the above notes we have described how the Lord controls His obedient people, but we will go over some of that ground again.
No Visible Leader
Remember the picture of the body being used to describe the church? If you do you will recall that every action of each member is controlled by the Head sending messages and enabling power to the member. First, however there has to be a positive link of fellowship between the believer and his Lord. It is that link which enables constant communion with Him whereby one knows the mind of the Lord on the matter at hand. It is our bounden duty to maintain that link. Unfortunately members cut off this link or are prevented from obeying the leading of the Spirit.
More on Blockages to That Link
Now we must warn believers that the link whereby the messages and enabling power comes to him can be blocked or cut off, and no messages or leading is received. Some negative possibilities may exist:
1 The member may cut off that line of communication by unconfessed sin.
2 Ignorance of the Word of God.
3 The messages may be received but the believer may he be prevented from acting upon the command
received.
Unconfessed Sin
Immediately the believer sins the line of communication is cut off except to convict of that sin. No other messages will be received until the sin is confessed and forsaken, 1.Jno.1:9. At this stage fellowship is restored, and the believer becomes an operating member and active servant again. An entirely different set of circumstances exist if a believer sins a sin of ignorance.
There is a sacrifice for the sin of ignorance; the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Obviously the sin of ignorance is committed because he is not familiar with the Word of God. In due course the Spirit will bring this omission to the mind of the believer as he studies the Word.
Willful Ignorance
A believer can never be complacent about reading, taking in, and studying the Word. Knowledge of the Word is a major defense against the attacks of the Devil. Satan will attempt to make you captive and keep you bound. We must be aware of the pitfall.
1 We must rightly divide the word of truth.
2 The mind must always be open to conviction from the Word
3 Presumption is the means used to spring the trap.
Rightly Divide the Word
The commission to timothy, "study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (orthotomeo; orthos = straight, tomeo = to cut or rightly dealing with a thing) the Word of truth," 2 Tims2:15. It is absolutely essential that scripture is compared with scripture as no right doctrine is ever contradicted by other scriptures. Scripture after scripture will confirm right doctrine.
A Mind Open to Conviction
Even after comparing scripture with scripture the mind must be open to any additional light brought to bear on the doctrine we hold. It is almost final if one takes the attitude that they are right irrespective of what the scriptures or other christians may say. The only safety is in the word, and the help of the Holy Spirit, whenever something read or heard contradicts what we hold. A diligent search of the scriptures must be undertaken to determine the truth. Definitely do not try to use the scriptures to bolster a doctrine under question. Study slowly and carefully, compare all the relevant scriptures on the subject at hand. Do not close your mind to the leading of the Spirit. Once having obstinately made up your mind on any matter Satan has taken you captive and it is only a "peradventure" that you may recover yourself from the snare of the Devil. 2 Tim 2:25-26.
Presumption
It is almost arrogant presumption when we make up our mind in face of obvious contradicting scriptures and sound advice as to our error. It is at that point of presuming to know, in spite of all contrary evidence that springs the trap. You are the Devil's captive.
Apparent Problems
You would have notices that the local church is not an organization but rather an organism. There is no chain of command, nor is there set lines of communication in the church. With this being so there would appear to be insurmountable problems in maintaining order and discipline. Particularly as we have noticed no visible head controlling, nor any set agenda to follow.
We have studied the spiritual operation of the church, and noted that the Lord in the midst is controlling by means of the Holy Spirit applying the Word and leading each individual. There, nevertheless, remains the possibility of failure. Christians may operate in the flesh which we noted would be diametrically opposed to the will of God.
Problem Solved
First let us notice two statements from the Word of God. 1 Cur 14:40; "let everything be done decently (euschemonos; in a seeming manner) and in order (taxis; in due order in contrast to confusion)". "God is not the author of confusion (akatastasio; instability, tumult, and disturbance) but of peace" 1Cor.14:33.
