Spiritual Dependence of an Assembly

Assemblies should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in all aspects. He is the leader of the assembly, the source of our worship and spiritual gifts.
 

Intro: Legacies Left to His Own by the Lord

1. The authority of his name (1 Cor 5:4; Matt 18:20)
2. The promise of his presence (Matt 18:20; 28:20)
3. The Word of God (17:14). Christ put his stamp of approval on the New Testament before it was ever written (John 16:12-15).
4. The promise of his Spirit (John 7:39; 14:7)

The Assembly Activities of the Spirit

1. The Spirit gathers.
a. Matthew 18:20 “gathered” is in the passive voice indicating that the two or three who are mentioned were gathered by someone else, namely the Spirit of God.
b. Pictures illustrating the Spirit’s gathering work.
i. Calling the guests for supper (Luke 14:16-25)
ii. Seeking a bride for the Son (Genesis 24)
iii. Leading to communion at the table (Mark 14:12-16)
iv. Providing for laborers in the field (Ruth 2:4-7)

2. The Spirit glorifies. Christ is the focus of the Sprits attention. (John 16:14)
3. The Spirit guides (Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:13).
a. The guiding is constant (Romans 8:14).
b. The guiding allows the Word of God to make an effect on our lives (1 Cor 2:13).

4. The Spirit governs (Acts 20:17-38; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-9)
5. The Spirit gifts (1 Cor 12:4-11, 28-31). More is session #9.

The Rule of the House of God

1. Features of divine rule.
a. The Lord Jesus Christ is preeminent (Col 1:18)
b. The sole authority is in the Word (1 Cor 14:37)
c. The Holy Spirit presides (1 Cor 14)
d. Godly guides are esteemed and obeyed (1 Thess 5:12)

2. The Names used for elders (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 3:1)
a. Overseers - implies careful responsibility.
b. Elder - implies maturity in spiritual things.
c. Stewards - implies accountability (Titus 1:7)
d. Pastor/Shepherd - implies teaching

3. Deacons
a. Deacon means ‘servant’ that do a particular service for God or for his people (1 Timothy 3:8-13). All elders function as deacons, but not all deacons are elders.
b. ‘Deacon’ is often used in the NT for doing spiritual work as well as physical service (1 Cor 3:5; Col 1:25; Eph 3:7)

Spiritual Requirements for Elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)

Relationships of the Elder

1. Elders are made by the Holy Spirit (Acts 29:28). This is done by putting an earnest care for the people of God in the heart of an elder (2 Cor 8:16)
2. Authority of the Elders resides in the Word, not in themselves. They govern by teaching and living as a good example of Christ (Heb 13:7,8; 1 Pet 5:1-4).

Functions of the Elder

1. Rule for God (1 Tim 3:4,5; 5:17; 1 Thess 5:12).
2. Guide (Heb 13:7)
3. Shepherd (1 Pet 5:1-4)
4. Objective (1 Tim 5:21)

Attitudes toward Elders

1. Recognized (1 Thess 5:12)
2. Acknowledged (1 Cor 16:18)
3. Esteemed (1 Thess 5:12)
4. Submitted to (1 Cor 16:15,16)
5. Obeyed (Heb 13:17)

Protection of an Elder

Slander is avoided by the caution in 1 Tim 5:17-21 where no charge is to be accepted except there are at least two witnesses.

Reward of Elders

1. Given in the presence of the Lord (Heb 13:17)
2. Given a crown of glory (1 Pet 5:4)

Gifts of the Spirit

Four Lists in the New Testament 1 Cor 12, Rom 12, Eph 4

1 Cor 12:4-11 1 Cor 12:28-31 Romans 12 Ephesians 4
Wisdom Knowledge Faith Healing Miracles Prophecy Discernment Tongues Interpreting Apostles Prophets Teachers Miracles Healers Helps Government Tongues Prophets Service Teaching Exhortations Giving Rule Showing Mercy Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers

1. 1 Cor 12:4-11 describes gifts that are given to saints by the Holy Spirit. All the gifts in the two lists of 1 Cor 12 have some element of supernatural function.
2. 1 Cor 12:28-31 is a list of men who were gifts to the assembly.
3. Rom 12:3-8 gives the list of activities of gifted believers. Prophecy still appears in the list, but the other six activities are still in use today.
4. Eph 4:4-11 are men who were given by the Lord Jesus to the body.

Priesthood of Believers

Worship is a product of the Holy Spirit’s Work