The Offering

We have been very blessed lately to give generously to multiple different causes both locally and internationally.  I personally feel grateful to God that He has used us to reach others.  I am thankful that because of your giving the church bank account is being used here at this building and literally across the world.  But let’s be clear up front, our focus is not and must not be on money.  Contrary to popular opinion, money does not make the World go round, God does.  We have far greater things to focus on.  Further, when we focus on our Great Savior, all of those smaller less important details have a way of working out.  However, in our consideration of “What does the Lord’s NT Church look like?” let’s consider Tithing.

To thoroughly cover the topic of giving or tithing as addressed in the Bible would take months of sermons and far longer if we included offerings.  Here we hope to just scratch the surface enough to help guide our minds in what tithing should look like in the modern New Testament Church of Christ.  Briefly, we will discuss tithing, collection methods, purpose and hopefully get to some fun stuff at the heart of the matter like gratitude and faithfulness. 

  מַעֲשֵׂר  ma‛ăśêr    mah-as-ayr',  ' H4643   From H6240; a tenth; (Old Testament)

Tithing is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18–20 where Abraham gave a tenth of all to Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God.  This appears to be a voluntary act of honor.  God had clearly granted Abraham success and Abraham was intentional in what he received and gave. 

Luke 18:9-14 Jesus shares a common and simple example and clearly tells us who had the better example, “the publican”.  What did the Pharisee do that was wrong?  Was it because he was a pharisee and was not a thieving unjust adulterer?  Should he not have gone to the Temple, should he not pray?  Perhaps he should not have fasted?  How could he tithe of all and still not give enough?  If we think this way, we are missing the point, just as he did. 

He, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish his own righteousness, did not submit himself to the righteousness of God (Romans 10:3).  Human righteousness is only found in submission to the righteousness of God. 

Thinking specifically about this Pharisee’s tithing: He saw himself as the giver and not the receiver.  His eyes were focused on his own hands and not on the Hands of God who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift.  The problem was not the good things that he did but the heart from which he did them. 

G586 ἀποδεκατόω ap-od-ek-at-o'-o:  to tithe (as debtor or creditor) (New Testament)

Genesis 28:20-22  Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear,  (21)  so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God,  (22)  and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”

Now, we see Jacob speak of tithing in an “if then” relationship with God.  Preachers, nor the Bible for that matter, do not typically advocate ultimatums with the Almighty. 

Interestingly, one of my family members recently attended a church service where they were given a tithing challenge.  The preacher at this large church challenged the attendees:  Give 10% of your income to the church for the next year, and if at the end of the year God has not clearly blessed you, then the church will refund your money.  How about that?  One danger of an “if – then” policy with God is that it starts from the wrong premise.  God is not like man; He is never in debt.  God is not obligated in any way to acquiesce to the will of mankind, nor should we want Him to.  In converse we are highly obligated to our Creator, Savior, Sustainer.  It is much better for us to start like this: God has done this, now I should do this.   Luke 17:10  So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”

 

OT and NT examples of the who, what, when, where, why and how of God’s people giving. 

Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle ~ Exodus 25:1–9; 35:4–29

The Half-Shekel Temple Tax ~ Exodus 30:11–16

“Every male Israelite of 20 years old and upwards (Exo_30:14), - was to pay half a shekel of the sanctuary as atonement-money; the rich no more, the poor no less (Exo_30:15), because all were equal in the sight of Jehovah” (Keil & Delitzsch)

Festival and Charity Tithes ~ Deuteronomy 12:5–7, 17–19; 14:22–29

The Levitical Tithe ~  Leviticus 27:30–33  A tenth of the produce of the land and livestock belonged to the Lord; given to the Levites.    Numbers 18:21–32  The Levites themselves then tithe from the tithe to the priests.

Offerings at the Dedication of the Tabernacle and Temple ~Numbers 7; 1 Kings 8:62–64; 2 Chronicles 7:4–7

Joash’s Offering Chest (Collection Box)  ~ 2 Kings 12:4–16; 2 Chronicles 24:4–14

Hezekiah’s Revival and Temple Offerings  ~  2 Chronicles 29:31–36; 31:4–12

Nehemiah’s Restoration of Tithing ~  Nehemiah 10:37–39; 12:44–47; 13:10–14

The Temple Treasury (Offering Boxes)  ~  Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4

Jesus observed people casting money into the treasury. The widow’s mites were given there.  Some historians state these were public offering boxes shaped like trumpets (“shofar chests”) in the temple court.  Most agree the “Offertory” passing of the plate did not develop until the 18-20^th centuries and for an interesting group of reasons.  However, I am pretty sure I can accurately tell you why it continues…churches simply get more money this way. 