This clearly states that God in not a God of confusion, but with Him everything is stable and peaceful. In order to maintain this, God fits those who have been given the gift to be guides and leaders. Let us be quite clear on one thing. Leaders are those who set the standard by example, having the personality which attracts the believer to the Lord, and in whom the believer has confidence.
ELDERS AND OVERSEERS STUDIED
We now intend to take up the study of elders and overseers and look at it very carefully.
1 Different words - the same gift
2 Reference in the scripture as related to the church
3. Their qualifications
4 Their responsibilities
Again, as is the case with all church doctrine, there appears to be a great lack of scriptural knowledge these members of the local church.
Different Words - The Same Gift
The different words which fall into this category are:
1 Elder (presbuteros) = older in age
2 Overseer (episkopos) watch over; epi = over, skopeo = to watch
3 Bishop (episkopos) watch over; epi = over, skopeo = to watch
4 Pastor (poimen) = one who tends herd and flocks
5 Shepherd (poimen) = as above and both are spiritual gifts
ust a cursory glance will show that the King James translators have used more than one English word for the same Greek one. There seems to be no good reason for this than not to embarrass the Church of England at that time.
Elders - References in The Epistles
Elders or (presbuteros) occurs:
1 Acts 11:30
2 Acts 14:23, they ordained (cheirotoneo) to point out
3 Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; Acts 16:4
4 Acts 20:17, 18; 1Tim 5:1, 17, 19
5 Titus 1:5 ordain (kathistemai) to make:
6 James 5:14
7 1Pet 5:1
8 .2Jno 1; & 3Jno.1
The word elder in the Revelation has not been included even though it refers to the church, but it is not applicable to this study. 17 references to this word and we can discover the following information.
1 Every church has elders that mean more than one!
2 Before the complete scriptures were available they may have also had the gift of prophecy
3 The apostle Paul called the elders of the church at Ephesus to meet him, and gave them a special
charge.
4 1Tim 5:17, "let the elders that rule (eriostemon; stand before by setting the example) well..." It
does NOT mean rule by ordering!
5 There is no occasion recorded in the scriptures that they acted apart from the whole assembly or without
their knowledge.
Overseer and Bishop
Overseer (episcopes; epic = over, scope = watch)
Bishop is exactly the same word in Greek
1..........Acts 20:20,....... "The Holy Ghost hath made you overseers"
2..........Phil 1:1, .............."Paul with the bishops and deacons"
3..........1Tim.3:2, ......... "a bishop must then be blameless"
4..........Titus.1:7 .......... "a bishop must be blameless"
5..........1Pet 2:25, ........ "returned unto the bishop of your soul"
6..........Tim 3:1, .......... "Desire the office of a bishop"
The Greek word should never have been translated "bishop" because there was really no such word until brought in by carnal christians. The word is "overseer", that is one who watched over something. In this case the welfare of the church members. Not anywhere in scripture is there the remotest thought of a man taking control of a church let alone a number of churches. This is purely man's invention opposed to the will of God. Further, to compound the translator's error in this matter, they then invented the words "office of a bishop". It simply does not exist. The original Greek says, "if a man desire to be an overseer (or the overseership)". There is no Greek word "office" in the original. We discover at least two very important things by looking at this word:
1. Overseers are made by the Holy Spirit, Acts 20:20, and not made by church or man by the laying on
of hands.
2. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd or Bishop.
3. Men must meet strict criteria in order to even begin to qualify, and must exhibit the gift in action. We
shall study this later.
Pastor and Shepherd - Reference in Scripture
Again we find inconsistency in translation where one Greek word is translated into two entirely different English words. The origin of pastor is unsure, and apart from its ecclesiastical usage has no meaning. Pastor and shepherd (poimen) one who tends herds or flocks.
1. Eph 4:11, "some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers"
2. Heb 13:20, "our Lord Jesus that great shepherd"
3. 1Pet 2:25, "are now returned unto the shepherd"
4. 1Pet 5:4, "the chief shepherd shall appear"
The most striking point noted here is that only the Lord Jesus Christ is an Archbishop, and it would appear to be utmost blasphemy to take the Lord's title and apply it to oneself. We also note that the Holy Spirit's gift of pastor is linked with that of teacher, and that is perfectly in order.
