THIRD
YEAR
CURRICULUM
Living Word Missions, Inc.
P.O. Box 687
Wilmington, MA 01887 U.S.A.
The following outlines are designed to help train ministers in a school of ministry format. They are not the entire curriculum. At this level, practicums, projects, internships, and mentoring are crucial for a balanced program. These seven outlines are tools to help teach, instruct, train, and enlighten. We hope and trust that they can help as a part of your training program. Use them as you would like. You may copy them or use any part found herein to bless others.
Our prayer is that these outlines will be used to strengthen the weak, encourage the disheartened, and open the eyes of your understanding to the truth of God’s Word.
In His Service,
Russ Tatro
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE *
CHURCH GOVERNMENT *
I. God - The Supreme Authority *
II. TRUTH *
III. Men who believed the Truth. *
IV. LOGOS AND RHEMA *
V. The Holy Spirit bears witness with both logos and rhema. *
VI. Reproof – correction *
VII. Jesus Christ Above All Men *
VIII. What Has Been Done Through Christ? *
IX. CONSCIENCE, DELEGATED AUTHORITY AND CUSTOM *
X. AUTHORITY *
XI. Custom *
XII. FUNCTIONAL AUTHORITY *
XIII. Exercising The Wrong Kind of Authority *
XIV. TRADITIONAL FORMS OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT *
XV. What About Church Boards? *
XVI. Pastoral Abuse of Authority *
HOMILETICS
*I. INTRODUCTION *
II. UNDERSTANDING THE TASK *
III. DEFINITION OF HOMILETICS *
IV. THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOMILETICS *
THE SERMON IDEA *
FORMULATING THE STRUCTURE *
I. THE TITLE OF THE SERMON (THEME) *
II. THE BODY OF THE SERMON (DISCUSSION) *
III. CONCLUSION *
IV. INTRODUCTION *
V. INVITATION *
CLASSIFICATION OF SERMONS BY SUBJECTS *
II. ETHICAL SERMONS *
III. CLASSIFICATION OF SERMONS BY SUBJECTS *
IV. ETHICAL SERMONS *
V. FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF THE SERMON *
VI. EXPLANATION OF TEXTS *
VII. APPLICATIONS *
VIII. EXPLANATION OF SUBJECTS *
IX. INTERPRETING THE TEXT *
X. PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION *
XI. STEPS IN INTERPRETATION *
XII. WRITING SERMON MANUSCRIPTS *
XIII. METHODS OF DELIVERY *
XIV. RECITATION *
XV. FREE DELIVERY *
XVI. IMAGINATION *
XVII. FUNCTION OF IMAGINATION IN PREACHING *
XVIII. MEANS OF CULTIVATING IMAGINATION *
ILLUSTRATION *
I. USES OF ILLUSTRATION *
II. TYPES OF ILLUSTRATION *
III. SUGGESTIONS FOR ILLUSTRATION *
IV. ELEMENTS OF AN ILLUSTRATION *
SPECIALIZED SERMONS *
I. ACADEMIC/ANNIVERSARY SERMONS *
II. CHILDREN’S SERMONS *
III. REVIVAL SERMONS *
IV. FUNERAL SERMONS *
V. FUNERAL SERVICE *
CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES TO SERMON DELIVERY *
I. A LETTER SERMON *
II. SHORT STORY/PARABLE SERMON *
III. THE INTERVIEW SERMON *
IV. AN OBJECT LESSON SERMON *
V. DRAMATIC MONOLOGUE *
VI. DIALOGUE SERMON *
VOICES *
I. THE ABILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE VOICE *
HERMENEUTICS
*I. KINDS OF HERMENEUTICS *
II. HISTORY OF HERMENEUTICS AMONG THE JEWS *
III. HISTORY OF HERMENEUTICAL PRINCIPLES IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH *
IV. THE SCHOOL OF ANTIOCH *
V. THE WESTERN SCHOOL OF INTERPRETATION OR EXEGETE: *
VI. THE PERIOD OF THE MIDDLE AGES, OR DARK AGES *
VII. THE PERIOD OF THE REFORMATION *
SOME APPROACHES TO SCRIPTURES *
I. RATIONALISM - NATURALISTIC APPROACHES *
II. EXISTENTIALISM *
III. CULTURAL RELATIVISM: *
IV. DOGMATIC APPROACHES TO THE BIBLE: *
V. A RETURN TO FAITH *
PROPER CONCEPTION OF THE BIBLE *
I. THE INSPIRATION, INFALLIBILITY, AND REVELATION OF THE BIBLE. *
II. THE INSPIRATION OF THE WRITERS *
III. Theories of Inspiration *
THE LITERATURE OF THE BIBLE *
I. THE LITERATURE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT *
II. THE LITERATURE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT *
SOME EXAMPLES OF INTERPRETATION *
II. THE ANTIQUITY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT *
III. THE ANTIQUITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT *
IV. TASK OF THE INTERPRETER *
V. TOOLS FOR INTERPRETING THE BIBLE *
MINISTRY GIFTS
*I. INTRODUCTION *
II. Christ's Provision For The Church *
III. God Sets the Ministry Gifts In The Church *
IV. Reasons For Not Going Into The Ministry *
V. How You Can Tell A Divine Call *
VI. God Equips Those Ministers Who Are Called *
VII. Variety and Balance *
VIII. The divine plan is for each ministry which God has set in the Church to compliment the other, providing a check and balance. *
THE APOSTLE *
I. aPOSTLE *
II. MINISTRY GIFT FIRST GIVEN TO THE CHURCH *
III. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCH *
IV. OVERSIGHT OF CHURCHES *
V. THE WORD, APOSTLE *
VI. FOURTH CLASS OF APOSTLES *
VII. MISSIONARIES *
VIII. PASTORS WHO STAND IN THE APOSTOLIC OFFICE *
IX. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE APOSTOLIC CALL *
X. SIGNS OF A TRUE APOSTLE *
XI. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY *
XII. FALSE APOSTLES *
XIII. MOTIVATION *
XIV. PREPARE YOURSELF *
THE PROPHET *
I. OBJECTIVES: *
II. PROPHET, PRIEST AND KING *
III. NEW TESTAMENT SAINTS *
HOW DOES GOD LEAD THE BELIEVER IN THE NEW TESTAMENT? *
II. THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF VISIONS *
III. PROPHETS ARE NOT GUIDES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT *
IV. WHAT IS A NEW TESTAMENT PROPHET? *
V. NO FOUNDATIONAL PROPHETS *
VI. JESUS WAS A PROPHET *
VII. PRIVATE MANIFESTATIONS *
VIII. OLD TESTAMENT PRIVATE MANIFESTATIONS *
IX. TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN *
X. OLD TESTAMENT PRIVATE MANIFESTATIONS *
XI. TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN *
XII. PROPHETS CAN OPEN THEMSELVES UP TO FAMILIAR SPIRITS *
XIII. MANY VOICES *
XIV. HOW CAN YOU LEARN THE DIFFERENCE? *
XV. HOW TO KEEP FROM GETTING OFF *
XVI. JUDGING PROPHECIES *
XVII. ANY SPIRIT-FILLED BELIEVER *
XVIII. YOU CANNOT CALL YOURSELF *
XIX. NO PROPHETS IN THE LAITY *
XX. IMITATING A PROPHET *
XXI. MISCONCEPTIONS CONCERNING PROPHETS *
XXII. WHAT GOES WITH A PROPHET'S MINISTRY? *
THE EVANGELIST *
I. OBJECTIVES: *
II. What Accompanies The Evangelist's Ministry? *
III. The Purpose of Miracles and Healings *
IV. Preach The Word *
V. The Need For Other Ministry Gift Offices *
THE PASTOR *
I. OBJECTIVES: *
II. THE EARLY CHURCH *
III. ELDERS *
IV. DEACONS *
V. ORDINATION *
VI. GOVERNMENTS *
VII. APOSTLES MAY PASTOR FOR A SHORT TIME *
