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 Ephesians Chapter 4

 By: Rich Puckett

As with most of my studies, my comments are in red. The blue is from Matthew Henrys and Believers Study Bible commentary.

Walk in Unity

(Eph 4:1 KJV) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

1 Cor 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Phil 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

2 Th 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

1 Pet 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

2 Pet 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Verses 1-6. Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, understand humility, which is opposed to pride. By meekness, that excellent disposition of soul, which makes men unwilling to provoke, and not easily to be provoked or offended. We find much in ourselves for which we can hardly forgive ourselves; therefore we must not be surprised if we find in others that which we think it hard to forgive. There is one Christ in whom all believers hope, and one heaven they are all hoping for; therefore they should be of one heart. They had all one faith, as to its object, Author, nature, and power. They all believed the same as to the great truths of religion; they had all been admitted into the church by one baptism, with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, as the sign of regeneration. In all believers God the Father dwells, as in his holy temple, by his Spirit and special grace.

Eph 4:1: (vv. 4:1-6:24) These verses comprise the second major section of the epistle, in which Paul now emphasizes matters of practical theology.

(Eph 4:2 KJV) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Mat 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

Mat 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Mat 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

Mat 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Mat 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Mat 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Mat 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Mat 23:16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

Mat 23:17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

Mat 23:18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

Mat 23:19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

Mat 23:20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.

Mat 23:21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

Mat 23:22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Mat 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Mat 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

Mat 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Mat 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

Mat 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

Mat 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

Mat 23:32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Mat 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

Mat 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Mat 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

(Eph 4:3 KJV) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

How can you expect any one to want what you have when all you do is fuss and fight? How can you expect your church to grow, or for the lost to see love when there is bickering and fighting over such silly things in the church and home? How much of a light are you when all you do is walk around fussing and down trodden never having any thing good to say about the preacher, teacher, or church? Maybe the reason you can't get your kids to go to church and serve God is because they have yet to see you put God first in any thing in you life. Could it be the reason you get nothing out of church services is because you put nothing into it? Could it be that most of the unhappiness at home is because you stir things up and because your unhappy you make everyone that way? Could it be that the problem on the job is because the same attitude you serve God with is the same one you work with?

2 Cor 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Eph 4:4 KJV) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

(Eph 4:5 KJV) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

(Eph 4:6 KJV) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

If you think Baptists or whatever denomination you are is the only one that is right and heaven is just for you, you are wrong. It makes no difference what the name is over the door but what the light is in the house. Could it be that one of the reasons so many start the race and don't finish it is because they see to much conflict in Gods family? It is so silly to hear different preaches tell you why different denominations are lost and all that’s wrong in the way they read the bible when they cannot see the silliness in their own beliefs. Do you think rather you speak in tongues or not make any difference in your right to heaven, not according to the word? All of us have different calling different groups we can reach but you bind the will of God with your silly fighting. We should be working together not warring with each other.

2 Pet 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Spiritual Gifts

(Eph 4:7 KJV) But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Verses 7-16. Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience. There is a fulness in Christ, and a measure of that fulness given in the counsel of God to every believer; but we never come to the perfect measure till we come to heaven. God's children are growing, as long as they are in this world; and the Christian's growth tends to the glory of Christ. The more a man finds himself drawn out to improve in his station, and according to his measure, all that he has received, to the spiritual good of others, he may the more certainly believe that he has the grace of sincere love and charity rooted in his heart.

(Eph 4:8 KJV) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

God gives gifts to us that love him, not because he had to but because he wants to. These gifts are meant to be used and the more you use them the better you will become at doing Gods will with those gifts. Not everyone is given the same gift, not every one has the same ability with the gift given. Some have more then one gift and often the gifts go hand in hand. All the gifts are still given today and used. We must be careful to use the gift wisely and correctly for we will stand to answer to God about how we used what he has given us. I think that if you use your gift well you will often find God gives you more as you grow to the place where you can do more for him. Many try to do some of these works with out the gift and lead many astray, some try to sell the use of the gift God gave them, they will answer to God be sure of this. Some like to boast of the gift they have, woe unto them. The gifts were and are given for one reason to help us serve God better, to save the lost, feed his sheep.

Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Not all the gifts are mentioned here for example salvation, the forgiveness of sin is a gift.

John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

You cannot buy Gods gifts.

Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

God gifts are not based on race, or church group you belong too, how big or how old, sex, or any of those things.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

We too can give the gift by Gods working through us, if you lead the lost to the Lord and he is converted and filled with the Holy Ghost or you show someone the way and he is called into the ministry then you impart a gift to him. Even the gift of knowledge and understanding, of faith and hope is ours to share.

Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

God gives man the proper gift, not all can be teachers or pastors but to the one whom God sees can do his will he grant the gifts.

1 Cor 7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

The gifts only have value if used with and by love.

1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1 Cor 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

1 Pet 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

We should give God thanks for the gifts he has given us. If you give someone a gift you like to be thanked you too should thank the giver and give him glory.

2 Cor 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Eph 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

We must use the gift given to us. It is given unto man to show his support and to lay hands and ordain men who have the calling and gift of God.

1 Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

presbytery

\Pres"by*ter*y\, n.; pl. Presbyteries [L. presbyterium, Gr. ?. See Presbyter, and cf. Presbyterium.] 1. A body of elders in the early Christian church.

2. (Presbyterian Ch.) A judicatory consisting of all the ministers within a certain district, and one layman, who is a ruling elder, from each parish or church, commissioned to represent the church in conjunction with the pastor. This body has a general jurisdiction over the churches under its care, and next below the provincial synod in authority.

3. The Presbyterian religion of polity. [R.] --Tatler.

4. (a) (Arch.) That part of the church reserved for the officiating priest. (b) The residence of a priest or clergyman. --Gwilt.

We are to use those gifts and let them grow with in us.

