07/27/2013

  • SERMON PREACHED 7/27/13 THE RESTORED COVENANT PASTOR PART 1

       

    THE RESTORED COVENANT PASTOR

    1Tim 3:1-7 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know nolt how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the assembly of Yahvah?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

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    Introduction

    1.An Assembly is made up of believers who are a part of the body of Messiah.

    Rom. 12:4-5, For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Messiah, and every one members one of another.

    1 Co. 12:12, 27 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Messiah.

    First we must understand that an Assembly is an organization instituted by Yahvaha as Acts 2 records on the Day of Pentecost. Any organization must have leadership and in a local Assembly that calling and position Yahvah has given to the pastor. The Restored Covenant Greek word that is translated “Assembly” in our English Scripture is the word “ekklesia” and refers a local assembly or congregation of people meeting together in a particular geographical location, for a specific purpose. It cannot by definition refer to a universal Assembly or catholic organization. To proper use the word “ekklesia” it must be applied to a group of people meeting together. The false Roman Catholic and Protestant idea of a universal Assembly which includes all Brethren all over the world is a false concept and is foreign to the Restored Covenant.

    In the Restored Covenant “ekklesia” referred to the assemblies which met in a city.

    Acts 11:22…”The assembly which is in Jerusalem”

    1 Th. 1:1…”the assembly of the Thessalonians”

    Plural use of the word “ekklesia” also referred to multiple Assemblies in an area.

    1 Cor. 16:19…”The assemblies of Asia salute you”

    Gal 1:2…”unto the assemblies of Galatia”

    Gal 1:22….”unto the assemblies of Judaea”

    However, in each case the word “ekklesia” referred to an assembly of believers meeting together in a specific geological location. The use of the word in the Restored Covenant requires that those involved in the “ekklesia” must physically meet together.

    2.Believers who have received Yahvahosha Messiah as their Saviour need to be joined and meet together to serve Yahvahosha.

    a. The “ekklesia” refers to the members of the family of Yahvah on Earth meeting in a specific location. It is His household and the picture is of a home and family that are together.

    Gal. 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

     Eph. 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the chosen, and of the household of Yahvah.

    b. Denominations holding different doctrines and having hierarchies ruling over them is not known to the Restored Covenant. Denominations are the invention of man. They present a negative picture of Brethren in the sense that they represent groups with have differing doctrines and practices. A true assembly bases it faith and practice on the teaching of the Restored Covenant and all such Assemblies should be in harmony. Sadly, many assemblies organizations hold to false teachings and practices. In this sense being separated into denominations is proper because the beliefs of a group are noted by their denominational affiliation.

    c. It is the responsibility of the Chosen of Yahvah to support and be a part in the local Assembly.

    Attending and being a part of the local Assemblhy is not optional for the believer who loves the Saviour and wants to please Him. Hebrews 10:22-25 clearly states believers are not to forsake the assembling of themselves together. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:22-25) Ephesians 5:25:

    3. The make up of the Restored Covenant Assemblies was: Chosen, bishops, appointed servants which English Scripture call “deacons.” “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Yahvahosha Messiah, to all the chosen in Messiah Yahvahosha which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” Phil 1:1

    I. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE RESTORED COVENANT PASTOR.

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

    A. The terms used to refer to Yahvah’s called leader of a Assembly are the titles Pastor, Elder and Bishop which all refer to the same office.

    B. BISHOP is the Greek word “Episkopos.” Means an overseer as Acts 20:28 shows. The Episcopal Assembly gets its name from the word.

    Ac 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the assembly of Yahvah, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

    1. The word “episkopos” Means: “epi“= over and “skpeo” =to look or watch.

    2. Phil. 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servant of Yahvahosha Messiah, to all the chosen in Messiah Yahvahosha which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

     1 Tim. 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach.

    Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of Yahvah; not self-willed, not soon to angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

     1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. We see they all use this title.