Giving to Support Jesus’ Ministry  ~Luke 8:1–3  Women and others ministered to Him of their substance.

Judas and the Common Purse ~ John 12:4–6; 13:29  The disciples money bag for expenses.

The Early Church and Common Giving ~ Acts 2:44–47; 4:32–37   Believers sold possessions and laid proceeds at the apostles’ feet.

The Pauline Collections  ~  Romans 15:25–27; 1 Corinthians 16:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8–9

There was an organized collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem.   Weekly saving (“on the first day of the week let each one lay by in store”  1 Cor. 16:2).

Now back to the Heart of the matter:

Matthew 6:1-4 

Jesus warns against giving “to be seen.”  Motive matters, doesn’t it?  You can do the right thing with the wrong heart, and Jesus says that when we give in order to impress others, we may gain their praise, but that is all we gain. We receive no reward from the Father because we weren’t giving to Him in the first place.

Because of our sin nature, we are all prone to mixed or wrong motives, even when doing something good. The human heart loves applause.  “Beware”, the danger is subtle; you can start by wanting to honor God and end up wanting to honor yourself.

Jesus’ instruction to “not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” is not about complete literal secrecy. Rather, it is a call to cultivate a heart where giving is natural, humble and so “God-focused” that we are not rehearsing it or congratulating ourselves for it. We give in such a way that we forget ourselves entirely and remember only the One who gave everything to us.

 

We should remember the Widow’s mite:  For all did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:44.  We are reminded that God is far more interested in what is in our hearts rather than what is in our wallet.  This widow beautifully exemplifies how faith is an integral part of our giving.   

 

Matthew 23:23  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

What are the weightier matters: What weighs more a $1 bill or a $100 bill?  Both weigh only 1 gram; but if there is any difference in weight it has come from the dirt and grime of human hands.  The weightier matters of the law are not $10,000 bills, but rather justice, mercy and faithfulness.  The Pharisees tithed meticulously, even from their spices. Here Jesus affirms giving saying “these you ought to have done,” but insists that the heart virtues matter most.  God does not need our money, but He wants our hearts.

 

2 Corinthians 8:9-15 Here we get to see a practical earthly example of Heavenly design.

Jesus is of course the Perfect example of giving.  Theologically and logically, as the uncaused first cause, God is the Source of all giving.  You cannot outgive God because He has given all; we get to simply be positioned under that great flow of His love and grace.  The question then becomes, will we be His conduits or not.  Will you allow God’s giving to flow through you? 

 

2 Corinthians 9:6-8  It is by God’s design that the investment of One seed produces many.  “God loves a cheerful giver”.   2 Corinthians 9:12  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  Giving then becomes a part of worship, both in the single act and also in what that single act supports in the whole. 

 

Hebrews 6:7-8  For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.  (8)  But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

Understand that the Light of God falls all across this World and His rain reaches the just and the unjust.  In this analogy, what are the thorns/briers?  They are those who have tasted the good Word of God and the Power of Heaven yet they still bring shame to the Name of Jesus.  In a good year, with lots of rain and nutrient, a thistle may have a bumper crops, but that fruit is still thorns.

  We however, want to be “useful” to Him for whose sake we have been cultivated.  Bloom where you are planted, then as we grow in spiritual maturity we will see that Life is all about God.  As we grow in spiritual maturity, His Kingdom and His Glory becomes our joy, we are just happy to be a part of it.   It is His sun, His water, His dirt and our Joy to bloom for His Glory. 

 

1 Chronicles 29:10-14 

 

God pours out Grace,  We receive it, We become conduits, Needs are met, Thanksgiving abounds,  God is Glorified.

What Fills His House?

Imagine you are in the Sinai wilderness, surrounded by millions of people living in tents and you are approaching the presence of God.  You walk past the hot bronze altar filled with the noise of animals, fire and the smell of sacrifice; you can’t help but think of the Cross.  You continue to the cool and quiet water of the laver that reflects Christ’s resurrection through the waters of Baptism.  Behind the screen, you step into the sanctuary of the Tabernacle.  Here it is quiet; there is a stillness as the sun no longer beats, and the wind no longer blows.  The soft glow of the Menorah lightens the darkness before you.  The air smells with mingled hints of freshly baked unleavened bread beside you and sacred incense that burns on the altar before you.   Soft smoke rises to penetrate the great Veil that separates you from the Holy Mercy Seat.  The bronze altar and the laver brought you here and the Veil keeps you here. 

