The Church Today In Comparison with the Church in Apostolic Times in its organization
The Church Today In Comparison with the Church in Apostolic Times in its organization THE CHURCH TODAY IN COMPARISON WITH THE
CHURCH IN APOSTOLIC TIMES IN ITS DISCIPLINE
E. H. IJAMS
“And he gave some, apostles and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”—Romans 16:17.
“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such an one do not to eat.”—1 Corinthians 5:11.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1.
“For this ye know; that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”—Ephesians 5:5; Ephesians 5:11.
“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." —1 Timothy 5:20.
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”—2 Thessalonians 3:6.
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”—1 Thessalonians 5:14.
“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision; “Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teachings things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”—Titus 1:10-11.
SIMPLICITY THE KEY NOTE OF PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY In the first lecture of this series the subject of study was the “Organization of the Church in Apostolic Times in Comparison with the Church Today.” The point of emphasis at the morning hour was the simplicity of the organization of the Church of the Apostolic times. The simplicity was the strength of church organization in the first century. In those days Christ, the founder and builder of the Church, was everywhere recognized as its Supreme Head. It was also recognized that Christ the head of the Church gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers “for perfecting the saints unto the work of the ministering.” This simple organization was by actual test, wonderfully adapted to all the various circumstances of first century conditions. It met the real needs of the existing world better than any elaborate organization could have done. We believe that the simple adaptability of the New Testament organization is still adequate to meet all the spiritual needs of the modern world.
ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION GO HAND IN HAND.
Tonight our subject is “Discipline in the Apostolic Church as Compared with the Church at the Present.” We have approached the subject of discipline with a brief statement concerning organization, because we believe that discipline should be considered in connection with organization. We believe that the subject of discipline should be studied in relation to certain definite characteristics of New Testament Christianity. One of these characteristics of major importance is that, in New Testament times, Christian leaders really led, and rulers of the Church actually ruled. Those placed in authority by divine choice were respected for the work’s sake, and their counsel was taken with respect for men and for God.
Another characteristic of New Testament Christianity that should be kept in mind is the fact that the Church of the early days made war on sin. The apostles and followers of Jesus made no compromise with evil things. They not only opposed sin, but they condemned sin in all. And another obvious characteristic of Christianity in the apostolic age is the fact that the mission which brought Jesus to the earth was understood. He came to save people from their sins, not to make excuses for sin. Christians taught, and were taught, to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to cleanse themselves from all defilements of flesh and spirit. And this in the main they were glad to do. (2 Corinthians 7:1).
These characteristics of New Testament Christianity have been mentioned to pave the way for this affirmation, namely, —those whom Christ has set over his flock must discipline the group in the spirit of meekness and love. They must be willing to reprove and rebuke and exhort with all patience and kindness. Christians everywhere need constant admonition. Those who would live godly in Christ Jesus need teachers to encourage and instruct them so that they may deny worldly and ungodly lusts. For the work’s sake, somebody must be diligent and faithful in teaching and admonishing those who are trying to fight the good fight. For the good of the individual and the group, the weak must be encouraged and the erring must be instructed plainly and lovingly. The disorderly must be recognized, and those causing division must be marked. Somebody must have the discernment, faith, and courage to do this; and congregational officers are the proper enes to do it. Trespassers must be restored by those who are spiritual in the spirit of meekness. (Galatians 6:1).
Elders and deacons must be spiritual, as must also teachers, preachers, and Christians generally. Those who are impenitent and who cannot be brought to a correction of their faults must be separated from the body of Christ. Who is officially responsible for acting in such matters if not the officers of the congregation? Presumably, no argument is needed to establish the fact that the principle of discipline must be observed among God’s people. In like manner it is clear that elders are to take lead in its scriptural application, of the principle of discipline. But it must be remembered that though elders are to take the lead in disciplinary measures, all Christians are responsible to God for observing the disciplinary principle and for supporting those who scripturaliy apply it. THE VALUE OF DISCIPLINE The word discipline is a great word. It stands for that control and harmony without which no individual can attain the highest character. Discipline is of great importance to the individual. It is of incalculable importance to the group. It is discipline in the good sense that unifies the athletic team. It is discipline that gives focus, power and harmony to the work of a good school. It is discipline that keeps the family together, guiding each member in observing his faithful privileges and responsibilities. It is discipline, also, in the Church, in the congregation, that gives it uniformity, regularity, and power for good. It is obvious, therefore, that the principle of discipline must be observed among God’s people.