2 Tim 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2 Tim 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

gift (gîft) noun

1. Something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation.

2. The act, right, or power of giving.

3. A talent, an endowment, an aptitude, or a bent.

Eph 4:8: (vv. 8,9) The reference to Jesus' ascension in Ps. 68:18 presupposes His coming down to earth from heaven. Therefore, the "lower parts of the earth" probably is a reference to the incarnation of Christ. This difficult and debated passage has been linked by some with 1 Pet. 3:18-20 and is thought to reflect a ministry of Jesus immediately following His death but prior to His resurrection, in which He descended into Sheol or Hades to announce the accomplishment of atonement to the lost, as well as to the dead saints of the O.T. He then "led captivity captive," i.e., He led these O.T. saints into heaven's rest. Another explanation that seems to have fewer explanatory difficulties is that the captivity which Christ led captive in His resurrection and ascension is the awful power of Satan, sin, death, and the grave. The descent into the lower parts of the earth is a reference to His entombment in the heart of the earth. From this He arose and ascended in unparalleled victory (4:10).

(Eph 4:9 KJV) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

1 Pet 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Pet 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

1 Pet 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

1 Pet 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

1 Pet 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

(Eph 4:10 KJV) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

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

Micah 3:9 Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.

Micah 3:10 They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.

Micah 3:11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

Micah 3:12 Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.

a·pos·tle (e-pòs¹el) noun

1. a. Apostle. One of a group made up especially of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus to preach the gospel. b. A missionary of the early Christian Church. c. A leader of the first Christian mission to a country or region.

2. Mormon Church. One of the 12 members of the administrative council.
  1. a. One who pioneers an important reform movement, cause, or belief: an apostle of conservation. b. A passionate adherent; a strong supporter.
  2. apostle [Gr., = envoy], one of the prime missionaries of Christianity. The disciples of Jesus who were chosen to be his Twelve Apostles were Peter, Andrew, James (the Greater), John, Thomas, James (the Less), Jude (or Thaddaeus), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon, and Judas Iscariot, who was later replaced by Matthias. St. Paul and sometimes a few others, e.g., St. Barnabas, are also classed as apostles.

APOSTLES Persons sent to accomplish a mission, especially the twelve apostles Jesus commissioned to follow Him. An apostle represents the one sending and has authority to represent the sender in business, political, or educational situations.

In the Gospels Matthew used the term "apostles" only at Matthew 10:2, introducing the list of twelve apostles. Otherwise, he wrote only of the "twelve" (11:1; 20:17; 26:14,20,47; compare 19:28). Mark used "apostles" only once (6:30) as they returned from their mission trip (6:7-11). He, too, referred more often to the twelve (3:14; 4:10; 6:7; 9:35; 10:32; 11:11; 14:10,17,20,43). Apostles appears only once in John in the general statement "he that is sent (Greek, apostolos) (is not) greater than he that sent him" (13:16).

Luke is the Gospel of the apostles, especially when read in light of its continuation in Acts. Compare Luke 6:13; 9:10; 11:49. The apostles asked Jesus for increased faith (17:5) and participated with Him in the final Passover and the first Lord's Supper (22:14). Finally, the women had to tell the news of the resurrection to the apostles (24:10).

Thus in the Four Gospels, the word "apostle" does not play a strong role. The Twelve is the preferred term (Luke 6:13; 8:1; 9:1,12; 18:31; 22:3,14,47; compare 22:30).

In Acts "Apostles" is an important concept in Acts. Jesus chose the apostles through the Holy Spirit and instructed them concerning their missionary mission which the Holy Spirit would empower them to carry out (1:2-8). They had a forty-day instruction period with the risen Lord before the ascension, but still they could not know "the times or seasons" of the full restoration of the kingdom (1:3-7). They were eyewitnesses of the ascension (1:9) and heard the angelic promise of His future return (1:11). They understood the betrayal by Judas as fulfillment of Scripture (1:16) and felt the need to replace him to keep their number at twelve. Qualifications for an apostle were clear: participation in Jesus' earthly ministry beginning with His baptism and a witness of the resurrection (1:21-22). At Pentecost people asked the apostles' leadership in how to respond to Peter's sermon (2:37). New converts remained in "the apostles' teaching" (2:42 NIV, NASB, NRSV). The apostles did signs and wonders 2:43; 5:12; compare Mark 6:7-13). They both preached the gospel (4:33) and directed social ministry to the poor (4:35). Even time in jail did not keep them from preaching the gospel (5:18,29). Gamaliel, a member of the Sanhedrin, managed to gain freedom for the apostles, but they still suffered a beating (5:33-40). The apostle reacted with rejoicing at the opportunity to suffer for Christ (5:41) and continued to preach (5:42).

The twelve led in the selection of the first deacons to minister to the needy (6:2, the only use of "the twelve" in Acts). See Deacon. The apostles prayed and laid their hands on these newly selected servants of the church (6:6). See Laying on of Hands, Ordination. When persecution caused the church to scatter and spread the gospel, the apostles remained in Jerusalem (8:1). They sent Peter and John to represent them in Samaria, see the result of evangelistic work there, and pray for the Holy Spirit to come upon the new converts (8:14-15). When the apostles laid their hands on the converts, they received the Spirit (8:17). They taught Simon, one of the Samaritans, that apostolic power could not be purchased with money (8:20). Barnabas introduced Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem (9:27), thus apparently giving apostolic acceptance of Paul's preaching ministry. Peter's mission to Cornelius and the Gentiles at Caesarea (ch. 10) caused division among the apostles (11:1-2) until Peter's explanation caused them to give God glory (11:18). Acts 14:4,14 introduces Paul and Barnabas as apostles, using the term for persons outside the twelve. In 15:2 "elders" join the apostles in hearing the case against Paul and Barnabas at the "Jerusalem Council." See Elders. The apostles and elders then sent a letter to the church at Antioch explaining the "council's" decision on how to deal with the Gentile question (15:22). The Jerusalem representatives--Judas Barsabbas and Silas--completed their task and returned to the apostles (15:33). Paul and Timothy distributed the decrees of the apostles and elders to the Gentile churches (16:4). Here the word "apostles" disappears from Acts, not appearing in the last twelve chapters.