As we consider the OT Tabernacle, we get an easily understood picture of what fills the NT Christian’s life: The Bread of Life, the Light of the World and Unceasing Intercession drawing us into His Presence.  All of it is from Him, through Him and to Him. 

The Table of Showbread:  Christ is the Bread of Life / We need God’s Word

In the Holy Place, the first piece of furniture we encounter is the Table of Showbread (Exodus 25:23-30). This table held twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and was a symbol of God’s provision for His people. The bread was placed in the presence of God to symbolize fellowship with Him.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Bread of Life, the one who sustains and nourishes us spiritually. Just as the showbread was a continual reminder of God’s provision, Christ Himself is our daily spiritual sustenance.  Truly, “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

John 6:35 – "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." 

1 Corinthians 5:7-8  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:  (8)  Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Simply put, Church, church services and a Christian’s life should be filled with the Word of God.

Deuteronomy 6:6  And these words which I command you this day shall be in your heart;  talk about them as you live life and write them all over your house. 

 1 Timothy 4:13  Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

Psalms 1:2  but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Acts 6:4  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Acts 17:11  Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

2 Timothy 2:15-16  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  (16)  But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

Luke 2:46  After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

Luke 4:16  And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.

Acts 13:14-15  but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.  (15)  After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”

This Word of God is that which testifies of Christ (John 5:39) and it is drawing us into His Presence. 

The Lampstand (Menorah):  Christ is the Light of the World / Our Praise and Witness

Next, we come to the lampstand, a golden menorah with seven lamps that provided light in the Holy Place (Exodus 25:31-40). It symbolizes God’s light in the world and His guidance for His people. The priests kept the lamps burning continuously, signifying that God's presence and His illumination should never cease.

Jesus is the Light of the World, the one who illuminates our path and gives us understanding.

Psalms 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

John 8:12 – "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." Matthew 5:14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Matthew 10:27-28  What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.  (28)  And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Acts 1:8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Matthew 28:18-20  And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  (19)  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  (20)  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

A large part of what fills a Christian’s life and a Church service itself is the Testimony and Witness that God is Good.  We get to tell our friends, family, enemies and strangers what great things the Lord has done for us.  Often, but not always, this testimony comes in the form of song.  Singing, not only lightens the mood and the moment but more importantly it directs the eyes to where they should be; “we see Jesus the Author and Perfector”. 

Psalms 126:2-3  Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”  (3)  The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.

Hebrews 2:12  saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” (Ps 22:22)

Psalms 40:9-10  I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD.  (10)  I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.   (also Psalm 111:1)

So, let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works and Glorify your Father in Heaven.

The Altar of Incense:  Christ’s Intercession and the Believer’s Prayer Life

Finally, we come to the Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1–10), standing just before the great veil that separated man from the Holy of Holies. Morning and evening, the priest would place coals from the bronze altar upon this golden altar and burn sweet incense before the Lord. The smoke would rise and drift beyond the veil, symbolizing the continual prayers of God’s people ascending into His presence.

This altar was closer to the Ark than any other piece of furniture, just on the other side of the curtain. It reminds us that prayer brings us as close to the presence of God as we can come this side of heaven.

Psalm 141:2 “Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”

That rising smoke pictures the unceasing prayers of believers, offered not in our own merit, but through the perfect righteousness and intercession of Christ Himself.

Hebrews 7:25 “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

When we pray, we join in fellowship with the ongoing ministry of our risen Lord. Our prayers rise to heaven mingled with the fragrance of His perfect sacrifice. Without that fragrance, our prayers could never pass the veil, but through Him, the veil has been torn, and we now have bold access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 10:19–22).

1 Thessalonians 5:17:“Pray without ceasing.”  Our lives, like that golden altar, should continually emit the fragrance of prayer.

And notice something beautiful: the coals used on this altar were taken from the bronze altar outside, where the sacrifice was made. Prayer must always be built upon sacrifice. Our prayers find their power not in eloquence or emotion, but in the finished work of Christ on Calvary.