VIII. THE WORD "SHEPHERD" *
IX. THE LOCAL CHURCH *
X. THE SENIOR PASTOR *
XI. ATTACKS ON THE CHURCH *
XII. THE TITHE *
THE MARKS OF A TRUE SHEPHERD *
II. A PASTOR IS NOT A DICTATOR *
III. GOVERNING THE LOCAL BODY - SPIRITUALLY AND NATURALLY *
IV. 1 Corinthians 12:28 - governments It has two sides: the spiritual and the natural. *
V. TAKING OVER A CHURCH *
VI. MINISTERIAL ACCOUNTABILITY *
VII. MINISTERIAL RESTORATION *
VIII. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY *
IX. FALSE PASTORS *
DISCOVER YOUR MEASURE AS A PASTOR AND LEADER *
I. CAPTAINS OF TENS - PASTORAL HOME GROUP LEADER *
II. CAPTAIN OF TEN - DEACON IN CHARGE OF A TASK *
III. CAPTAINS OF FIFTIES - LOCAL CONGREGATIONAL ELDER/PASTOR *
IV. CAPTAINS OF HUNDREDS - LEADER OF THE LARGER CHURCH *
V. CAPTAINS OF THOUSANDS - CITY CHURCH *
THE TEACHER *
I. OBJECTIVES: *
II. JESUS, OUR EXAMPLE OF A TEACHER *
JESUS GIVES THE MINISTRY GIFTS *
I. Purpose of the ministry Gifts *
II. STANDING IN MORE THAN ONE OFFICE *
III. PROPHETS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT *
IV. WHAT ARE THE EVIDENCES OF A MINISTRY - GIFT TEACHER? *
V. THE WORK OF A TEACHER *
VI. CHARACTERISTICS OF A TEACHER *
VII. THE TEACHING MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT *
VIII. THINGS TO AVOID AS A TEACHER *
IX. WHERE TO START? *
X. FINAL THOUGHTS *
THE MINISTRY GIFT OF HELPS *
I. OBJECTIVES: *
II. Helps - 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 *
III. Deacons *
IV. THE MUSIC MINISTRY *
V. TONGUES AND INTERPRETATION - 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 *
VI. FAITHFULNESS TO THE CALL *
HOW DO I BECOME A BETTER MINISTER? *
I. Study - 2 Timothy 2:15 *
II. FAITHFULNESS IS WHAT PROMOTES YOU *
III. HELPFUL HINTS *
CHURCH GROWTH
*I. INTRODUCTION: *
II. THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH GROWTH *
III. HOME CELL GROUPS *
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
*I. COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course is designed to: *
II. INTRODUCTION: *
III. WHAT IS COUNSELING? *
IV. THE SCOPE OF COUNSELING *
V. THE NATURE OF COUNSELING *
VI. THE FUNCTION OF COUNSELING *
VII. COUNSELING IN CHRIST *
VIII. LEARNING TO BE TRUSTWORTHY: *
IX. THE KIND OF PERSON GOD USES *
X. GUIDELINES FOR A WHOLESOME COUNSELING MINISTRY: *
XI. APPROACH TO THE PROCESS *
THE PROCESS *
II. DEALING WITH ABUSE AND HARASSMENT *
STRESS AND ITS MANAGEMENT *
I. STRESS AND ITS MANAGEMENT *
II. MANAGING/COPING WITH STRESS *
GETTING RESULTS IN COUNSELING *
II. THE PLACE OF GOD'S WORD *
III. THE POWER OF LISTENING *
IV. THE SPIRIT AND THE WORD AGREE TOGETHER *
V. GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT *
VI. PERCEPTION *
VII. OPEN TO RECEIVE *
VIII. LET A PERSON TALK *
IX. KEEP FOCUSED *
X. YOU CANNOT TACKLE EVERYTHING AT ONCE *
XI. WISDOM OF THE PRACTICAL *
XII. MANIPULATION *
XIII. THE HUMAN WILL *
XIV. JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO? *
XV. CALL ON THE GREATER ONE! *
XVI. WISDOM FROM ABOVE *
XVII. DON'T BE MOVED BY WHAT YOU SEE OR HEAR *
DISCERNING OF SPIRITS *
II. DEMONIC SPIRITS *
III. PERMISSION IS REQUIRED *
DEALING WITH PEOPLE'S FLESH *
I. Demons or flesh? *
II. THE WORKS OF THE FLESH *
III. A SOFT ANSWER *
IV. SELF CONTROL *
V. MULTIPLE COUNSELORS *
VI. I DON'T LIKE WHAT I HEAR *
VII. HEARING THE COUNSEL *
VIII. CROSS COUNSELING *
SECULAR COUNSELING *
II. DIVORCE *
III. CHILD ABUSE *
IV. CONFIDENTIALITY *
V. HOMEWORK *
VI. LEECHES *
SETTING UP APPOINTMENTS *
II. REPORT LOG *
III. TIME *
IV. COUNSELING MARRIED COUPLES *
V. HELPFUL TIPS *
VI. Discipleship Counseling *
LEADERSHIP
*I. EVERY LEADER WILL BE WILLING TO SERVE *
II. RESPONSIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND AUTHORITY *
III. A Leader goes the extra mile *
IV. Leaders are made. How are they made? *
V. Fears to avoid: *
VI. CONFESSION SCRIPTURES *
MAKING A DREAM COME TRUE *
I. EVERY LEADER HAS A DREAM OR VISION *
II. How to make it come true. *
III. EXAMPLES OF GOOD AND BAD LEADERS IN THE BIBLE *
LEADERS AND DELEGATION *
I. The Breakdown of Delegation *
II. RESPONSIBILITY *
HOW TO THINK BIG IN A SMALL PLACE *
I. There are three types of leaders: *
II. How to think big in a small place. *
MAKING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE *
We will begin this course by first defining what we mean by "authority". The word "authority" in our English dictionary means, "power to influence", "persons in command", "grounds or convincing force", "influence or power".
As a noun it means - lawful or liberty, upon order or commandment, high place or excellency, might, power, or potentate.
As a verb it has to do with action - power, to exercise authority at home, self working or dominion.
To understand authority to its fullest degree, we must recognize and know the various levels of authority that exist.
Romans 13: 1, "every soul be subject unto the higher powers (authorities)
What are these "higher powers" ? Basically there are three:
2. Truth
3. Conscience of man.
No person has the right to violate these three levels of authority..
Romans 13:1-8 says,
"Let every soul be subject to the higher powers (the higher authority), for there is no power (authority) but of God. The powers (authorities) that be are ordained of God."
If God ordains all authorities, then He must be supreme authority. God is sovereign which means highest, supreme and absolute. The word "sovereign" is not in the Bible but when we look up the definition, you will find these words - highest, supreme and absolute.
In addition to these definitions you will find the word "unqualified". Some people say that God has unqualified authority. God is a supreme being, but His authority is "qualified". God has never done anything unqualified because He holds Himself in subjection to His own Word.
He will not permit certain things because of His Word. God is not a man that He should lie. God does not run this world in a "hit and miss" method. There are laws that God has given which are in operation at all times. God does not require anything of us that He Himself does not require of His own Self. (Numbers 30:2 says that, "He shall do according to all that proceeds out of His mouth.")
You cannot defy the laws of gravity. You cannot defy the laws of sowing and reaping. These are natural or spiritual laws and they cannot be violated. If you plant corn, you will reap corn. If you plant sin, you will reap sin.
