Since Christianity is one’s
personal relationship with Jesus Christ, where does the church fit in this
dispensation, or the stewardship that has been entrusted to it?
Firstly, in this new dispensation
we are all sufficient or competent Ministers of the New Covenant: “Not that we
are sufficient or competent in ourselves to think of anything as being from
ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:4-6).
So then, what is the role of
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and teachers in the church? The role
of those occupying these offices is first and foremost to shepherd the flock of
God which is among them, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly,
not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to
them, but being examples to the flock; (1Peter 5:2-3; Acts
20:28; Hebrews
13:7).
Their responsibility is to equip
the saints for the work of ministry; and edifying the body of Christ, till we
all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a
perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we
should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every
wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of
deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things
into Him who is the head Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-14).
They are to warn God’s people of
impending disasters, they are to; Cry aloud, spares not; Lift up their voice
like a trumpet; Tell God's people of their transgression and the house of Jacob
their sins.
Now the responsibility of the
members is to follow their examples not blindly, but by considering the outcome
of their conduct. They are to be obedient and submissive to their rule as we
have been duly admonished saying; “Obey those who rule over you, and be
submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.
Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for
you (1Thessalonians
5:12-13).
They are to share in all good
things with him who teaches, for If they have sown spiritual things for you, is
it a great thing if they reap your material things? For even so the Lord has
commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
For if the Gentiles (those who do
not know God), have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is
also to minister to them in material things.
Therefore, the admonition is;
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially
those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall
not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, "The laborer is
worthy of his wages (1Timothy 5:17).
Now I think that this is an
opportune time to address the very important but most misunderstood and abused
subject, which is the principle of tithing,
To be continued, stay tuned
With brotherly love
Lucius Joseph
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