In Paul Paul opened his letters by introducing himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:1; 1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Titus 1:1). Paul's apostleship is a calling (Rom. 1:1) by God's will (1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1). Human authority had nothing to do with his apostleship, for it came through Jesus Christ and God the Father (Gal. 1:1), through the "commandment of God our Savior" (1 Tim. 1:1). Elsewhere, Paul defended his authority and position as an apostle, equal with other apostles. He was the apostle for the Gentiles with a heart for the Jews (Rom. 11:13-14). He, along with other apostles, appeared on the scene late as poor fools for Christ to be an example over against the pride of the Corinthians (1 Cor. 4:9). Indeed, existence and ministry of the Corinthian church sealed Paul's apostleship, showing he had done the work of an apostle. He also qualified because he had seen the risen Christ (1 Cor. 9:1-2). He compared himself and Barnabas to the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas (1 Cor. 9:5-6). Apostles had the right to marriage and to being paid for their ministry (1 Cor. 9:5-6). Paul was the least of all apostles because he persecuted the church and was the last to see the risen Lord (1 Cor. 15:6-11). Still, he considered himself "not in the least inferior to these super-apostles" (2 Cor. 11:5, NRSV).

Those who opposed Paul's claim to apostleship simply sought to be his equal but in reality were "false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ" (2 Cor. 11:13, NRSV). Paul had performed the signs and miracles which were "the signs of a true apostle" (2 Cor. 12:12), along with his life of patient endurance, preaching, and suffering for Christ. Paul claimed he did not have to go to Jerusalem to other apostles to get his apostolic mission and authority (Gal. 1:17). He did meet Peter and James, eventually, but the church at Jerusalem glorified because of Paul's ministry of evangelistic preaching (Gal. 1:18-24). Ultimately Paul proved his apostleship not by asserting personal authority or demanding praise from other people. Rather, he tenderly ministered among the churches (1 Thess. 2:5-8).

When speaking of apostles apart from defending his own role as an apostle, Paul emphasized that acting as an apostle was one of the spiritual gifts which must be done in love (1 Cor. 12:28-13:13). Such a gift is to equip other saints for ministry (Eph. 4:11-12). The apostles represent the foundation of the church along with the prophets (Eph. 2:19-20; compare 3:5). Peter's apostleship could be distinguished from Paul's as an apostleship to the Jews as contrasted to an apostleship to the Gentiles (Ga. 2:8). Others were also apostles, precisely Andronicus and Junias (Rom. 16:7), possibly a husband and wife team.

In the Epistles Hebrews refers to Jesus as "the Apostle" (Heb. 3:1). Peter identified himself as an apostle in the introduction of each of his letters (1 Pet. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:1). He also called his readers back to the authority of the prophets and of the apostles (2 Pet. 3:2). Jude 17 echoes this.

In Revelation John commended the church at Ephesus for proving some who claimed to be apostles to be liars (2:2). He called heaven, the prophets, and the holy apostles to rejoice at the fall of Babylon (18:20). The names of the twelve apostles will be engraved on the twelve foundations of the new Jerusalem (21:14).

The Twelve The first three gospels and Acts list the twelve with some variations:

Peter heads all the lists. Simon, James, John, Andrew, and Philip with differing orders compose the first five in all lists. Matthew is apparently also known as Levi (compare Matt. 9:9; Mark 2:13-14; Luke 5:27-28). As "son of Alphaeus" (Mark 2:14), Levi may be brother to James, "son of Alphaeus." Luke has a second Judas, where Matthew and Mark list Lebbeus or Thaddeus. Most modern translations follow Greek texts which do not include Lebbeus in Matthew's list, reading only Thaddeus.

Thaddeus and Judas, brother of James, are apparently the same person, though some scholars suggest that some sections of the early church had slightly different lists of the apostles' names.

Summary The New Testament has taken a common Greek word from naval and commercial language and made it a technical term for a messenger Jesus sent on a mission and more specifically for the twelve whom Jesus selected to follow Him from His baptism onward. To them He gave the special commission to lead the church into worldwide mission. They functioned as leaders of the church in the early chapters of Acts mainly from a base in the church at Jerusalem. The number twelve in some way identified them as continuing God's work through the twelve tribes of Israel. They had the spiritual gift of functioning as an apostle in giving leadership to the church and training others for ministry. They maintained and transmitted the teachings of Jesus to the early church. Having fulfilled their mission of leading the church's missionary activity and preserving the teachings of Christ, the twelve apostles passed from the scene. They did not occupy an office which they could hand on to others or which the church had the power to fill. Interesting to note is that Paul apparently argued with representatives of the Jerusalem church who claimed apostolic authority for themselves and that Paul had to defend his right to be an apostle. Paul also pointed to others outside the twelve and himself as apostles. Thus the term, at least for Paul and apparently for others, had both the narrower meaning of the twelve and a wider meaning. Otherwise, Paul could not have been included.

In my thinking there are men today called to this work. This is more like those who are called into leadership roles such as in a denomination that would be its leaders. The role of the apostle was more then to preach or teach but was the group to set out church order and to decide between conflict of ideals or understanding over Gods word. There are those who have a extra heap of understanding and the gift to dig deep and find answers. They are gifted in bring order out of conflict. These are leaders not usually very good at staying in one church but tend to reach out over a group. In many ways they are like deacons for the whole group instead of one local church. These are people with vision and dreams and hopes, they are always seeing a bigger picture and seeking to lead us into that goal. Men who have learned to be humble and yet teach with authority, they are respected not because of what they say but who and what they are.

Mat 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Mat 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

Mat 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Luke 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:

Luke 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

1 Cor 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

1 Cor 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

1 Cor 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

1 Cor 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

1 Cor 4:13 Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

1 Cor 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1 Cor 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

2 Cor 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Cor 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

2 Cor 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Rev 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

proph·et (pròf¹ît) noun

1. A person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed.

2. A person gifted with profound moral insight and exceptional powers of expression.

3. A predictor; a soothsayer.

4. The chief spokesperson of a movement or cause.

Prophets (used with a sing. or pl. verb). Bible. The second of the three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures, comprising the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve.

PROPHECY, PROPHETS Reception and declaration of a word from the Lord through a direct prompting of the Holy Spirit and the human instrument thereof.

 Old Testament Three key terms are used of the prophet. Ro'eh and hozeh are translated as "seer." The most important term, nabi, is usually translated "prophet." It probably meant "one who is called to speak."

 History Moses, perhaps Israel's greatest leader, was a prophetic prototype (Acts 3:21-24). He appeared with Elijah in the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8). Israel looked for a prophet like Moses (Deut. 34:10).