For example:
God does not tell us one thing, such as, "Do not lie", but then turn around and lie Himself, simply because He is sovereign. God holds Himself by a self-imposed law, it will not allow Him to do certain things. He holds Himself to the upholding of those laws because there is none higher than God. Example: Sowing to the spirit.
God has the ability to lie, but Titus 1:2 says He cannot lie. This qualifies His ability by not allowing Himself to lie. The reason for this is that God would violate some of His other laws.
2 Timothy 2:13, "If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful, He cannot deny Himself."
Just because we disbelieve, it doesn't change God. He still loves us and still died for them.
Hebrews 6:13, "For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater He sware by Himself."
He holds Himself to His own word.
Psalms 119: 89, "For ever , O Lord, thy Word is settled in Heaven."
Review: God is sovereign. but, God explains what He will and will not do. He cannot lie, He cannot be unfaithful.
Example: My father died at age 53. It was not God's will for him to die. I asked the pastor to preach a salvation message and give an altar call. Seven relatives received Christ at my father's funeral.
Some people might say, "God in His sovereignty, caused your father to die so that those seven people could get saved."
No, Jesus died so that those seven people could get saved. They have the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit. But, we take the opportunity and God can use the situation for good. My grandmother was a different situation. She wanted to die and go home to be with the Lord.
As we read the scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments, you will find many accounts where God has specifically said what He will do and what He will not do. Where God has promised and where covenants were made and sealed with the shedding of blood, He will not go back on His Word.
Example: If in fact, God has unqualified sovereignty, then why does man have no fear of another universal flooding that destroys all life? Because God has promised that He will never again flood the whole earth.
Genesis 8:21, "1 will not curse the ground anymore for man's sake.
Genesis 9:9-17, "...and the bow shall be in the cloud and I will look upon it that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth."
Isaiah 54:9,10, "Neither shall the covenant of peace be removed."
It is God Himself who qualifies Himself, not man. Does God have the ability to send another flood? Yes. He absolutely does, but He has said He will not do it. We can trust what God says, and we can rely on what He tells us as the truth.
Psalm 119:160, "Thy Word is true from the beginning and every one of they righteous judgements endureth forever."
Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand forever." He doesn't say one thing and then do another.
Isaiah 45:23, "1 have sworn by myself, the Word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess."
Psalm 89:35,36, "Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
Psalm 110:4, "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent."
Acts 2:29-33, "God had sworn an oath."
Jeremiah 1: 12, "For I will hasten my Word to perform it."
Some say, "God's ways are higher than man's ways, therefore you never know what God is going to do. Since He can do anything, all we can simply do is accept whatever comes as the will of God for our lives."
Isaiah 55:9, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts".
Psalm 118:8,9, "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."
Some people actually believe that accepting sickness, disaster, poverty, fear, and failure, is letting God be sovereign, because, after all, "who really knows anything? God's ways are higher than our ways!"
Let me draw your attention to the word "higher". The word "higher in this verse means to soar, or it can mean, to be high like a tree or heaven, or an eagle's nest. It can mean to be exalted, elevated to a greater degree of dignity and honor. It means in a good sense or to take courage.
None of these definitions give the idea that higher is in any way on the level of man or beneath man. In the context of which it is used, Isaiah is prophesying under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that God's ways are higher or greater than the futility of man's ways and deeds. God's thoughts, ways and deeds produce life or fruit. To accept sickness, poverty, failure and fear as the will of God is not acknowledging God's ways as higher. In reality, it is showing Him as even less than a man.
Even a natural father does not enjoy seeing his children sick or poor. So, to accept these things as a sovereign act of God is to bring Him down to the level of a criminal. If you read on in the next verse, notice what it says in verses 10-11:
Isaiah 55: 10,11, "For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper whereto I sent it".
God's ways are far beyond what we could ever ask or think, and yet He reveals them to us through His Word. God has set laws into motion. The sovereignty of God is the operation of the laws of God, be they known or unknown. People can operate in the laws of God and not even know it.
Laws work. They are absolute and will work regardless of whether or not you believe in them. Take for example, the law of gravity. You don't have to believe in it at all, but it still works.
The second level of authority is truth. There is an authority that accompanies truth. Certain things produce authority simply because they are true.
Example: 2 + 2 = 4. No matter how hard you try to make it equal 5, it cannot. You may believe that it equals "5", but that doesn't mean what you believe is true.
Just because an unbeliever does not believe that Christ died does not mean that Christ has not died. Just because a Christian does not believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, does not mean that it is not true.
John 8:32, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free".
John 14:6, "1 am the way, the truth, and the life".
It is in knowing the truth that people are set free.
Example: Everyone has been set free in the sense that Jesus paid the price for all humanity; but many don't know it because they have not been told. What do we mean by "truth"? The scriptures contain truth. They contain the words of Jesus and we must know the words of Jesus to be set Free. (See John 1:14 and Ephesians 4:21) The Bible contains the words of our Heavenly Father.
Example:
John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy Word is truth".
Jesus is speaking here of the Father.
Sickness, poverty, failure and defeat are real, but that does not mean they are truth. What God says is truth.
Psalm 33:4, "For the word of the Lord is right, and all His works are done in truth".
Psalm 119:160, "Thy Word is true from the beginning and everyone of they righteous judgements endureth forever."
Daniel 10: 21, "But I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth".
James 1: 18, "Of his own will begat He us with the word of truth".
2 Timothy 2:15, "Rightly dividing the word of truth".
1 Timothy 2:4, "Come to the knowledge of the truth."
1 Thessalonians 2:13, "…you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God".
2 Thessalonians 2:12, "Be damned who believe not the truth."
Ephesians 6:14, "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…"
No matter what the devil says, you are under no obligation to accept it as truth. Jesus said Satan is a liar. (John 8:44) He will not speak truthfully to us. You must search the scriptures yourself and find the truth.
Galatians 1:9 says that, "even if an angel comes preaching another gospel, don't believe it unless it agrees with the word of God". (Paraphrased)
In Acts 17:10-12, we find the Bereans searched the scriptures diligently. Everything in the Bible is truly stated, but not everything stated in the Bible is true. For example, in Job 1:21, Job says, The Lord gave and the Lord took away". It is true that Job said that, but what He said was not true because Satan was the one who took it away. The Bible truly records the words of Satan, evil men and women, but it doesn't mean that what they said is truth.
What is the difference between a Christian who is baptized in the Holy Spirit and one who is not? One has believed the words of Christ, the other has not. Does their unbelief change the Word of God? Or change the truth?
Just because I don't understand a scripture or because a scripture is not quickened to me, does not mean the scripture itself is not true. The words of Jesus are true whether I believe them or not. The Words of the Father are true, whether I believe them or not.
Jesus died 2,000 years ago for all of mankind. I simply believed it in 1978. Jesus already died for those that are lost.
The scriptures contain truth. They contain the words of the Father, the words of the Son, Jesus, and the words of the Holy Spirit. They also contain the words of angels, the devil, demons, and rebellious men.
But, the words of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and men inspired by the Holy Spirit, contain truth.
John 17:17, Jesus says "Thy Word (logos) is truth." It is what God said that is truth. It is not what man says about God that is truth, but what God says about Himself.
It is not what man says about man that is true, but what God says about man. It is not what man says about Christians that are true, it is what God says about them that is true.
Psalms 33:4, "For the Word of the Lord is right and all His works are done in truth."
Psalm 33:6, "By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made."
Psalm 138:2, "You have magnified your Word above all your name."
Proverbs 30:5, "Every Word of God is pure."
Psalm 119:105, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet."
Psalm. 119:130, "The entrance of your Word gives light."
Why did God command Moses to tell the Israelites to tell their children about His power that delivered them? It was because when the time came they would go into other nations, and God did not want them to serve the false gods out of fear.
Joshua 1:8, "This book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth."
