A Study of Authority “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him; the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:47-48).

A Study of Authority Lesson 11 Authority and Evangelism (Presentations are basically an adaptation of material found in Billy W. Moore’s classbook, A Study of Authority)

Introduction  We have learned in past lessons the need for authority  Two kinds of authority (Generic & Specific)  Means of establishing authority (Command, Example, Inference)  With this lesson we seek to make application, recognizing our need for authority in the realm of evangelism

The Church is to Engage in the Work of Evangelism  There is authority for such a work  While not in dispute, the fact remains that authority must be established  Approved by Direct Statement  1 Timothy 3:15

1 Timothy 3:15 “But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” The church is the foundation and support of the truth; she holds up and displays the gospel to the world. This is the major work of the church.

The Church is to Engage in the Work of Evangelism  There is authority for such a work  While not in dispute, the fact remains that authority must be established  Approved by Direct Statement  1 Timothy 3:15  Approved by Apostolic Example  Jerusalem church (Acts 11:22)  Philippian church (Phil. 1:3-5)  Thessalonian church (1 Thess. 1:8)

Acts 11:22 “Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.”

Philippians 1:3-5 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

1 Thessalonians 1:8 “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.”

How the Church Did Its Work of Evangelism  Individuals went out (Acts 8:4; 5:42; 8:5; 9:22,29)  Each Christian has an individual resp.  In the local church there should be teaching done to equip the saints for this ministry.

Acts 8:4; 5:42 “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” (5:42), “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

Acts 8:5; 9:22, 29 “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.” (9:22), “But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” (9:29), “And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.”

How the Church Did Its Work of Evangelism  Individuals went out (Acts 8:4; 5:42; 8:5; 9:22,29)  Each Christian has an individual resp.  In the local church there should be teaching done to equip the saints for this ministry.  The Local church sponsored evangelism  Supported gospel preacher (1 Cor. 9:14; 2 Cor. 11:8)

1 Cor. 9:14; 2 Cor. 11:8 “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” (2 Cor. 11:8), “I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.”

How the Church Did Its Work of Evangelism  Individuals went out (Acts 8:4; 5:42; 8:5; 9:22,29)  Each Christian has an individual resp.  In the local church there should be teaching done to equip the saints for this ministry.  The Local church sponsored evangelism  Supported gospel preacher (1 Cor. 9:14; 2 Cor. 11:8)  Local church supported missionary (Phil. 1:3-5; 2:25; 4:15-18)

Philippians 1:3-5 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Philippians 2:25 “Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need.”

Philippians 4:15-18 “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”

How the Church Did Its Work of Evangelism  Individuals went out (Acts 8:4; 5:42; 8:5; 9:22,29)  Each Christian has an individual resp.  In the local church there should be teaching done to equip the saints for this ministry.  The Local church sponsored evangelism  Supported gospel preacher (1 Cor. 9:14; 2 Cor. 11:8)  Local church supported missionary (Phil. 1:3-5; 2:25; 4:15-18)  Several churches may support the same preacher (2 Cor. 11:8-9)

2 Corinthians 11:8-9 “I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.”

The Bible Pattern of Evangelism

Not Not The Bible Pattern of Evangelism

Violations of the Pattern  It does not matter whether the organization is man-made or divine  Missionary Society  Sponsoring Church Arrangement  A centralization of the work of evangelism is a violation of God’s pattern regarding the work God has given the local church to do.  Violates autonomy (Acts 20:28)  Exists without divine authority, therefore it is not scriptural. It is sinful.

Acts 20:28 “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

Questions Lesson 11 Authority and Evangelism ?

Question 1  Describe the principle established by 1 Timothy 3:15 regarding the part the church plays in the spreading of the gospel of our Lord. The church is the foundation and support of the truth; she holds up and displays the gospel to the world. This is the major work of the church.

Question 2  Do individuals have a responsibility to preach the gospel? What verses teach this principle? Certainly they do, and the first century Christians did so. (The persecuted, Acts 8; Barnabas, Saul, Timothy, Philip, Aquila and Priscilla, the Macedonians, etc.) Cf. (Acts 8:4; 5:42; 8:5; 9:22,29)

Question 3  Is there any example in the New Testament of churches sending monies to a central (Sponsoring) church which then coordinates the support of preaching? Does this violate any principle of truth? No, churches sent support directly to the preacher (ex: Philippians support of Paul) The practice violates the concept of silence “speak as the oracles of God”, and autonomy (oversight of elders).

Question 4  Is it scriptural for several churches to support a single man in preaching? If so, how is this to be done? (What is the pattern)? Certainly, Paul “robbed other churches” while preaching in Corinth (cf. 2 Cor. 11:8-9). He received the support directly from these congregations. No “sponsoring church” was necessary.

Question 5  Explain the similarities and differences between a Human Missionary Society and a Sponsoring church arrangement. Is there authority for either? One institution is human, one is divine. However, both violate: 1) Pattern of evangelism; 2) Local autonomy; 3) Principle of silence; 4) Limit of elder’s authority There is no authority for either.