Bible Studies
REFLECTIONS TO WORSHIP 3
Read Exodus 19:3-6 and Ephesians 4:7-13
Exodus 19:3-6
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
Ephesians 4:7-13
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” 9 (What does, “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Reflect on the following questions:
Note: Ephesians 4:11 is the New Testament’s only direct reference to pastors and what they are called to do
- Are those called to be pastors elevated in status above non-pastors before God?
- Should pastors be elevated in status among believers who aren’t pastors?
- Should pastors be elevated in status among believers who aren’t pastors?
- What is the New Testament’s clearest description of the essential calling of pastors?
- What happens when pastors honor that calling, equipping the saints for the work of ministry?
- Why is it that the New Testament word kleros (used in Galatians 3:29, Ephesians 1:11, and Colossians 1:12), from which we derive the word clergy, always refers to the whole people of God and never only to pastors?
- Why is it that the New Testament word
- In the Church triumphant, the heavenly Body of Christ, do we picture the use of titles and class distinctions?
- What are the implications of
- What importance do we give to the timing of God telling Moses that
- What are the implications of the Church in Revelation 1 being reminded that it is made by Jesus to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and father?
- What does the Reformed understanding of the priesthood of believers say to these matters?
- Can a follower of Jesus not be in ministry?
- Is there such a thing as being in part-time ministry?
- Can we imagine a Church in which there are various offices and functions, based on God’s calling and the Spirit’s gifting, but only one class of people, the people of God?
Harry Heintz is pastor of Brunswick Presbyterian Church in Troy,
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