    3. Literally 1 Tim. 3:1 “If any one seek the [office] of Bishop, or overseership. There is no Greek word for “office.” The Greek phrase literally translated states the “ministry or service as Bishop.” 

    The Apostle Paul, did instruct and exercise authority over the Assemblies in which he was not the pastor. He did so as an apostle and founder of the local Assembly. No reference to indicate apostolic session of authority. When the apostle died his authority ended. Paul was being used to lay the foundation of the Assembly. He was writing Scripture under inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Once the Scripture was complete the Scripture became the authority.

    2 Tim. 3:15. And from a child thou hast known the set apart scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Messiah Yahvahosha.

    On a subject as important as the organization of His Assembly surely the Messiah would have given some instructions or make up of a hierarchy if He desired one to exist.

    C. ELDER: “presbuteros” It is an adjective, referring to age as an older man, an elder. Examples of the use of the word:

    1. It refers to the older of two persons.

    Luke 15:25, Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.

    John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Yahvahosha was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

    2. It is use of a person advanced in life, a senior in

    Acts 2:17 “older men” “presbuteros.”  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith Yahvah, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons, and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

    3. The word “elder” refers to the experience and spiritual incite of a pastor rather than the office. When the office is referred to the word “bishop”is used or overseers. Elder refers most often to the spiritual maturity of a pastor. The word “bishop” refers to the work they do whereas “elder” refers to the maturity of their spiritual experience.

    D. PASTORS:

    1. Ephesians 4:11. Gives the Restored Covenant lists of servants in the churches.

    Eph. 4:11 And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

    The last position stated as given by the Saviour to the Assemblies is “pastors and teachers.” Note the other names state Yahvah gave “some” then the name. It does not say, “some” pastors and some teachers. Most believe the reason is it is the same position of “pastor-teacher.”

    2. Pastor: word means “poimen” which refers to a shepherd who takes care of sheep or flocks, It means more than one who feds them, but who protects, looks out for, and will give his life for them. Pastor is to guide as well as fed the flock.

    The pastor is to care for and feeds the sheep. Yahvah’s sheep are then to follow him as he follows the Saviour. The concept is that as shepherd he is to guide the congregation.

    “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the assembly of Yahvah, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28)           

    “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Messiah, and also a partaker of the majesty that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of Yahvah which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being rulers over Yahvah’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1-3)

    He is to literally, tend the flock, means tender and at times, more sternly guide the flock and vigilantly superintend the group.

    3. What should be the title of a leader of an Assembly?

    The proper and Scriptural title is “Pastor” and the following as stated Ephesians 4:11 . “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11)

    It is improper to use the title “Reverend” and never in Yahvah’s word is a preacher called “Reverend.” Psalm 111:9 is the only time that title is used in Yahvah’s word and it refers to Almighty Yahvah.

    “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: righteous and reverend is his name.” (Psalms 111:9)

    This title had its origins in Roman Catholicism which perverted Yahvah’s word and set a hierachy over Yahvah’s people. It was a title given to the “clergy” to distinish their high position over the “laity” or the common people. I always correct those who use that title in addressing me. Only Yahvah is Reverend.

    Pastor: It describes the whole task, and duties of the local Assemblies Apostle (overseers), spiritually mature leader, teacher and preacher of the Word of Yahvah, and also it does not as a title elevate the man to pride, but as a title identifies his position! Yahvah’s man is a “Apostle, Bishop, Pastor, Elder etc.” which denotes his position as a shepherd who cares for and devotes his life to the sheep. Messiah is the Great Shepherd and his pastor the “under shepherd” called to care for the Yahvah’s flock.

    E. Was there a plurality of elders in the early assembly?

    The answer is yes. Acts 14:23 states “. . . they ordained (appointed) elders in every church.” Also in Acts 15:2, the words “apostles and elders” are plural indicating a plurality of pastors.