Psalm 119:9-16, "Shall a young man cleanse his way?"
Psalm 119:41-48, "So shall I keep thy law continually."
Psalm 119:97-104, "Oh, how I love thy law."
God wanted the Israelites to believe Him and trust His Word no matter how bad the situation appeared. They were to obey the truth and tell their children, so they would believe the truth when they saw the enemies of God.
There are certain blessings or truths that have come to us through Jesus Christ. It is a past work with present and future benefit.
2 Corinthians 1: 18-20
Hebrews 8:6,7
Paul writes by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to churches of what has happened to them in the spirit because of the new birth.
2 Corinthians 5:17, "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature."
You may not feel new, look new, smell new, sound new, but the truth is you are NEW. I must agree with the higher authority, if I am to walk in victory. The higher authority is God's Word.
Ephesians 1:3, "who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings."
Colossians 1: 13, "who has delivered us from the power of darkness.
You may think because of what you see and feel that you are in the kingdom of darkness, but you are not.
Ephesians 4:24, "who after God is created in righteous and true holiness."
Titus 3:5,6, "washed and made new by the Holy Spirit."
Isaiah 53:4,5
Matthew 8:17
1 Peter 2:24
Look up these scriptures and write down what Jesus has done for you.
It is not what man says about God that is true, it is what God says about Himself that is true.
It is not wrong to believe that God loves us.(John 3:16, 1 John 4:9,10) If it is God who tells us that He loved us, we can safely say that He loves us, because His authority and Word are greater than any seminary, any Bible teacher, and any philosophy.
To acknowledge and believe the words of Jesus and act on them is to walk in truth and authority. The Word of God carries great authority.
John 20:3 1, "But these things are written that you might believe."
The Holy Spirit bears witness with the truth or the words of Jesus.
Romans 13:1,5, "Wherefore you must needs be subject not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake".
The word "conscience" can be broken down into two words: co and science. "Co" means two, and "science" means knowledge. Man is a product of two kinds of knowledge, a knowledge that comes from above, and a knowledge that comes from within.
The knowledge from within is a product of his five physical senses, sight, smell, taste, feel, and hearing. We receive spiritually in our hearts and mentally in our minds. Authority to act comes according to these two kinds of knowledge. The knowledge you receive from your heart and your head forms your conscience.
There are other definitions for conscience besides this of course. People know right from wrong by how they themselves wish to be treated. When something wrong is wrong to you, then it is wrong for you to do it to others. When speaking of conscience, we are talking about knowledge of the heart not the head. To him who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is sin.
Romans 2:12-16 explains how people who have never heard the gospel are going to be judged. In verse 15, "which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bears witness". They are going to know by their conscience and will be judged according to their conscience. This means that the conscience carries authority.
People who have never heard the gospel still have some knowledge of God because the firmaments declare the glory of God. They have to recognize the existence of a supreme authority through the firmaments of the heavens, though they may not know His name.
Acts 17:23 tells us that these people worshipped the unknown God. Paul used this unknown God to make known unto them Jesus,
Romans 14:5-10, "One man esteemeth one day above another..."
Romans 14:13, "that no man put a stumbling block in his brother's way"
The fact that you have a conscience will qualify you to be either accused or excused.
In Romans 14:17-23, especially note verse 22. "Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth"
How did he allow it? He allowed it in his conscience, his heart and his head agreed. The knowledge you receive from your heart and from your head, forms your conscience.
The knowledge of the Word of God supersedes natural knowledge, therefore you must act on the Word of God. If you fail to do this, your heart will condemn you. When your heart knows to do the Word of God, but you rebel, your heart will condemn you.
Example: If a man believes he is supposed to worship on Saturday, but instead worships on Sunday, he will be condemning his own heart, violating the authority that is within him. Each individual is responsible to prove the Word of God in his own heart. Don't judge others. Your conscience will be the thing that will govern the authority in which you operate. If you violate that authority, then it is your responsibility to pay the penalty.
Hebrews 13:17, "Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves".
This scripture is establishing delegated authority. The police operate within the realm of delegated authority. God has given them the privilege and responsibility of ruling over us according to the laws of the land. Their authority has been delegated unto them.
The Lord has delegated certain responsibilities to the five-fold ministry gifts [apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher], but some have tried to present their authority in such a manner that you have to do what they say, when they say, and how they say. However, God has not delegated to any man that type of authority.
Notice, I use the word "responsibility". With responsibility comes authority. A Person will find it difficult to operate in authority without taking responsibility.
Example: The Apostle Paul was an apostle to the churches he himself established. (1 Corinthians 3: 10) He made those churches his responsibility. Notice Paul did not exercise his apostolic authority over the churches that Peter or John had started. They were not his responsibility specifically speaking. (1 Corinthians 9:1,2)
It would have been foolish for Paul to walk into a church that Peter had started and exercise his authority there. Some people today want only the recognition, but do not want the responsibility. These are true usurper’s of authority. Moses did not pretend to be the leader of Egypt. He had a specific call or function or responsibility from God concerning the Israelites.
Some think that because Ephesians 4:11 talks about God giving the five-fold ministry gifts to the church that this means they can exercise their ministry-gift authority any place, any time, any where, on whomever. But when you read the accounts of these ministry gifts growing and developing in the book of Acts, you will find, that they had specific places, specific people,
and specific responsibilities on a local and practical level, led by the Holy Spirit. God is never the author of confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
This is why the Apostle Paul said in, Romans 15:20, "Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation". Paul knew where his sphere of authority lay and wherein he had responsibility.
In Hebrews 13:17, the word "rule" in the Greek language simply means "to give shepherd like leadership". To rule does not mean to lord it over someone, but to lead like a shepherd would. A shepherd cares. He loves. He guides. He would even lay down his life for the flock.
Jesus is a good example of a true shepherd. He never ruled or lorded over anyone. Psalm 23:4, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." Jesus had great authority because he had great responsibility. A pastor has responsibility over the flock within the church, not outside it.
Many times even in our every day life, people make mistakes by trying to take authority for things they are not responsible for. They only end up in trouble.
Example: If you are an usher, you cannot exercise authority over the youth ministry. it is not your responsibility. If you are the youth director, you cannot exercise your authority over the music department. It is not your responsibility. People on their jobs make the same mistake. Instead of looking for authority, look for responsibility, [WORK] then authority comes. Be careful of people who seek authority but not responsibility. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. (Mark 10:42-45)
The Church Has Authority
The authority which God has given us can be likened to the authority given to an ambassador. The authority given to an ambassador is delegated to him, and he can only act to the limits of that authority. It is the same with the church in which I will cover more in detail later.
God has delegated spiritual authority to the body of Christ. We are His ambassadors.
What is the extent of our authority? We are to reconcile the world to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20) To give them the good news in Christ's stead. If Jesus was on earth today, He would still be teaching, preaching, healing and delivering. But, Jesus is not here, therefore, we have become His agents, His ambassadors. He delegated authority to the Church in the name of Jesus. (Matthew 28:18,19, Mark 16:15-20)
It is His NAME that carries authority. Notice, when Jesus was here on earth, he did not physically overthrow governments. That was not His purpose in coming to earth. I will speak more about this later.
Whenever you are acting on the authority that has been delegated to another person, you must qualify that authority and specify exactly what you are responsible for. This is stipulated authority. In stipulated authority, both in the natural realm and in the spiritual realm, you enter into a legal contract.
Example: In Genesis 29:18,19, Jacob entered into an agreement or contract or covenant with Laban. There was a time limit however put on that agreement. Jacob served seven years for Rachel.
Sometimes people who are employed by certain companies or ministries may have a contract drawn up stating for what period of time they are under that contract.