Revelation 8:3–4  “And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”

Our prayers do not vanish into the air, they ascend before the very throne of God.  So, when you pray, at home, in the quiet of the morning, or gathered here in worship, you are standing before the golden altar. You are participating in the priestly ministry of Christ. You are breathing heavenward the fragrance of the faith, hope and love of our Living Savior.

Prayer is not the least we can do; it is the highest approach we can make to the Most High God. It draws us, through Christ, past the veil and into His presence.

Luke 19:45-46  And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold,  (46)  saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”  (Isaiah 56:7)

Luke 22:39-40  And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.  (40)  And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”  

What filled the Tabernacle then is what should fill us today:  The Bread of the Presence fills us with the Word of Life; The Lampstand calls us to shine forth His testimony and praise;  The Altar of Incense invites us to unceasing prayer and communion through our Interceding High Priest.

The House of God should not be filled with thieves, arguing, or idols.  It is not a place to take a nap.  It is not a theater or playground and neither is it museum or a library.  And although we have some of the best food in town, it is not a restaurant.  No, the house of God is a place that is filled with the Bible, with Praise and with Prayer as we draw near to God. 

Function not Title

Mankind has a tendency to think that life and even the horizontal dirt upon which our vertical dirt walks is about him/her.  This tendency unfortunately does not remain only a thought but usually manifests itself in one form or another and in such a way that negatively affects those around them.  In the midst of our vapor we want our names to last forever.  

Psalms 49:11-12  Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.  (12)  Nevertheless, man being in honor abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.

Cain – Named a City After His Son (Enoch) Genesis 4:17

History and geography are full of names, but how long will they last:  America, Alexandria, Constantinople, Philippines and many others were named after some man or some woman.

“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.”  Prov 10:17

The best way to make something last is God’s way. 

Beer-lahai-roi – “Well of the Living One Who Sees Me”   Genesis 16:13–14  (Hagar)

Bethel – “House of God”  Genesis 28:16–19

Jehovah-jireh – “The LORD Will Provide”  Genesis 22:13–14

Peniel – “Face of God”  Genesis 32:30  (Jacob)

Jacob himself had his name (his own personal real-estate) changed to Israel  Genesis 35:10 From “holder of the heel”, “surplanter/trickster” to “God Contends” or “one who struggles with God” or even, “God prevails”.   By the Grace and plan of God Jacob went from being a taker to a receiver. 

Jehovah-nissi – “The LORD Is My Banner”  Exodus 17:15  (Moses)

Ebenezer – “Stone of Help”  1 Samuel 7:12  (Samuel)

Sure, there can be something practical about a physical name, but there is a better way. 

Casa de Fords can be fine, but Casa de Dios is much better, Amen? 

Matthew 23:6-12 

Saul, when he was “little in his own sight”, was a good leader (1 Sam 15:7).  How about King Uzziah: “as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper,” “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction” (2 Chron 26:5, 15-16). 

Such is true of Gentile kings as well, consider Nebuchadnezzar: “The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?”  but after a steady diet of grass and dew he changed his tune:    “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven…” (Dan 4:30-37).  His best moments were not when he was looking in the mirror but when he was looking to Heaven. 

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called... That no flesh should glory in his presence...” but “…He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”  (1 Corinthians 1:26, 29, 31)

“Reverend” example:

“Titles such as “The Reverend” are honorific styles that grew in medieval/early modern usage; “Reverend” as a standard prefix became habitual in English from the 15th–17th centuries.”  (Google)

While referring to a man as “Reverend” may have a historical context and/or be considered acceptable by modern ecumenical standards, it has no basis in the Word of God.  “Reverend” is used only once in the Bible, and can you guess who it is in reference to?   

Psalms 111:7-10  The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.  (8)  They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.  (9)  He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.  (10)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

As a continuation of Matthew 23, “and let none of you be called Reverend, for there is One who is Reverend and it is God”.  But why should we not call a man Reverend, or Teacher, or Leader/Master, or Father…because we both have the tendancy to let it get in the way. 

 

We can see that there is something in a man (and woman) that tends towards thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think.  To do so, paves the way for going beyond or reaching outside of God’s plan for His people.   We will discuss in a moment the offices that God has prescribed, but first let’s be clear what He has not given.  The Bible does not leave room for Popes, Cardinals, Archbishops, Superintendents, or any other Head other than Jesus Christ.  Similarly, the Bible does not call for prosperity preachers, dictator pastors or anyone else that would emotionally, financially, physically, sexually or spiritually abuse the fold of God.  