Some time ago I heard an English naval officer tell an interesting story. He descibed a picture that hangs in Westminister Abbey in London. It shows, he said, a Bristish war vessel in a sinking condition. One end of the vessell is awash. The deck was also titled side-wise. But on the afterdeck, standing in perfect order, is the ship’s band, flanked by a line of sailors. It is plain that everything possible is being done to save the men; but it is also obvious that the ship is going down and, in all probability—every man with it. But not a man breaks rank. There is no disorder, no panic among members of the crew. To the last, every man kept his place and did his duty. That picture which occupies a place of honor in the capitol building of the British Empire has as its title just one word—“Discipline.” The naval man telling the story had a special knowledge of that picture. His father was captain of the sinking war vessel. He went down with his ship. Discipline.
Service cannot be maintained without discipline. Discipline must be employed to defend every good thing. Its principles must apply in the maintenance of every worthwhile institution. This being true, it is clear that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ must observe the principle of discipline. It requires discipline to maintain the sanctity of the character of the Church. It cannot be the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth” without observing the discipline of sound doctrine and right conduct.
Some Obvious Facts.
Misconduct on the part of Church members and poor discipline in dealing with those guilty of misconduct have done great harm to the reputation and the influence of the Church of Christ.. The failure of certain individuals to observe the true standards of Christian character and the failure of Church officers to discipline the guilty parties have brought reproach upon the name of Christ and have hindered the spread of the Gospel.
Experience and the revelation of God’s word both show the necessity of drawing the line between the Church and the world. A distinction between order and disorder must be maintained. God’s standards for His people are admittedly high, but they must be kept just as high as God makes them. Their power for good to the individual and to society, depends upon their being kept up to their divinely appointed plane. Those who would be steadfast and unmoveable in their loyalty to the will of our Heavenly Father must refrain from lowering the standards which God has set as the pattern of character for His saints. But it is equally obvious that discipline must be administered both in wisdom and in love. The leaders who are scripturally qualified and selected to oversee the congregation must not be vindicative in dealing with the unruly. Elders are not called primarily to punish those guilty of misconduct. Their primary responsibility is to teach and to feed and to develop the spiritual characters in those over whom the Holy Spirit has made them bishops. When it is necessary and in keeping with their responsibility as shepherds of the flock to deal with the disorderly, they must make diligent effort to do it in love combined with the very best judgment that they can command. They must guard against every sort of prejudice and partiality. They must let their manner of procedure as well as their motives command the respect and confidence of all concerned. Elders must nevei forget that if they can win a brother from the error of his way, they have saved a soul from death. They ought to so value the soul that they are willing to put forth any reasonable effort of love and patience to win the sinner from his erring way. On the other hand elders must be courageous, even relentless, in their loyalty to truth and right. And their hands must be upheld by brethren generally. The efforts of proper persons to keep together what God has joined—sound doctrine and right conduct—is a duty which every Christian must encourage. In short, it is obligatory upon all God’s people to help unhold the efforts of their elders when they in obedience to God’s commands and their special responsibilities, seek to maintain the order and discipline of the Church. The Rising Tide of Worldliness Must Be Resisted.
It is my observation that worldliness is one of the great problems with which Christian leaders have to deal at the present time. The very atmosphere of our modern world is charged with the spirit of revolt against authority. Civil governments in all parts of the world are grappling with revolutionary influences within their own borders. In the moral realm there is a growing tendency to disregard the laws of decency, honor, and right. In religion there is a tendency for every man to become a law unto himself. Under these conditions and tendencies, the tide of worldliness seems to rise ever higher and higher. Many members of the Church are infected with it to the degree they do not suspect. For that reason, the necessity of maintaining respect for Scriptural authority weighs doubly heavy upon the elders of the Church at the present time. It is an extraordinary condition which all should recognize, and in which we all are obligated to do our full duty.
Since the Bible is our source of authority, the rule of practice for all things in work and worship, we shall end this study in the same way it was begun—with readings from God’s word. We read these scriptural statements with the prayer that they may be so received as to give light and understanding to all who hear.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12.
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he receiveth of us.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6.
“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision; “Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” Titus 1:10-11.
“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.” Hebrews 13:17.