Prophets also played a role in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The prophetess Deborah predicted victory, pronounced judgment on doubting Barak, and even identified the right time to attack (Judg. 4:6-7,9,14). Samuel, who led Israel during its transition to monarchy, was a prophet, priest, and judge (1 Sam. 3:20; 7:6,15). He was able to see into the future by vision (3:11-14) and to ask God for thunder and rain (12:18). Samuel led in victory over the Philistines (1 Sam. 7), and God used him to anoint kings. Gad and Nathan served as prophets to the king. Elijah and Elisha offered critique and advice for the kings. The prophets did more than predict the future; their messages called Israel to honor God. Their prophecies were not general principles but specific words corresponding to Israel's historical context.

Similarly the classical or writing prophets were joined to history. Israel's political turmoil provided the context for the writing prophets. The Assyrian rise to power after 750 B.C. furnished the focus of the ministries of Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and Micah. The Babylonian threat was the background and motive for much of the ministry of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The advent of the Persian Empire in the latter part of the sixth century set the stage for prophets such as Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Thus the prophets spoke for God throughout Israel's history.

The prophets influenced almost every institution of Israel, despite the fact that they were often viewed with contempt: they were locked up (Jer. 37), ignored (Isa. 6:9-13), and persecuted (1 Kings 19:1-2). In addition to serving judges and kings, the prophets also addressed Israel's worship. They criticized vain worship (Amos 5:23-24) and priestly failures (Amos 7:10; Mal. 2). The word of the Lord was also spoken in worship (Pss. 50:5; 60:6; 81:6-10; 91:14-16; 95:8-11). The prophets' call to covenant faithfulness revealed an awareness of the law (Isa. 58:6-9; Ezek. 18; Mic. 6:6-8; Hos. 6:6; Amos 2:4; 5:21-24).

Prophets formed guilds or schools (2 Kings 4:38; 1 Sam. 10:5; 19:20). While most references to prophetic schools belong to the period of the monarchy, there is some evidence to believe the schools continued (Jer. 23:13-14). The mere existence of the books of prophecy is probably due in part to the prophets' helpers (Jer. 36:4). Perhaps their words were recorded because they provided a moral challenge to the entire nation and not merely to a king or individual. Surely once the prophet's words were written, they were not ignored but continually studied and reapplied.

 The Experience of the Prophet Prophets generally shared several key experiences and characteristics. (1) An essential mark of a prophet was a call from God. Attempting to prophesy without such a commission was false prophecy (Jer. 14:14). The prophets were at times allowed to see into the throne room or heavenly court (Isa. 6:1-7; 1 Kings 22:19-23; Jer. 23:18-22; compare Amos 3:7; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 1:1-3; 22:18-19). (2) Prophets received a word from God through many means--direct declarations, visions, dreams, or an appearance of God. The great variety in prophetic experience prohibits any oversimplification; ecstatic experiences were not mandatory for receiving God's word. (3) Prophets spoke the word of God. They were primarily spokespersons who called His people to obedience by appealing to Israel's past and future. For example, God's past blessing and future judgment should provoke social justice and mercy for the disadvantaged. (4) Prophets relayed God's message by deed as well as by word. They worked symbolic acts which served as dramatic, living parables. Hosea's marriage taught about God's relationship with Israel (Hos. 2:1-13; see also Isa. 20:1-3; Ezek. 4:1-3; Jer. 19:10-11). (5) The prophets also performed miracles which confirmed their message. While some prophets like Moses (Ex. 4:1-9) and Elijah (1 Kings 17) worked many miracles, virtually all prophets occasionally saw a miraculous fulfillment of God's word (Isa. 38:8). This miracle-working capacity also included healing (1 Kings 17:17-22; 2 Kings 5; Matt. 12:22-29). (6) Prophets also conveyed the word of God by writing (Isa. 8:1; Ezek. 43:11). (7) Prophets were to minister to their people. They were to test God's peoples' lives (Jer. 6:27) and be watchmen for moral compromise (Ezek. 3:17). Particularly important was the role of intercessor--sometimes even for the prophet's enemy (1 Kings 13:6; 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:18-37; Amos 7:2; Jer. 14:17-20,21; Isa. 59:16). (8) Throughout Israel's history genuine prophets had ecstatic experiences.

 False Prophets Distinguishing between false and true prophets was very difficult, though several tests of authenticity emerge in the Old Testament. The true prophet must be loyal to the biblical faith directing one to worship Yahweh alone (Deut. 13:1-3). A second test required that the words of a true prophet be fulfilled (Deut. 18:22; Jer. 42:1-6; Ezek. 33:30-33). We must remember that this is a difficult test to apply. There were often long lapses between predictions and fulfillment (Mic. 3:12; Jer. 26:16-19). Some predictions seemed very unlikely, and others were conditional--based upon the hearer's response (Jonah 3:4-5). Furthermore, prophets could behave inappropriately (Num. 12:1-2; 20:1-12; Jer. 15:19-21; 38:24-27). Prophets appeared ambivalent at times when simply delivering the word of God as it was given (2 Kings 20:1-6). Also one could predict correctly while not being loyal to Yahweh (Deut. 13:1-3). Accurate prediction was not a final test. Other tests included agreement with previous prophets' words (Jer. 28:8), good character (Mic. 3:11), and a willingness to suffer because of faithfulness (1 Kings 22:27-28; Jer. 38:3-13). Similarly, the New Testament believers had to distinguish true prophecy (1 John 4:1; 1 Cor. 14:29). See False Prophet.

 Hints for Interpretation Prophets intended to evoke faith by proclamation, not merely to predict the future. Thus reading the prophets with a lustful curiosity is inappropriate. Our primary desire must be to know God, not just the facts of the future.

The interpreter must remember the limited perspective of the prophet. The prophets were not all-knowing but all-telling--that is they told what God had told them to tell. Prophecy has a progressive character. One must seek to read prophecy in light of its whole, deriving partial insight from different prophets. Prophecy must also be read in its historical context. Particular attention must be paid to the intention of the prophet. For example, a prophet may rebuke another country to offer assistance to Israel (Isa. 46-47), make Israel examine its own conduct (Amos 1-2), or to bring a nation to repentance (Jonah 3:4,8-9).