The Word Feed
Before we finish with the word shepherd we must take into account the word "feed" (poimaino; to act as a shepherd- a derivative of poimen a shepherd)It has the meaning of tending a flock, not only feeding it, but also attending to the flock's every need, to keep it safely:
1. Jno.21:16 “He saith unto him feed my sheep"
2. Acts.20:28 "take heed to feed the church of God"
3. 1Cor.9:7 "who feedeth a flock, and eateth not"
4. 1Pet.5:2 "feed the flock of God which is among you"
5. Jude.12 "they feast...feeding themselves without fear"
6 Rev.7:17 "for the Lamb shall...feed them"
Within the church context "feed" has a very wide meaning particularly when addressed to the shepherds. It includes other acts of discipline, authority, restoration, material assistance to individuals, but above all the teaching of the Word.
THE INTERRELATIONSHIP OF ELDERS OVERSEERS AND SHEPHERDS
It is amazing that most of those who take the above titles never see that they refer to the same person and work, and that it is the same gift. Each word only describes different aspects of that work.
Acts 20:20-28
In verse 17 we read "and he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders (plural) of the church (singular) as he wanted to meet them and say farewell.
The very same persons are next spoken of in verse 28 where we read, "over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God". In v.28 we find the elders were Holy Ghost made overseers and they were to feed (shepherd) the flock of God. This is extremely interesting as we have all the words, elder, bishop, overseer, pastor, and shepherd all applied to a special gift of the Holy Spirit given to one person.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PERSON
What we have discovered now is that each name describes a certain aspect of the gift in operation.
Elder, shows their maturity and spiritual experience, that they are not novices in the exercise of their gift.
Bishop & Overseer, Being the same word it describes the character of the work done by them. The real sense of this work is that of watching over the flock of God.
We have a concept of an overseer as one who sets, monitors, and directs others in work to be done. This can NOT be read into this Holy Spirit work. They protect and feed the flock.
Pastor and. Emphasises the work of setting the example as well as providing for the needs of the flock. shepherd They nourish the flock, seek out the safe path, and keep them from danger by not allowing the flock to depart from divine order. It involves tender care and kindness. This feeding, .shepherding the flock.
These people, above all, were to be guides and leaders strictly by setting the example. They were under shepherds to the Lord the Archbishop, and were to exhibit His character. Not anywhere, ever, did or does the Lord deal with His people by force or coercion. Neither are the overseers to exercise force. Their gift came from God and so does the power to exercise it. We will look closer at this person in the church after we look at his qualification.
Two Sets of Qualifications
Not only do we see more of the character of the overseer in the qualifications, but also we see that there is a definite progression in the operation and exercise of the gift. The two passages under study are 1Tim 3, and Titus 1. Whilst we study them we see clearly the development of the character and person.
1 TIMOTHY 3:1-7
Verse 1.
This is a true pistos; faithful, to be trusted
saying logos; word
if a man desire orego; the mental effort of stretching oneself out for a thing, to aspire to
the office of does not exist in the Greek
a bishop episkopeo; watch over
he desireth epithumeo; to desire earnestly
a good work
"The word is faithful, if anyone aspires to exercise oversight, he desires a good work." JND New Translation.
Comments on Verse One
What is described in this verse is the Holy Spirit awakening the man with the gift to exercise it. It is coming from an inward power engendered by the Holy Spirit. When this passage is compared with Titus 1, it becomes evident that here in Timothy the gifted person now desires to do the work, whereas in Titus he is already doing the work. He is older, and that is apparent to all. As we look at the passage in Titus further comparisons will be made.