Example: I was under a contract for two years as a youth minister. After two years, I could decide if I wanted to stay longer. I had authority as the youth director because I took on the responsibility of that department. After two years the contract expired. If I decided to leave that department, my authority and responsibility would end. This is stipulated authority. I believe it is good to qualify the responsibilities of any employee when hiring, IN WRITING!
As we just stated stipulated authority was given to Jacob under contract to Laban, however, another law superseded. There was an additional authority called, custom. Genesis 29:16-28 gives us the account. Laban made a deceitful contract knowing what the custom was all along. He wanted to make money.
There is a certain aspect of custom which can be either good or bad, depending upon how it is used. In this situation, Laban made it work to his advantage. The custom was the younger daughters could not be married until the older daughter was married first. It may not have been right or fair but it was the law. He used it to his advantage to receive a dowry from Jacob.
Romans 13:7, "Custom to whom custom is due" John 18:39, "Ye have a custom that I should release" 1 Corinthians 10:33, "I please all men in all things"
In 1 Corinthians 11: 16, Paul says we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. He was simply saying that this certain custom of head covering was not in authority over the other churches because they have no such custom.
We need to be sensitive to the customs of others especially within other churches. If you visit a church and they do not believe in raising their hands to praise God, you will feel the influence of their authority if you lift your hands. The authority in their custom will affect your behavior.
1 Corinthians 9:19-22, "made all things to all men that I might win some." This is why when we go into another church, we give custom to whom custom is due. (Matthew 17:24-27)
We need to be respectful of other people's customs.
Examples:
The mistake people make in the area of custom with their own lives is when they put it above the Word of God. (Matthew 15:1-9)
Other scriptures on custom, both good and bad.
Judges 11:39, 1 Samuel 2:12-17, Ezra 3:4, Ezra 4:13,20; Ezra 7:24, Jeremiah 32:11, Matthew 9:9, Matthew 17:25, Luke 2:42, Luke 4:16,
Example of American Customs:
In an Italian home they pinch your cheeks and kiss you, they overfeed their guests, and they drink wine with most meals.
There is authority in the way you function. More clearly, you have authority according to your abilities, be it by birth, training, or impartation. Some people just naturally have abilities by birth. Some are born with an ear for music. There are some who can sit down at a piano and play exquisitely. There is authority that comes through their music.
Some people are good with mathematics. Figuring percentages and adding figures is inherent with some. Other people are able to remember dates and times in history.
There is also authority that comes through impartation. God can impart supernaturally into the lives of those that He has called for specific functions.
Example: Smith Wigglesworth was a great man of God who received from God through impartation. He was middle-aged when he answered the call of God on his life. He was an uneducated man, who could neither read nor write, but God imparted to him the ability to read one book, the Bible.
Through the gift of impartation to him by God, Wigglesworth became an authority concerning God's Word. As a result of his ministry, three men were raised from the dead and people were healed throughout the world.
My mother received the ability to play the piano even though she had never before played in her life before nor had taken any lessons.
Proverbs 18:16, "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men
If you have a gift from God, whether it comes by birth, by training, or impartation, that gift will make room for you. If you have ability in that area, it will show up. I had the training of cooking special dishes and organizing parties. It brought me before one of the richest people in the state of Delaware.
Some people have diligently trained and developed abilities in a particular area so they can function with authority. Because they train and cultivate their abilities, authority is produced in their lives.
Example: Even though I worked for the Du Pont family, one of the wealthiest families in America, and they were my employers, I had authority in the kitchen of their home. They did not know how to run the kitchen, prepare special meals or purchase foods. That was the ability that I had, and with it came authority.
In fact, the lady of the home would even ask me first if they could schedule parties or dinners throughout the year. Yes, I was under their authority as my employer, but because of certain abilities or training that I had, I carried a measure of authority. If I had left the kitchen in their hands, it might have been burned to the ground. They simply did not have the skill.
Another example: Suppose there is a traffic accident in which a woman is injured. Observing the accident are three people: a policeman, a mechanic, and a nurse. Who will render medical assistance to the injured woman? The nurse will, because her training and ability is in that area, and she carries that authority.
The television program, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman which is a television story about a woman doctor in the late 1800's when it was not popular for a woman to be a doctor.
However, in the story, you find that she carries authority because she is the most medically trained person in the town.
When a person functions in a particular realm of authority, whether by birth, by training, or by impartation, it would be foolish for someone else to try to function in that position without the authority. Why? Because he has no authority.
Once you know your position within the body of Christ and understand what you are called to do, there is no reason to think about doing other things. As you train and develop in each area, you will be able to move on to higher things. Some people have never bothered to train themselves, so they are unequipped when the time comes to function.
This principle can also apply to the home. For instance, the one in charge of paying the bills should be the one who has the training and ability to do so. It does not necessarily have to be the man. If some men didn't have a good wife to handle the finances, they would have failed a long time ago. The important thing is to function within the abilities you have.
Don't allow your marriage to become frustrated by trying to exercise authority when you haven't taken the responsibility. If you are going to take the authority, then be willing to take the responsibility that goes with it.
Example: How do you expect to exercise your authority as the husband in the home when you don't work. You don't watch over the children to make sure they are well behaved, doing their homework, and playing peaceably. You don't nourish or cherish your wife, giving her honor as the weaker vessel. If you don't take the responsibility around the house, how can you expect people to consider you an authority?
Why do some children go to their mothers in reference to spiritual things, and not their fathers? It is quite simple. The mother has taken on the responsibility to see that her children are raised up under the admonition of the Holy Scriptures. She takes her children to church. She plays with them and sings praises throughout the day. You too, would consider her to be a spiritual authority.
Many people try to exercise the wrong kind of authority in the wrong situation. Many times it is over someone else's will. In. John 8:3 1, Jesus said, "If you continue in MY Word, then are ye my disciples indeed". Notice, Jesus said, continue in His word, not the word of just anyone who wants to have power over you. We are to listen to our pastors as long as they are giving us the Word of God.
In Acts 23:1-5, We find that Paul is upset. Why is he so upset? Verse three tells us. "For sitteth thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?" Paul was arguing about the law of God. He was appealing to the authority of the Word of God, a higher authority.
From the rest of the passage, it sounds like Paul gave in and he did, but not to the high priest, but to the Word of God. Pastors have a delegated authority in a specific realm.
Example: A pastor has the vision for his local church. He feeds the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2), he reproves, he rebukes, and exhorts with all longsuffering and doctrine, according to 2 Timothy 4:2. He makes sure that everything is done decently and in order, taking the oversight. He is an undershepherd and Jesus is the chief shepherd. Jesus owns the sheep, they really belong to Him. A pastor is given a responsibility from Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, but only in a specific sense. (1 Peter 5:4)
Example: The pastor makes the final decision concerning major matters in his church. But concerning an individual member of that church, as far as where they live, how many children they should have, what kind of car they should buy, or how they should spend their money, is not the pastor's responsibility.
We have seen many problems like this come up throughout the body of Christ. Pastors assuming that they have unlimited authority over their congregations, tearing up and confusing the flock of the Lord Jesus Christ.
God has not given this kind of authority to any man. I have actually heard of pastors that tell their congregations that he will put a curse on anyone that leaves his church to go to another church.
I have even heard of a pastor who forbids to let any of his congregation move to another state. Yes, these things happened in the body of Christ, much to our shame. But, not only is it the pastor's fault by not recognizing that his authority is limited, but also the congregation is at fault. If people would stand up and refuse to be controlled or abused, there would be no one left to control, leaving such a pastor without a job. In Mark 2:23-28, Jesus says "the Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath."
On the other side, pastors do have a delegated authority from God, but not as a dictator, but as a shepherd serving the sheep. The five-fold ministry is called to serve the body of Christ. They are within the body, not over it. Jesus said God made the Sabbath for man, not man for the Sabbath. By the same token, God gave these ministry gifts to help the body of Christ. He didn't give the body of Christ to help the ministry gifts or to serve them.