    “When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.” (Acts 15:2)

    1. The word translated “Assembly” in our English Scripture is the word “ekklesia” means an assembly or congregation. In most places the word is translated “church” but it also is properly translated “assembly” in Acts 19:32. “Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.” (Acts 19:32)

    Examples of the use of the word:

    Mt 16:18, And I say unto thee, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my assembly; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

    Mt 18:17 records Yahvahosha’s only mention of the assembly (ekklesia) in the Gospels.

    18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the assembly: but if he neglect to hear the assembly, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

    Romans 16:1, refers to the assembly at Cenchrea. Cenchrea is the eastern harbor of the city of Corinth. Corinth, is the capitol city of the Roman province called Achaia.

    Ro. 16:1 I commend unto you, Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the assembly which is at Cenchrea;

    Romans 16:5, makes the specific address to the “ekklesia” meeting in the house of Priscilla and Aquia.

    Ro 16:5 Likewise greet the assembly that is in their house. Salute my well beloved, Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Messiah.

    2. The word church, “ekklesia” refers to all the assemblies which meets within a city. 

     1 Th. 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the local assembly of the Thessalonians which is in Yahvah the Father and in the Saviour Yahvahosha Messiah: Unmerited favor be unto you, and peace, from Yahvah our Father, and the Saviour Yahvahosha Messiah.  

    It also refers to particular assembles meeting with the city. In Romans 16:1,5 Paul refers to two assemblies in the same city of Corinth. Corinth had two sea ports with the one on the east called Cenchrea. The is the assembly where Phebe served the Saviour. On the southern coast was Achaia where the assembly met in Priscilla and Aquila’s homes. The word “ekklesia” in all but two places refers to a local congregation meeting in a specific place. The only time all believer are referred to universally is when they are called the, “the body of Messiah.”

    Mt. 16:18, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my assembly; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

    I Cor 10:32, Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

    I Tim. 3:15, And that from a child thou hast know the set apart scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Messiah Yahvahosha

    Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the assembly, and gave himself for it;

    Only once in Yahvah’s word is Brethren spoken of in a universal way is at the Catching Away when the Saviour will “catch up” all believers on earth and the dead who were saved since the “ekklesia” began on the Day of Pentecost.

    There were no assembly building within the first 300 years of the assembly. It met in homes and rented halls.

    3.Does this mean a assembly must have several elders in the assembly and that was Yahvah’s plan? Read the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. They are being instructed on how to pastor their respective assemblies. Timothy: Ephesus, Titus: Crete.

    If overseership was to be by plurality while not address the epistle to the “elders” at Ephesus and Crete, rather that the pastors Timothy and Titus.

    In Revelations 2 and 3, Yahvahosha addressed His pointed instruction not to the “lampstands” but to the “lampstand” (singular) of the various assemblies. Point is well made that anything with more than one head is a ‘monster’.

    4. There is no concept of a higher order in the assembly made up of elders, bishops, pastors.

    Revelation 2:6, 15. Yahvahosha states he hated the doctrines of the Nicolaitans which meant these people set up a hierarch to control the congregation. The word means “to conqueror the people” and they promoted a clerical hierarchy. 

    Rev 2: 6, 15 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolatians, which I also hate. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balaac to cause a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

    5. The assembly is instructed to follow the overseer or pastor of a assembly.

    a. 1 Pe 5:3, The pastor is not to rule over the congregation, but set an example.

    1 Pe 5:3 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of majesty and fadeth not away.

    1 Cor. 4:16, Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

    1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Messiah.

    b. Hebrews 13:7,17 instruction the congregation of the assembly that they should follow him, by obeying and submitting to the pastor’s authority as Yahvah overseer and shepherd.

    Heb. 13:7, 17 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of Yahvah: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 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.

    The Assembly as an organization needs to have leadership, and Yahvah’s chosen and appointed way is the pastor. The Restored Covenant teaches the pastor is appointed and called by the Holy Ghost. (Acts 20:27-28)