Caution must be exercised when reading predictive prophecy because prophecy often has more than one fulfillment. Many prophecies have an immediate application to their own situation and are also applicable to another context. Thus the prediction that Christ is born of a virgin (Matt. 1:23) also had a fulfillment in Isaiah's day (Isa. 8:3). Similarly prophecies of "the day of the Lord" had several fulfillments (partial) which also foreshadowed a final fulfillment (Obad. 15; Joel 1:15; 2:1; Zeph. 1:7,14; Ezek. 30:3; compare 2 Pet. 3:10).

Modern evangelicals understand predictive prophecies in several ways. (1) Some prophecies seem to have a direct, literal fulfillment: the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:5-6; Mic. 5:2). (2) Not all predictions were fulfilled literally. Jesus taught that the prediction about Elijah's return was fulfilled by John the Baptist and not a literal Elijah (Matt. 11:13-15; Mal. 3:1-4). Similarly, Paul applied prophecies about literal, national Israel to the church (Rom. 9:25-26; Hos. 1:9-10, 2:23). The literal father of Israel, Abraham, was seen to be the father of the believing church (Rom. 4:11,16; Gal. 3:7). This distinctively Christian reading was thought to be legitimate because of Christ's fulfillment and interpretation of the Old Testament (Luke 4:17-21). (3) This Christian reading of the Old Testament often takes the form of typological interpretation. The New Testament authors believed Old Testament events, persons, or things foreshadowed the later Christian story. Thus, they used the images of the Old Testament to understand the New Testament realities. Christ can be compared to Adam (1 Cor. 15:22-23; see 10:11). (4) Some readers believe that Old Testament words take on a "fuller sense" or meaning. Old Testament expressions may have a divine significance, unforeseen by the Old Testament author, which comes to light only after God's later word or deed. See Typology.

 New Testament The word prophetes means "to speak before" or "to speak for." Thus it refers to one who speaks for God or Christ. Prophets were also called pneumatics (pneumatikos), "spiritual ones" (1 Cor. 14:37). The prophets played a foundational role in the early church (1 Cor. 12:28-31; Eph. 4:11; 2:20). Due to the presumed prophetic silence in the time between the Testaments, the coming of Jesus is seen as an inbreaking of the Spirit's work especially visible in prophecy. For example, in Luke the angel's visitation and prediction (1:11,26-27) provoked Mary and Zecharias to prophesy (1:46-67; 67-79). After an angelic visitation to the shepherds, the prophet and prophetess declared Jesus to be the redemption Israel awaited (2:10-12,25,36-38). John the Baptist also predicted that Jesus would baptize in the Spirit (Matt. 3:11).

Jesus called Himself a prophet (Luke 13:33). His miracles and discernment were rightly understood as prophetic (John 4:19). He taught not by citing expert rabbis, but with His own prophetic authority (Mark 1:22; Luke 4:24).

The early believers saw the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:17) as a fulfillment of Joel's prediction that all God's people, young and old, male and female, would prophesy. These gifts may intensify at the end of time as will evil. While any Christian might occasionally receive a prophecy, some seem to have a special gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 12:29; 13:2). Prophets function primarily in the worship of the church (Acts 13:2). They predict (Acts 11:28; 20:23; 27:22-26), announce judgments (Acts 13:11; 28:25-28), act symbolically (Acts 21:10-11), and receive visions (Acts 9:10-11; 2 Cor. 12:1). Prophetic insights led to missionary efforts (Acts 13:1-3; 10:10-17; 15:28,32). While teaching and prophecy are different, they also can be related (Acts 13:1-2; Rev. 2:20). Some prophets "preached" lengthy messages (Acts 15:32) and gave exposition to biblical texts (Luke 1:67-79; Eph. 3:5; Rom. 11:25-36).

The prophets used phrases such as "the Lord says" or "the Holy Spirit says" as introductory formulas for prophetic insight into the future (Acts 21:11), or for inspired adaptation of an Old Testament text (Heb. 3:7).

New Testament prophecy was limited (1 Cor. 13:9); it was to be evaluated by the congregation (1 Cor. 14:29; 1 Thess. 5:20-21). One may even respond inappropriately to prophecy (Acts 21:12). The supreme test for prophecy is loyalty to Christ (1 Cor. 12:3; Rev. 19:10). Some Christians have the gift of discernment (1 Cor. 12:10). Jesus said prophets could be known by their fruit (Matt. 7:15-20). Paul demanded orderly, Christ-honoring, upbuilding prophecy which submits to apostolic authority (1 Cor. 14:26-40). Thus prophecy is not without restraint. Circumstance may even demand that the dress of men and women prophets be stipulated (1 Cor. 11:5-7). Prophecy outside of apostolic authority can be safely ignored; thus prophecy is not a threat to Scripture's special authority (1 Cor. 14:38-39; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).

 Randy Hatchett

The prophet is one that has a calling from God, which cares some different abilities, then other ministers. He is a person filled with the Holy Ghost, walks and talks it, one deep in prayer and sound in what he says. He would be a person I would expect to see many of the Spiritual gifts working though him. He would open eyes to what is around him and give insight to what is going to happen in our lives. I have seen men that I know had this gift, they were able to pray for someone and with out being told see into the heart and understand the real need. They were men able to feel the events of what was going on. Most people I have heard that claim this gift did not. A real prophet is more then a teacher and though will be a leader most likely a preacher, he will tell new things to the hears heart. Eyes will be opened, hearts will be influenced and futures made known. I think one of the signs of this gift is when a person does not have to read his sermon or have a out line or notes but when he opens his mouth God speaks though him and its felt in the church. He is one of those people is you asked him to tell you where a certain verse was he would have to search it out, he may not even in conversation be able to tell you a verse by heart, yet when he steps before the people or is in conversation becomes filled with the Spirit the verses just come from God and you find your self flipping through your bible trying to keep up.

