Thank you for making Milestone a part of your weekend. We are glad you’re here! Below are the notes for teaching on October 22th 2023.

Philippians 1:1

¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons

New Testament clearly establishes the Elders, Deacons, and Members. How do these offices highlight the character and work of our Lord Jesus Christ?

1. Eldership: A Display of Christ’s Pastoral Care

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2. Deaconship: A Display of Christ’s Servant Love

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3. Membership: A Display of Christ’s Submissive Obedience

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Conclusion

The three offices of Elder, Deacon, and Member in the church allow us to reflect the character and work of our Lord to one another and to a lost and dying world. No matter where one turns or who one turns to in the church, we ought to see Jesus, the builder and founder of the church. This is why Paul writes to the Ephesian church that through the church the manifold wisdom of God is being made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:10). Every part and every office points to and highlights Jesus. Those who fail to see the beauty and gift of these offices make little of these offices. And not only that, they also don’t see how the offices in themselves preach the gospel.

In the Elders,we see men who give of themselves to faithfully care for the flock as Christ laid down his life for the church. In the Deacons, we see men and women who serve as the Son of Man served by giving his life as a ransom for many. And in the Members, we see believers obey as Christ obeyed even to the point of death, even death on the cross.

In His infinite wisdom our Great Shepherd, our Humble Servant, and our King saw fit to structure His church is such a way that everyone who has been united to him would reflect and display him. There was no other way that it could have been done. As a building reflects and displays its architect, so the church reflects and displays its builder.

Maybe you are here and you are weary of structure or maybe you don’t see the need for such order in the church. I just want to remind you, that order and structure is good, and that it leads to flourishing. Not only is this biblical but it is also sociological. Even the world recognizes that the most successful people are those who have order and structure in their lives. God cares and love you so much that he is calling you to believe in Jesus and be united to his people where you will be known, cared for, served, and where you will be held accountable. In the church you will find fathers who will lead and teach you, mothers who will care and provide for you, and brothers and sisters who will walk alongside you. Though we are imperfect and full of flaws, because we are in Christ and empowered by his Spirit, we are able to love and serve each other. Jesus has and is redeeming and gathering a people to himself and to one another. Each member of the family, the church is equal in respect and dignity and worth, but we all, in God’s good plan serve in different ways and with different responsibilities. However, it is no safer and joyful place to be on this side of heaven than in the flock and church of Christ. Jesus has brought together a people through his shepherding, service and obedience, so that they would glorify him as they reflect his shepherding, service and obedience.

Notes

Thank you so much for worshipping with us today. If you have any questions or if God is asking you to make a decision to take a new step in your spiritual journey, you can fill out our Connect Card to let us know.

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