In 2 Corinthians 1:24, Paul wrote, "Not that we have dominion over your faith," You cannot make people accept things or do things or believe things. Notice I used the word "make" in the sense of dominion.
Ministry gifts are responsible only to prepare and deliver God's Word to the body of Christ. Once that is done, it becomes your responsibility to receive that word and act upon it.
Example: Jim Jones in Guyana, South America, had over 900 people under his command and influenced them to all commit suicide.
David Karesh, from Waco, Texas, was responsible for the deaths of dozens of people who died when the complex was burned to the ground. He had convinced his followers that it was the Battle of Armageddon.
Please realize that I am primarily talking about the office of the pastor and the congregation, not necessarily those that are paid staff of a ministry. A paid staff of a ministry not only has a pastor, in the spiritual sense, but also an employer in the natural sense.
The same principles that apply to someone working in the world, as a Christian, concerning their employer, would also apply to those working a paid position in the church. In fact, they should be better workers, knowing that this kind of labor reaps an eternal harvest with benefits hereafter.
Some people will follow bad leadership anyway because they do not want to believe in response or studying the Word of God for themselves. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Jeremiah 5:31 says we are not to judge the hearts of our leaders, only their words and their deeds. Some people make a mistake here. They see something and they make a misjudgment of their leader's heart.
No, we should rather judge in the area of their words and deeds. Do the words they speak line up with the Word of God? Does the leader say, "Do as I say, but don't do as I do"? In other words, does he practice what he preaches? A pastor is an example in everything to the flock. This means great demand is placed upon him in the area of character. I will expound more on this in the role of the pastor, later.
If you cannot agree with the pastor, then you should leave. Don't stir up strife and division if you cannot agree. It is more honorable to leave than to be guilty of sowing strife and discontent among the flock of God. God never rewards strife and division.
3 John 1:9 shows us a man who is reaching for power and authority, but not responsibility. His name is Diotreophes, "who loveth to have the preeminence." The word "preeminence" means rule or authority. Diotrephes would not receive John. In verse 10, John writes concerning this man, what he will do when he comes.
Any time you find a person who says we are a select group and we only receive certain ones, LOOK OUT! Everyone should be welcomed. We are born into the body of Christ, not voted into it.
Notice in verse 11, John says, "Follow not that which is evil, but that which is good" in reference to Diotrephes attitude. Then John gives an example of a good leader in verse 12. His name is Demetrius. "Demetrius hath a good report of all men, and of the truth itself-, yea, and we also bear record, and ye know that our record is true."
Notice that Demetrius is given to truth, not preeminence of authority. John is telling this group of people not to follow those that are going the wrong way, but to follow those who are leading us correctly.
Jeremiah 3:15, "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." If you are not receiving knowledge and understanding from your spiritual leadership, you are not being led properly.
Jeremiah 23:3,4
Romans 13:1-3
Notice verse 3, "rulers are not a terror to good works." When something is good, it is God. When something is evil, it is not God. This becomes a key or a clue in submission. God will not impose His will upon you, therefore no man has that right either.
Example: I have seen in praise and worship, a leader physically lift up the hands of someone in the congregation to get them to praise and worship God. If God told that praise and worship leader to do that, why did that person leave the church offended, never to return? Why did they seek out another assembly in which to worship? We cannot force people to do anything for God. God wants people to worship Him. God wants people to give their tithes but He doesn't force them.
If God doesn't force people, who do we think we are that we can force people to do things we want them to do?
There are conditions to submission. If it will produce good, then you are free to submit yourself in love. James 1: 17 says every good and perfect gift is from above. When a man is producing good, follow him. If his works are evil, if they kill, steal, or destroy, he is not from God. Satan is bad but God is good.
Before you make decisions, ask yourself a question. Is it producing good in my life, good for my family, and good for my nation? Submission and obedience are not the same. Obedience is an action, submission is an attitude of heart.
Ephesians 5:21 says we are to submit ourselves to one another in love. This does not mean we are to obey every word that is told to us. Submission is not unquestioned obedience to authority. You need to ask questions. There may be times that you have a check in your spirit, or conscience. You then must recognize this level of authority is supreme. If you violate your heart, you will be violating the principles of God. Submission is not blind response to any order or command.
Submission is a willingness to follow leadership as long as it does not violate God's Word. You are to follow your leaders as long as they follow God. Should they get off track, you are expected to keep following God.
Daniel 3:4-25, is the story of the three Hebrew men. The king's order for everyone to worship his god was a violation of the principles of the Word of God. These three men had to make a choice. They obeyed the Word of God and still had a heart of submission. They allowed themselves to be taken into the fiery furnace. They did not fight or try to escape.
These men were not in rebellion. They could not, under the Word of God, worship another god. God must have been pleased with their decision because they were supernaturally delivered.
Acts 4:1-3 - the disciples of Jesus were thrown into prison for teaching and preaching Christ.
Acts 4:17-21 - they were commanded not to speak at all, or teach in the name of Jesus.
Acts 4:23-30 - they continued to preach and teach in the name of Jesus.
Remember in Mark 16, verses 15-18, Jesus had told them to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
Acts 5:12-20. Notice the apostles are thrown into prison again but an angel of the Lord sets them free and tells them to go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. The angel is a representative of God. The words an angel speaks carry the same authority as God's Word. It was God's messenger who instructed the apostles to preach the gospel, regardless of what the high priest had told them; and the higher authority prevailed.
Acts 5:21-29 - we ought to obey God rather than man. It is a Bible principle that we are to obey and submit to man, as long as he is following God.
Joshua 2 gives us the story of Rahab. Rahab chose to believe God's word even though it was in violation of the laws of the land.
1 Samuel 16:1,2 - Samuel obeys God's Word even though he may not have wanted to do it.
1 Samuel 19:1 - Jonathan was commanded to kill David by his father, King Saul. But the law of God teaches not to take the life of a man for no reason. Which law has supreme authority? That which produces good.
Acts 9:23-25 - Paul and Barnabas obeyed God rather than the Jewish leaders.
Acts 14:1-7 - These Jewish leaders were producing wrong. The key is to be led to do good.
Acts 17:5-7 - Again, we see who has the higher authority, Caesar or Jesus.
Without knowledge of the higher authority, the natural human mind will say we are to worship the king. Yes, we are to obey the laws of the land, and pray for our leaders, but, if it comes to making a decision between your country and God, there is no question about which you are to follow. Follow God!
In Exodus 1: 13-17, The Hebrew midwives were not in rebellion by delivering these pregnant Israelite women. They were just acknowledging the higher law of God. They feared God more than they feared Pharaoh, and did not kill those infants as was commanded. In fact, God blessed them all the more. God made these midwives houses. It pays to be obedient to God.
Galatians 5:1, " Standfast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free." These people in the Galatian area churches were being told to conform to circumcision in order to be saved or truly spiritual. Paul tells them not to be entangled with the yoke of bondage.
If Jesus has set you free, don't allow people to put you under the Mosaic law, only the law of love. To put yourself under the law is to commit spiritual adultery because you are taking yourself out from under the marriage relationship you have with Christ and putting yourself under an old relationship.
For some people it is easier to be a slave than to be a leader. The only bondage we should have is to love. We are to submit to one another in love. Love should be the controlling and motivating factor in all we do.
It is dangerous for a leader to put people back under bondage. I am not talking about teaching people to live a holy life or renewing their minds, but when a leader adds something to the grace of God for salvation or spirituality, it can turn into bondage.
Jerermiah 34:11-17, "But ye turned and polluted my name and caused every man his servant and every man his handmaid, whom he had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and handmaids." After six years of service, these servants were to be set free. The Israelites did set them free, but then brought them back again against the law, into bondage.