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Mat 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

Mat 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

Mat 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Mat 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

evangelist [from Gr., = Gospel], title given to saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The title is now applied to Protestant preachers who preach personal conversion. Notable examples are John Wesley, George Whitefield, George Fox, Dwight Moody, and Billy Graham.

pas·tor (pàs¹ter) noun

1. A Christian minister or priest having spiritual charge over a congregation or other group.

2. A layperson having spiritual charge over a person or group.
  1. A shepherd.

evangelist a "publisher of glad tidings;" a missionary preacher of the gospel (Eph. 4:11). This title is applied to Philip (Acts 21:8), who appears to have gone from city to city preaching the word (8:4, 40). Judging from the case of Philip, evangelists had neither the authority of an apostle, nor the gift of prophecy, nor the responsibility of pastoral supervision over a portion of the flock. They were itinerant preachers, having it as their special function to carry the gospel to places where it was previously unknown. The writers of the four Gospels are known as the Evangelists.

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

The evangelist is a special kind of teacher and preacher. He does not have one flock but his flock reaches in to every church and home. It is a calling that requires dedication and a strong walk with God. He has to be able to walk in to a church and see the needs and feel the pains in the flock of the pastor. He should be feeding them and opening eyes to greater insights and laying the ground work for the pastor to build on to cause his church to grow. They must be exceptional teachers, filled with and walking in the Holy Spirit. They must be able to get along well with others and see deep into the heart. Men of pray and study, when you stand in there midst you should feel the moving of God. They are the deserts, they are meat of the best of cuts, and they bring with them understanding and knowledge and when they leave the place and people should be changed from having been with him.

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

2 Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

 

teach·er (tê¹cher) noun

Abbr. tchr.

One who teaches, especially one hired to teach.

To know how to suggest is the great art of teaching. To attain it we must be able to guess what will interest; we must learn to read the childish soul as we might a piece of music. Then, by simply changing the key, we keep up the attraction and vary the song.

teach (tch)
v. taught, (tôt) teach·ing, teach·es
v. tr.

  1. To impart knowledge or skill to: teaches children.
  2. To provide knowledge of; instruct in: teaches French.
  3. To condition to a certain action or frame of mind: teaching youngsters to be self-reliant.
  4. To cause to learn by example or experience: an accident that taught me a valuable lesson.
  5. To advocate or preach: teaches racial and religious tolerance.
  6. To carry on instruction on a regular basis in: taught high school for many years.


    7. v. intr.

    To give instruction, especially as an occupation.

    [Middle English techen, from Old English

    Synonyms: teach, instruct, educate, train, school, 1discipline, drill
    These verbs mean to impart knowledge or skill. Teach is the most widely applicable: taught the child to draw; taught literature at the college. Instruct usually suggests methodical teaching: instructed the undergraduates in music theory. Educate often implies formal instruction but especially stresses the development of innate capacities: "We are educated by others... and this cultivation, mingling with our innate disposition, is the soil in which our desires, passions, and motives grow" (Mary Shelley). Train suggests concentration on particular skills intended to fit a person for a desired role: trained the vocational students to be computer technicians. School often implies an arduous learning process: schooled the youngster to play the viola. Discipline usually refers to the teaching of control, especially self-control: disciplined myself to exercise every day. Drill implies rigorous instruction or training, often by repetition of a routine: drilled the students by having them recite the multiplication tables.

    Henri-Frédéric Amiel (1821–81), Swiss philosopher, poet. Journal Intime (1882; tr. by Mrs. Humphry Ward, 1892), entry for 16 Nov. 1864.

    The world of knowledge takes a crazy turn
    When teachers themselves are taught to learn.

    Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956), German dramatist, poet. The Life of Galileo, sc. 6 (tr. by Howard Brenton, 1980).

    It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.

    Albert Einstein (1879–1955), German-born U.S. physicist. Motto for the astronomy building of Junior College, Pasadena, California.

    What office is there which involves more responsibility, which requires more qualifications, and which ought, therefore, to be more honourable, than that of teaching?

    Harriet Martineau (1802–76), English writer, social critic. Society in America, vol. 3, "Occupation" (1837).

    Eph 4:11: The evangelists (euangelistas, Gk., lit. "one who preaches good news") in the N.T. were men supernaturally gifted with (1) a unique ability to present the gospel effectively to unbelievers, and (2) a unique ability to train other believers in evangelism, thus making it possible for all Christians to be a part of the implementation of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). "Pastors" and "teachers" are combined in the Greek text and should probably be read "pastor-teachers."

    The role of teacher is very important, for they lead us to the water of life. No preacher should be less then a good teacher, for preaching and teaching go hand in hand. When I hear a man preach, he is in fact teaching to a crowd, when I hear a man teach it may be one on one or to a group but the goal is the same to give understanding to Gods word. Not everyone is called to teach, church's should be very careful in selecting who will teach and even more so what they will teach. I think one of the problems I have seen often times in a church is the group picks out who they like to be a class teacher. This is not the way to do it, the person should have the gift and it is my thinking that the pastor would be the best one to know who has that gift and who does not. Teachers should never be chosen on the basis of like or dislike. You can teach what you don't know. All to often preachers and teachers are guilty of being very poor students in the word. Its good to read and study not only the bible but other books written by God fearing people and history. The more you understand how others think and why the better you can be at knowing how to address those ideals and in many cases show them the word of God and why the other ideal is in err. Good teachers must show understanding, be patent and loving, clear speakers and have the ability to get other involved. Not every person can be taught the same way, so a good teacher will find the way to reach those he is placed to teach. You have to read the crowd's face and body language. If the folks your teaching look as if bored or falling to sleep, restless and not responding then back up and maybe its time to shut up. You must live a holy life, don't try to teach me right from wrong when you live wrong. A gifted teacher has the art of persuasion in a tactful manner. Most of all a called teacher will live and walk in the Spirit and know God not just know of God.

    Psa 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

    Psa 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

    Psa 119:100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

    Psa 119:101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

    Isa 43:27 Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.

    Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

    Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

    1 Cor 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

    2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

    2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

    Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

    Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

    Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

    Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

    2 Pet 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

    2 Pet 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

    Exo 35:34 And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

    Exo 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

    Deu 4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

    Deu 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

    Deu 11:20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

    1 Sam 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

    1 Sam 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you.

    1 Sam 12:25 But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.

    Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

    Job 21:22 Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.

    Job 27:11 I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.