This seems well documented and an understood danger in society; however, what may be less understood is society's desire or propensity for such.  WHAT? What do you mean?  I say that the historical atrocity of overpowering kings is not just the fault of one man but also of many men who allow it to be so.  Allow you say, maybe even prefer. Israel wanted a king to lead them and God saw it as a rejection of Himself; and we know He was right.  Many a time, ye most, men are glad for a hero to arise from somewhere else other than their own backyard.  Many church members are glad to come and be fed but fewer are willing to spend some private culinary time in their own Bibles and then go feed the hungry themselves.  Personal responsibility for the kingdom around you requires involvement, chivalry, common sense, paying taxes and at times taking up arms.  This is true in the Kingdom of God as well.  Please don’t sit back and let someone else do it; be there, be prepared and put some spiritual muscle where your mouth is.   Do not be content with saying “there he is, Lord send him”; no “here we are, Lord send us (me)”.    

Now that we have gotten that out of the way, What does the bible say about church leadership:

Ephesians 4:11-12  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  (12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.  

Notice the function and not the title. 

Many Baptists will point to only 2 ordained offices within the Lord’s NT Church: Pastors and Deacons.  These are the two leadership roles with clearly designated requirements brought out in Timothy (3:1-13) and Titus (1:5-9).  Titus actually links “Elders” and “Bishops” in the same group; this is also something we see in a few other passages.  Most commonly, churches have several elders and multiple deacons.  The early Jerusalem Church was quite large and had the Apostles for elders and 6 designated deacons.  Another important topic for a later discussion is whether churches should have just 1 Pastor (Pastor-Led), or several pastors (Elder-led) (sometimes with a lead pastor). 

Elders / Presbyters (presbuteros) -local leaders who teach, shepherd, and govern congregations G4245 πρεσβύτερος elder; older; a senior; council.    1 Timothy 3:6  “Not a novice…”.

Acts 14:23  And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Proverbs 16:31  The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

Overseers / Bishops (episkopos) - duties emphasize oversight and care.

G1984  ἐπισκοπή  inspection (for relief); superintendence (manager/director); “bishop”, visitation.    

1 Timothy 3:1  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.

Pastors/Shepherds (poimēn) and teachers - gifts Christ gives “to equip the saints”

G4166  ποιμήν  a shepherd, pastor.

Luke 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

John 10:11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Deacons (diakonos) — servants appointed to practical service and to serve the needs of the church community.

G1249 διάκονος to run on errands; an attendant, a waiter; deacon, minister, servant.

Romans 15:8  For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs,

Romans 16:1  I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,

Deacons of course, are officially seen in Acts 6.  Notice, at this time, that it was not that they needed a new office, no, they needed widows to be taken care of.  This is an important distinction because instead of thinking of these leaders as having titles, we need to think of them as having a ministry. 

The NT emphasizes function (teaching, oversight, service) more than rank titles. Where different Greek words are used (presbuteros, episkopos, poimēn) the earliest evidence often shows overlap and not a rigid ladder of titles.

Acts 20:17  Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders (πρεσβύτερος) of the church to come to him.   Acts 20:28  Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (episkopos), to care for (ποιμαίνω) the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

 

Church leadership isn’t about climbing a ladder or standing on a soapbox; it’s about carrying a cross. 

 

1 Peter 5:1-6  So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder (συμπρεσβύτερος) and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:  (2)  shepherd (ποιμαίνω) the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight (ἐπισκοπέω), not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;  (3)  not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.  (4)  And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.  (5)  Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  (6)  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

 

These 3 words are not used interchangeably, but rather they speak to 3 different functions of ministers, functions for which we should be thankful.  As we have heard, in everything give thanks.  We might not find it natural to be thankful for an office, but we certainly can be thankful for a ministry. 

 

Hebrews 13:7  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;  (13)  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

 

A Preacher should say: (Pray) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,  (20)  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20 

 

In general, it would be good for ministers to think less of themselves and for church members to think more of their ministers; why, because of the important work that is before us and because of the Great and Holy God that has called us to Himself. 

The greatest name of all, the name above every name, was given to the One who humbled Himself unto death. If our Savior took the form of a servant, how can we seek thrones for ourselves? Let every name fade but His.