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Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Jesus' Gift: Church Offices (Ephesians 4:7-11)

Bryan Schneider · May 16, 2020

Ephesians 4:7-11

sharonrpc.org/sermons/jesus-gift-church-offices

Summary

  • The ascended Jesus gives officers to his church as gracious gifts for its establishment, care, teaching, and maturity.
  • Apostles were Christ's authorized messengers and, with the prophets, belonged to the foundational era of the church.
  • Evangelists proclaim the good news and help establish the church, as seen in Philip and in Paul's charge to Timothy.
  • Pastors are shepherds who care for Christ's flock, while teachers feed the church with substantial biblical truth.
  • The New Testament pattern is a plurality of qualified elders who share spiritual oversight rather than one isolated ruler acting as a king.
  • Christians should thank Christ for faithful officers while rejecting both harsh shepherding and shallow teaching that never nourishes maturity.

Reflection and discussion

  • Do I receive faithful church officers as gifts from the ascended Christ, or mainly evaluate them by personal taste?
  • How does the foundational work of apostles and prophets continue to serve the church through Scripture?
  • What qualities distinguish shepherding care from harsh or self-important rule?
  • Am I seeking teaching with enough biblical substance to help me mature, or only messages that make me feel good?
  • When did I last thank God for an elder, pastor, evangelist, or teacher who has cared for my soul?
  • How can I encourage church officers without treating them as rulers above Christ's Word?

Key terms

Apostle
An authorized messenger of the risen Christ whose testimony and doctrine formed part of the church's foundation.
Prophet
A foundational servant through whom God communicated revelation to the early church.
Evangelist
A minister of the good news who proclaims Christ and labors to establish and strengthen churches.
Pastor-teacher
A shepherding and teaching office through which Christ feeds, guards, and guides his flock.
Plurality of elders
The New Testament pattern of multiple qualified overseers sharing responsibility for a local church's spiritual care.

Notes and prayer