    Psa 25:4 Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

    Psa 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

    Psa 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

    Psa 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

    Psa 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

    Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

    Psa 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

    Psa 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

    Prov 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

    Prov 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

    Ezek 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

    Ezek 44:24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.

    Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

    Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

    Luke 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

    John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

    [Where should you teach?]

    Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

    1 Cor 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

    1 Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

    1 Tim 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

    1 Tim 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

    1 Tim 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

    2 Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

    2 Tim 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

    2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

    2 Tim 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

    2 Tim 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

    Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

    Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

    Titus 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

    Titus 2:7 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

    Titus 2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

    Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

    Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

    Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

    Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

    Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

    Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

    pas·tor (pstr)
    n.

  7. A Christian minister or priest having spiritual charge over a congregation or other group.
  8. A layperson having spiritual charge over a person or group.
  9. A shepherd.


    10. tr.v. pas·tored, pas·tor·ing, pas·tors

    To serve or act as pastor of.

    pastor

    \Pas"tor\, n. [L., fr. pascere, pastum, to pasture, to feed. Cf.     Pabulum, Pasture, Food.] 1. A shepherd; one who has the care of flocks and herds.

    2. A guardian; a keeper; specifically (Eccl.), a minister having the charge of a church and parish.

    3. (Zo["o]l.) A species of starling (    Pastor roseus), native of the plains of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Its head is crested and glossy greenish black, and its back is rosy. It feeds largely upon locusts.

    pastor

    n 1: a person authorized to conduct religious worship [syn:     curate, minister, parson, rector] 2: only the rose-colored starlings; in some classifications considered a separate genus [syn: Pastor, subgenus Pastor]

    Here in is the job of a pastor.

    Jer 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

    Exo 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

    Exo 4:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

    Exo 18:20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

    Exo 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

    Exo 18:22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

    This is in my thinking the first actual deacons and shows the role very well of a pastor. Not only is it to teach the people the ways of God but to also appoint Godly men to help carry the load. All to often in the church they have decaons and board memebers that do the wrong job. They try to do the job of the pastor instead of being the undershepherd. Deacons jobs usaly call for taking care of the physcial needs of the church, food, the church finances, seeing to it the building is in good repair, grass is cut and those kinds of things. The board should be more concerned with the over all funtion and out reach of the church, help to settle desputes between memebers, seek to see to it that finacs are there and appropate officers to handle those kind of needs, the incorpation and tax rules and so forth. It is the pastors role to do the preaching, leading of the flock, insure that spiritual meat is served and meet the demands of ministering. All to often the pastor is weighed down with the jobs that the others should be doing and then the added burden of them trying to tell him how to feed the flock. A good pastor told me not long ago he resigned from the church because the board asked him to, not because he didn't preach the word, but because the numbers were down and so thus the money. If you want a man of God behind preaching expect the numbers to go down and expect that there will be times of famin as well as harvest. Why? Because if he preaches as God leads he will offend some, some will not like looking into their hearts and seeing the truth. He will not worry so much about the amount of money in the basket as he worries about the heart of the people. He will seek those that do not meet the standard of dress or income. If you want a man led by God then you have to be willing to follow and trust God.

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

    1 Tim 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

    1 Tim 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

    1 Tim 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

    1 Tim 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

    1 Tim 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

    1 Tim 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

    1 Tim 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

    1 Tim 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

    1 Tim 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

    1 Tim 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

    1 Tim 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

    Jer 2:8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

    Jer 10:21 For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

    Jer 23:1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

    Jer 23:2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

    Pastors you have a job to do and when you do not do the job the way that God told you to the out come is always the same. You will not prosper and your flock will be scattered. Your role and gift are very specail and important to God for you are the shepherd, you are the teacher, you are a leader not the follower, you are required to stay of the up most intergirty and souls rest in your hand. As the bible sasys "feed my sheep". You have to visit and know your flock, you must understand the person and that persons needs. You are the spirital doctor, and sometimes the undertaker. You are a nurse and sometimes a baby sitter, the more of that you will end up doing if you do not teach and help them to grow. I heard a preacher once complaining about how much time he has to baby sit his people, later as I studyed this in my mind I realized the reason he spent so much time baby sitting is because he was not helping them to grow or teaching them discpline. You are the cook and what you feed them is how well they will grow. Many christians are malnurished because they are being fed with lukewarm food and food that has little of the things that will teach them to live holy with love. Instead of blaming others, be a man take the blame and put it where it belongs, with you and your walk and your life. I heard a pastor preaching on the need of his people to be at church on Sunday, then the very next week he rushed though service so he could go dear hunting. He cheated his flock and said one thing while showing them something else. I have seen pastors teach on the need to not get angry then turn around and lose half of his flock because he threw afit because the youth wanted a treasure. Paul said that he who preached the gospel must live by the gospel and that means all of it not just the parts you like.

    Jer 12:10 Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.

    Jer 12:11 They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.

    1 Sam 8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

    1 Tim 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

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

    1 Pet 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

    1 Pet 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

    1 Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

    We need more men called to be Pastors.

    Mat 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

    Mat 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

    Mat 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

    Pastors you need not fear other ministers called by God and sent your way to help you. Far to often I have seen Pastors afraid to ask someone else to preach, maybe God sent that man on that Sunday morning because your flock needed what God put into his heart. You get worried that you could lose your people, that is so silly, if they are your sheep and you are feeding them and it is home why would they leave? Could if be you are not feeding them, meeting their needs, they don't feel like they are at home in your field? I pastored for 17 years and all most always asked visiting preachers to preach, yes even on Sunday morning, and never lost one person to follow the one visiting. In fact in some cases they came to the altar, some cases they appreciated me more when he was done. Could it be you are jealous of him and his gift, why? Do you not think God gave you what you need to do his will and put you where you are at. Why begrudge someone else and the gift God gave them, why not build upon it and use it to help your own flock?

    John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

    John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

    John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

    John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

    John 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

    John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

    Its easy to see the Pastors that work for money and not God.

    John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

    John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

    John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

    Your labor is worth the reward.

    1 Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

    (Eph 4:12 KJV) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

    These gifts are given for a reason, to teach our people how to be perfect, (heart right with God) to do the work which he has called you to do, and to uplift the church, to cause it to grow and thus build up Christ.

