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Bible Studies

REFLECTIONS TO WORSHIP 1

Read Psalm 133 and Matthew 23:1-12

Psalm 133
¹ How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! ² It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. ³ It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.  

Matthew 23:1-12
¹ Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ² “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ³ So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. ⁴ They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. ⁵ Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long. ⁶ They love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; ⁷ they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ ⁸ But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. ⁹ And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. ¹⁰ Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. ¹¹ The greatest among you will be your servant. ¹² For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Reflect on the following questions:

• What place should titles have in the Church in reference to persons?
  
• Does addressing some people by titles promote spiritual community?
  
• Should the Church use the academic community as its model?
  
• What does it mean or imply to refer to a pastor as the reverend?
  
• What does it mean or imply to refer to a pastor as doctor?
  
• What does it mean or imply to refer to a pastor as the reverend doctor?
  
• What would it look like for the Church to be kindred living together in unity?
  
• Why does Jesus seem to be so harsh on the use of titles and special status among the scribes and the Pharisees?
  
• What would it be like in the Church if servanthood were the mark of greatness?
  
• How does the Reformed understanding of the priesthood of all believers speak to these matters?

 

Harry Heintz is pastor of Brunswick Presbyterian Church in Troy, New York.

 

35 days until

December 27-31, 2009