TIMOTHY.3. 2
a bishop episkopos; overseer
must be
blameless anephiliptos; not open to censure, irreproachable
husband of one wife As in English, but specifically one, not more than, and not less than one, seems she must still be living
vigilant nephalios; watchful
sober sophros; self controlled
of good behaviour kosmios; orderly, modest
given to hospitality philoxinos; hospitable, (adjective - one word)
apt to teach diadaktikos; skilled in teaching
"the overseer then must be irreproachable, husband of one wife, sober, discreet (ie. of sound mind), decorous, hospitable, apt to teach." JND N.T
Comments on Verse 2
The character of the aspiring elder - overseer - shepherd is now becoming clearer. We have one of irreproachable character against which no accusation can be made. It can not be made by members of the church, and particularly not by the world. He is a very steady character, not easily ruffled, very self controlled, and very hospitable.
Then we notice that he must be the husband of ONE wife. One is the operative word. Not more than one, that is to say, not married a second time unless his first wife dies, not a single person either. In verse 4 we see that he must have a family and that under control. Simply if he can not control his family how can he control the church?
Not least we note he is a very skilled teacher. This does not mean that he is verbose, not necessarily always on his feet attempting to teach, but he is skilled in teaching. He has seen not only the spiritual effect of the teaching in the church, but also may have seen evil men and troublemakers run from his ministry under conviction. The measure of his skill is that he should have seen people converted under his ministry. Note, the Holy Spirit power with which he speaks is clearly seen. True ministry is that which makes the assembly more closely resemble the church which is His body in the heavens. We have seen seven positive characteristics of the exercised young man and now we will note some negative characteristics that he must not have.
Verse 3
Not given to win paroinos; not given to excess of wine
no striker not plektes; striker, so brawler
greedy of filthy lucre aischkerdos; greedy for base gain
but patient epieikes; equitable, fair, moderate, not insisting on the letter of the law
not a brawler paroinos; JND and others translate as "not given to contention"
not covetous epilarguros; a = not, philarguros = money loving
Comments on Verse 3
This verse draws a negative picture, and gives us the character of just the opposite of and elder, bishop, overseer. He is one who lack self control, is argumentative, and above all greedy for gain. Lover of money does not need much explanation, but the aspect "greedy for base gain" certainly requires consideration. How could that apply to a church? Very easily! There are always those associated with, or on the periphery of a church whose whole purpose is to gain a power base and expand it. Their purpose is to take control of the church of God. They see the position of overseer as one to give status, but most importantly power. Some will stop at nothing to achieve it, teach false doctrine, create sectional meetings, spread rumours, bring into the church those that do not qualify, and slander good believers. These people seem to gravitate towards young peoples meetings.
The overseer is just the opposite, gentle, apt to teach in meekness. hospitable, and approachable. He is most emphatically not out to make a name for himself. He I a friend in time of need, a man who has an open house, and has a great knowledge of, and is bound by the Word of God. Notwithstanding this, the overseer's traits which picture the Lord Himself, are not sufficient to qualify or fit him to be recognised as an elder. More is required yet.
1Tim.3:Verse 4
one that ruleth well proistemi; to stand before, preside, maintain, conduct
his own house oikos; house, in this case meaning members of the household, that is wife and children
having his children teknon; offspring, sons and daughters
in subjection hupotage; to rank under, obedient, submissive
with all gravity semnotes; dignity, venerableness, which is each showing respect.
Comments of Verse 4
This verse reaches the heart of the matter. It shows how God trains his man for overseership with the school being his home. It is here that the man makes or breaks. He will be a leader by example to both wife and children, and they will all love and respect him. We see more of this in the passage in Titus 1.
Look at the verse; "one that conducts and maintains his family in the ways of the Lord, by way of his example. The children revere, respect, and obey him." This is not the day of obedient children. They are taught by peer pressure, the school, and the world that they must question any authority, and if they do not like it they do not have to obey. But in the case of the gifted overseer, his love, discipline, and example to the family earn him obedience and reverence. This is a rare quality today.
Verse 5
We may quote the verse outright as the English translation is amply clear. "For if a man know not how to rule his house, how shall he take care of the church of God?" The answer to that question is emphatically, "he can not".
Comments on Verse 5
It is not what a man does in the church in public that is the major qualificatio