    (Eph 4:13 KJV) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

    Eph 4:13: The word "perfect" (teleios, Gk.) can also be translated "perfectly mature" or "whole," i.e., attaining the end for which we have been created. The Greek word telos meant "end," "conclusion," or "termination." The derived adjective teleios connotes a maturity which reflects that ultimate goal for which we have been created by our Creator.

    (Eph 4:14 KJV) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

    (Eph 4:15 KJV) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

    God needs stable people, men who walk and live according to Gods word. He is looking for bride that is holy and the way to get this done is speak the truth in love.

    1 Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

    (Eph 4:16 KJV) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

    If the Church or its leaders do not show love, if love cannot be felt when someone walks in the door to your church, why should anyone want what you have?

    The New Man

    (Eph 4:17 KJV) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

    Verses 17-24. The apostle charged the Ephesians in the name and by the authority of the Lord Jesus, that having professed the gospel, they should not be as the unconverted Gentiles, who walked in vain fancies and carnal affections. Do not men, on every side, walk in the vanity of their minds? Must not we then urge the distinction between real and nominal Christians? They were void of all saving knowledge; they sat in darkness, and loved it rather than light. They had a dislike and hatred to a life of holiness, which is not only the way of life God requires and approves, and by which we live to him, but which has some likeness to God himself in his purity, righteousness, truth, and goodness. The truth of Christ appears in its beauty and power, when it appears as in Jesus. The corrupt nature is called a man; like the human body, it is of divers parts, supporting and strengthening one another. Sinful desires are deceitful lusts; they promise men happiness, but render them more miserable; and bring them to destruction, if not subdued and mortified. These therefore must be put off, as an old garment, a filthy garment; they must be subdued and mortified. But it is not enough to shake off corrupt principles; we must have gracious ones. By the new man, is meant the new nature, the new creature, directed by a new principle, even regenerating grace, enabling a man to lead a new life of righteousness and holiness. This is created, or brought forth by God's almighty power.

    (Eph 4:18 KJV) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

    (Eph 4:19 KJV) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

    (Eph 4:20 KJV) But ye have not so learned Christ;

    (Eph 4:21 KJV) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

    (Eph 4:22 KJV) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

    (Eph 4:23 KJV) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

    (Eph 4:24 KJV) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

    2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

    2 Cor 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

    Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

    Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

    1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

    1 Pet 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

    Do Not Grieve the Spirit

    (Eph 4:25 KJV) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

    1 Tim 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

    1 Tim 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

    1 Tim 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

    Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

    Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

    Verses 25-28. Notice the particulars wherewith we should adorn our Christian profession. Take heed of every thing contrary to truth. No longer flatter or deceive others. God's people are children who will not lie, who dare not lie, who hate and abhor lying. Take heed of anger and ungoverned passions. If there is just occasion to express displeasure at what is wrong, and to reprove, see that it be without sin. We give place to the devil, when the first motions of sin are not grievous to our souls; when we consent to them; and when we repeat an evil deed. This teaches that as sin, if yielded unto, lets in the devil upon us, we are to resist it, keeping from all appearance of evil. Idleness makes thieves. Those who will not work, expose themselves to temptations to steal. Men ought to be industrious, that they may do some good, and that they may be kept from temptation. They must labour, not only that they may live honestly, but that they may have to give to the wants of others. What then must we think of those called Christians, who grow rich by fraud, oppression, and deceitful practices! Alms, to be accepted of God, must not be gained by unrighteousness and robbery, but by honesty and industry. God hates robbery for burnt-offerings.

    (Eph 4:26 KJV) Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

    (Eph 4:27 KJV) Neither give place to the devil.

    (Eph 4:28 KJV) Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

    2 Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

    (Eph 4:29 KJV) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

    You think God is ok with dirty jokes, and bad words which every lost person sees as cussing? You think you can talk nasty and lie, and talk about others? You think its ok to run down the church, its members, the Pastors and leaders? You think always be negative about others and every word out of your mouth is negative is ok? Then think again!

    Verses 29-32. Filthy words proceed from corruption in the speaker, and they corrupt the minds and manners of those who hear them: Christians should beware of all such discourse. It is the duty of Christians to seek, by the blessing of God, to bring persons to think seriously, and to encourage and warn believers by their conversation. Be ye kind one to another. This sets forth the principle of love in the heart, and the outward expression of it, in a humble, courteous behaviour. Mark how God's forgiveness causes us to forgive. God forgives us, though we had no cause to sin against him. We must forgive, as he has forgiven us. All lying, and corrupt communications, that stir up evil desires and lusts, grieve the Spirit of God. Corrupt passions of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil-speaking, and malice, grieve the Holy Spirit. Provoke not the holy, blessed Spirit of God to withdraw his presence and his gracious influences. The body will be redeemed from the power of the grave at the resurrection day. Wherever that blessed Spirit dwells as a Sanctifier, he is the earnest of all the joys and glories of that redemption day; and we should be undone, should God take away his Holy Spirit from us.

    (Eph 4:30 KJV) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

    grieve (grv)
    v. grieved, griev·ing, grieves
    v. tr.

  10. To cause to be sorrowful; distress: It grieves me to see you in such pain.
  11. To mourn or sorrow for: We grieved the death of our pastor.
  12. Usage Problem. To file an official or formal grievance on account of (an actual or perceived injustice).
  13. Archaic. To hurt or harm.

Eph 4:30: Because the Holy Spirit is a Person, He may be grieved by the behavior of Christians. This state is always especially unfortunate since the Holy Spirit is the One who seals believers "for the day of redemption." Some of the actions and attitudes which grieve the Holy Spirit are noted in 4:25-29, 31; 5:3-6. In these same verses are also listed attitudes and actions which are pleasing to the Spirit of God.

(Eph 4:31 KJV) Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

(Eph 4:32 KJV) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

How could I say it better then what is already said? We are to show and be the very nature of love, we are to forgive, be tenderhearted and kind to each other. You must learn to pray and ask God to let bitterness and all the things that destory the soul go away. How do you know when you have really forgiven someone? When you no longer feel bitterness or warth or anger when the thing that upset you is brought up. You may never forget the pain you once felt or the event, but if you forgive you will feel none of the bad effects and will have learned and growed from the thing.