If any person tries to exercise authority over you and put you into bondage, that person will be pulled down and his position brought to nought. He will destroy himself if he falls to do what the Spirit of the Lord tells him.
Judges 8:22,23, "And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you."
Luke 10: 19
Behold I give unto you power [authority] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power [dunamis] of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Matthew 28:18
All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore and teach all nations
Jesus' victory was for the benefit of man.
Revelation 1: 18. Jesus took the keys of death and hell.
Colossians 2:15 tells us Jesus spoiled principalities.
His name is above every name
Philippians 2:9, 10. A name above everything in heaven, earth and hell.
Hebrews 1: 1-4, Ephesians 1:21
He gave us authority through His name.
Mark 16:17 - In my name shall they cast out devils.
Jesus with His resurrected body is there at the right hand of the Father. But, that name has all the authority, all the power, all the dignity, all the majesty, all the glory that Jesus, the Person has.
The name stands for the Person. That name is given to us. We are born into the family of God and that name belongs to the family.
The Father has lifted the Son to the highest position in the universe, with the highest name. He has given Him honor, glory, and power and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies, far above every known authority. And now, all this honor, glory, and authority, is vested in the name of Jesus, and that name is given to us.
James 4:7 - resist the devil and he will flee
1 Peter 5:8,9 - who resist steadfast in the faith
Ephesians 4:27 - neither give place to the devil
Matthew 18:18 - whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven
Revelation 2:13 - thou holdest fast my name
What does the expression "In the Name" mean?
This expression "In Christ" is used about 130 times 'in the New Testament and shows us the believer's position, his legal standing and place in the family of God.
When Jesus gave us, the early Church, the right to use His name, that right meant that they were to represent Him, they were acting in His stead, and when they prayed in Jesus' name, it was as though Jesus Himself were praying.
Christ is at the right hand of the Father - we are here as His representatives, not only collectively but individually.
When we pray in Jesus' Name, we are taking the place of the absent Christ. We are using His name, using His authority to carry out His will on the earth.
Jesus gave us the power of attorney to carry out the Father's will on earth. He has given to us the same authority He had when He was here, and the believer's position in Christ gives him the same standing with the Father that Christ had when He was here. We have the right to exercise the authority of God because we were given the Name.
Jesus with His resurrected body is there at the right hand of the Father. But, that Name has all the authority, all the power, all the dignity, all the majesty, and all the glory that the person, Jesus, has. The Name stands for the person and that Name is given to us.
When the believer is baptized into the name of Christ, he puts on all that is in Christ.
Example: When a wife is married into the name of the husband, she is married into his wealth, honor, and glory and becomes identified with him in all that he was or ever will be.
So when we are baptized into the name of Jesus we are baptized into all that name stands for - all its wealth, all its glory, all its honor, all its power. All that name stands for before the Father belongs to the believer.
Jesus won victory and triumph in His substitutionary work for our benefit, not His.
To the Father - Jesus inherited a more excellent name than any of the angels as the first begotten son. God gave Him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow.
To Satan - Jesus' conquest over sin, Satan, disease, death, Hell and the grave, acquired Him a name above all names.
To the Church - He has given us a signed check on the resources of Heaven and asking us to fill it in. Whatsoever you shall ask of the Father, in my name." What is in back of the Name?
Phil 2:9, 10 - Wherefore also God highly exalted Him and gave unto Him the name which is above every name.
Heb 1: 1-4 - Jesus inherited a greater name than the angel.
Eph 1:21 - every name that is named
The interference is that there was a name known in heaven, unknown elsewhere, and this name was kept to be conferred upon someone who should merit it, and Jesus, as we know Him, the eternal Son as He is known in the bosom of the Father, was given this name, and at this name every knee shall bow in three world, Heaven, Earth and Hell; and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord of the three worlds to the glory of God the Father.
When Christ rose from the dead, He defeated the devil. Jesus defeated all Hell and stands before the three worlds, Heaven, Earth and Hell, as the undisputed Victor over man's ancient destroyer.
Jesus conquered Satan before his own cohorts, his own servants in the dark region of the damned. Col 2:15
The Father has lifted the Son to the highest position in the universe, with the highest name. He has bestowed upon Him, honor and glory and power and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies far above every known authority and now, all this honor, this glory, this authority, this power, is vested in the name of Jesus, and that name is given to us. Jesus has given us a check and that check represents all that is in back of His Name and that check is the Name of Jesus.
All of the power and honor and authority that is in Jesus at the right hand of the Father, has been given to the Name of Jesus.
Matt 1:21-23 - and you shall call His name, Jesus, for it is He that shall save His people from their sins, and they shall call Him Emmanuel which is interpreted - God with us.
Acts 4:12 - neither is there any other name under Heaven that is given among men wherein we must be saved.
Acts 2:38 - Repent ye and be baptized everyone of you in the Name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of sins.
Romans 10: 13 - whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord be saved.
Luke 24:47 - and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name unto all the nations.
John 1: 12 - but as many as receive Him, to them gave He the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on His name.
John 14:13 -15 - Whatsoever you shall ask in My name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask anything in My name, that will I do.
John 15:16 - Whatsoever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you.
John 16:23-24 - Hitherto have you asked nothing in My name, ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be made full.
Acts 3:16 - Silver and Gold have I none, but what (who) I have, that I give, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."
James 5:14 - Anointing the sick in the name of the Lord.
Mark 16:17-18 - In My name they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.
Acts 16:18 - In the name of Jesus Christ to come out.
Mark 16:17 - In My name, they shall cast out demons.
Luke 10: 17 - The demons are subject unto us in thy name.
Mark 9:38 - saw one casting out devils in thy name.
Acts 8:16 - baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
Acts 10:48 - to be baptized in the name of the Lord
Acts 4:17 - henceforth to no man in this name.
Nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Acts 5:28 - Should not teach in this name vs 40 - should not speak in the name vs 41 - worthy to suffer shame for His name
1 Peter 4:14 - Be reproached for the name of Christ
This excerpt is taken from Bob Yandian's book entitled: Decently and in Order.
"In the discussion that follows, my intention is not to judge one form of church government as superior, or interior to another from a natural point of view. Rather, I want to find and point out what form is in agreement with the Word of God, the Bible. There is one reason for that. If you want a supernatural church, you must have a biblical authority for your church government. Signs and wonders will become commonplace when your house is in order."
There are four main types of church government in the body of Christ today: Episcopalian, Presbyterian, congregational, and independent. The title tells us who is in authority.
The Episcopalian form of church government is found in many types of churches: the Roman Catholic, the Anglican, the Episcopalian, the Methodist, the Lutheran and the Churches of God. The title points out who has authority, the bishops.
The Greek word "episkopos" translated Episcopalian means an overseer or a bishop. When you see the word bishop in scripture, it means an overseer. Another word to use might be superintendent. In the Episcopalian form of church government, the bishop (episkopos) has authority, and the pastor is under him.
The first denomination that I pointed to was the Roman Catholic church. The Roman Catholic church employs the Episcopalian form. It's I 'me of authority begins with the highest ranking bishop, the Pope. Under him is the Cardinal (Cardinal Bishop).
Under the Cardinal Bishop is the Archbishop. Under the Archbishop is the Bishop. Under the Bishop is the local Bishop. Under the local Bishop is the priest or pastor. The pastor (priest) who, by biblical authority is directly under the Lord Jesus Christ, is under the authority of five bishops above him.
The Greek word from which we derive the word Presbyterian is presbuteros; this is where we get the word "elder". When we find the word "elder" in the Bible, it comes from the Greek presbuteros. One place the word is used is 1 Timothy 4:14:
Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by the prophecy, with the laying on of hands of the presbytery (the elders).
In this form of church government, the authority for the local church rests in a group of elders. This type of government is found 'in the Presbyterian church, the Pentecostal Holiness, the Friends and many non-denominational churches. The church is governed by a group of elders. Traditionally they number seven, ten or twelve.
By this title, we can see that the congregation has the authority. Voting is the means by which most all decisions are made. The major denominations which have congregational church government include the Baptists, the Assemblies of God, the Churches of Christ, and the Congregationalists.
A most interesting fact about congregational forms of church government is that they arose about the time the United States became a nation, two hundred years ago. Apparently it was presumed that if we have a nation run by the will of the people, then we should have churches run by the will of the people. The authority rests with the congregation.
The reason some of these forms of church government came into being was out of an abuse of authority by the pastor. The Presbyterian form of church government arose because a pastor wasn't fulfilling his office properly. A group of men (elders) arose and exercised authority over him to protect the congregation.
When the elders began to abuse authority, the congregation as a whole decided to take the authority away from them. But even the congregational type of government is also subject to being swayed by one man's opinions or influence. No matter how we look at these attempts by men to prevent abuses, they still occur. God's Word is still our guide.
The independent form of church government is the closest with the Word of God. In this form of church government, the church is governed much like a corporate business. The pastor is like a president and the elders are like vice-presidents. Nevertheless, there is only one head to the organization, the pastor (president) of the church.
I strongly believe in the authority of the pastor but not unlimited authority. There must be a system of checks and balances in a church just like a business, marriage, or other institutions.
Husbands are the final authority in the marriage, but not to the extent of committing adultery with no recourse for the wife.. "Because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away (divorce)..." Matt 19:8
Because pastors also can become hardhearted and leave the lifestyle and doctrinal principles of the Word, protection must be built in for the people. "Church Board" is not a bad word.
Because boards have dominated churches, choked the creativity out of pastors, and stopped the move of the Spirit does not mean we throw the baby out with the bath water.
A pastor with unlimited authority an a church dominated by a board are both playgrounds for Satan. There must be a balance.
First there must be a process for acquiring a pastor, either a board of mature men or a congregation vote or both. Should the pastor abuse his office, the same process which put him in should remove him.
Let's create a good example. A group (board) of men find a pastoral candidate which seems to bear witness with them. They bring him in for a few weeks to speak to the people, and they also sense God's call on this man to be their pastor. A churchwide vote is taken on a set Sunday and he is elected by an 80% majority. (There are always those who would not recognize God if He sat next to them).
Once in office, the pastor should be free to run the church as he sees fit. The vote delegated authority to him.
When there is no pastor, the board was the authority. Now that a pastor is in his scriptural office, the board should go to a limited position. As long as the pastor's life and teaching remain in line with God's Word, the board's primary function is to advise.
They become a buffer between the pastor and the congregation. They can advise him as to the people's attitudes and feelings on particular subjects. They can also give him business information that he or his staff do not know. The board is advisory only. The pastor still makes the final decision.
One area the advisory board should have power over is the pastor's salary. A pastor should not designate his own salary. He should set pay scales of all staff below him but not his own. He should feel free to voice his opinion on his salary but leave the final decision to them.
The advisory board should be considered elders. They do not stand in the office of an elder (those who rule and teach see "Qualifications for Office - Elder and Bishop") but they should be mature in the Word, in love, care for the congregation, and respect the pastor's office,
They are chosen by the pastor (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5). Therefore when a new pastor comes to office he may want to change them after he has become familiar with the church operations. He may also want to change any or all of the staff, those who stand in the office of elder. He is the authority and this is his prerogative.
If the pastor abuses his authority from the standards of God's Word, the advisory board should take authority to protect the congregation. The abuses should be apparent and blatant. They should fall under two categories: morals and/or doctrine. If the pastor should be unfaithful to his wife, steal money from the church funds, be caught in a crime, etc, the board should step in.
Should he blatantly teach doctrines contrary to the faith, the board should take authority here also. To teach against the virgin birth, divine healing, salvation by faith, etc., would be some of the areas. Small areas of disagreement will always arise, but should never constitute grounds for dismissal.
Also the advisory board should give ample opportunity for repentance on the pastor's part. treat him as the Lord treats you. (Matthew 18)
Should the pastor be caught in flagrant opposition to the Word and not desire to repent, the matter should be taken to the people for a vote. The ones who voted him in should vote him out. This is all the voting that should ever be done.
The process would begin again. The advisory board (perhaps with the staff’s help find
a candidate (possibly an associate on staff) for the congregation to vote on. Once God's man is found and put into office, the board goes back to advisory only.
So many boards, at this point, want to maintain a hold over the new pastor. They fear that he may make some mistakes and they want to protect the church. The basis for any healthy relationship is trust, not fear. Give him the full reins.
Do not make him pay for the mistakes of the previous pastor. He may become discouraged and eventually leave thus justifying the board's fears and causing even more pressure on the next pastor.
Boards which have control or equal authority with the pastor will always slow down the progress of the church. Most boards that I have seen in churches are made up of businessmen in the congregation. They meet once or twice a month to make decisions concerning the business and direction of the church. They do not live with the church problems each day, so therefore they are uninformed. The first thirty minutes to one hour are used to catch up on the month's happenings from the pastor who feels frustrated having to report this to the group.
They then spend hours discussing trivial details that the staff pastor could have remedied in ten minutes. The reason decisions take so long is because few on the board want to accept responsibility for a wrong decision. No one will make a firm decision. The buck is passed instead of being stopped. Decisions are shelved until the next meeting and the pastor goes back to his office with little accomplished. Such items as carpet colors, drapery fabrics, and choir robes are caught in a maze of confusion. The reason no one will accept responsibility, they fear offending the congregation. Their public acceptance is more important than progress.
Many boards are dominated by one or two strong willed people. We are back to one man rule when this happens. Why not make him the pastor?
Neither the universal church nor the home is run by a board. The local church is compared to both. How would you husbands like your home run by a group of men outside your family? They can only meet once a month, and you either have an equal voice or none at all. All problems must be held until the monthly meeting and presented to a group that does not live with your problems as you do from day to day.
The home is the training ground for handling the local church, the family of God.
For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God? (1 Timothy 3:5)
Creative preachers are constantly discovering improved methods, fresh principles, and varied techniques, and they are discarding the less effective. From the Author of this text, he believes that a basic chronology in this process can be defined, illustrated, and applied,
By following these eight (8) steps, one will always know what to do next in building an effective ministry:
God speaks through a prepared man by giving to him a sermon idea. This prepared man studies his ideas and related it to a text, a thesis, and a purpose. Next, he studies the text until he can state the truth of the scripture in one sentence. After Bible Study the preacher examines all possible materials in order to give depth and breadth to the growing sermon. By allowing time for maturity, the preacher adds new dimension to his developing message.
When these five basic and necessary preliminary steps have been take, Sermon construction begins. The preacher will state his topic or title; he then constructs the sermon body on the basis of the text, thesis, purpose, and title; he completes his organizational work by adding a conclusion, introduction, and invitation. Following this ground work, the preacher writes out his sermon and polishes or finishes his materials. Finally, he completes the task by preaching the message.
An era of decadent Christianity will be upon us if the belief in a divine call is lost. Therefore, the
man God uses to preach the unsearchable riches of the Lord Jesus Christ is:
The Body of the sermon discusses the subject by dividing it into several subjects, explained in a pleasing manner.
You can study, and several of these methods can be used.
The conclusion emphasizes the subject of the sermon as it closes the discussion, applies the message, and calls for decision. It is a crucial part of the sermon.
The part of the sermon that presents the sermon idea and its relation to the text. It helps in preparing for the development of the body. It prepared both the preacher and the congregation for the message.