1 / 23

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers Eph. 4:11

THE SUPPORT OF AN EVANGELIST. an evangelist may work and support himself (Paul @ Corinth, Acts 18:1-3)an evangelist ought to be supported from the church treasury (1 Cor. 9:4-14)an evangelist may be supported by a plurality of churches,

tansy
Download Presentation

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers Eph. 4:11

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

    1. “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11) Updated 04-27-2006 One of the critical functionaries of the local church is the evangelist. Having a 2 Timothy 4:2 type of an evangelist will be of great benefit to any local church. But having an imposter will only help destroy God’s work. This lesson is actually a part of a 13 part series that deals with the organization of the church and the second part of two which deals with the work of an evangelist within the local church. In the other part, I simply show the terms that are used to describe the evangelist and compare and contrast his work with that of an elder. It is surprising how similar they are but, there are two primary differences in the two works. One is that an evangelist may work with multiple churches as an evangelist while the elder (also called bishop and pastor) is limited to working with one congregation as an elder. The second difference is that an elder rules over the church, where an evangelist doesn’t rule the church. He simply preaches God’s word to the church.Updated 04-27-2006 One of the critical functionaries of the local church is the evangelist. Having a 2 Timothy 4:2 type of an evangelist will be of great benefit to any local church. But having an imposter will only help destroy God’s work. This lesson is actually a part of a 13 part series that deals with the organization of the church and the second part of two which deals with the work of an evangelist within the local church. In the other part, I simply show the terms that are used to describe the evangelist and compare and contrast his work with that of an elder. It is surprising how similar they are but, there are two primary differences in the two works. One is that an evangelist may work with multiple churches as an evangelist while the elder (also called bishop and pastor) is limited to working with one congregation as an elder. The second difference is that an elder rules over the church, where an evangelist doesn’t rule the church. He simply preaches God’s word to the church.

    2. THE SUPPORT OF AN EVANGELIST an evangelist may work and support himself (Paul @ Corinth, Acts 18:1-3) an evangelist ought to be supported from the church treasury (1 Cor. 9:4-14) an evangelist may be supported by a plurality of churches, “I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. . . .” (2 Cor. 11:8, 9) an evangelist may receive support from individuals (Rom. 16:1, 2; 2 Tim. 1:16-18; 1 Cor. 16:17, 18; Gal. 6:6; Lk. 8:3) I want to deal a little with the support of an evangelist. . . [CLICK] At Corinth, Paul worked with his hands, namely because of the neglect of the Corinthians. He preached to them free of charge, but he, along with other churches helped bear his burden. If you think the scripture teaches that a preacher is to preach for a church without receiving anything, you are believing in a lie. He may choose to not take it, but the laborer is worthy of his wages. Now if the preacher is a lazy man, then like any other field, a man who doesn’t work shall neither eat! [CLICK] An evangelist ought to be supported from the local church treasury. Again, Paul had not used this right to Corinth (v. 12). He had to work with his own hands and “endure all things” viz. endure many hardships because of the lack of support from Corinth. Yet, fortunately, churches from Macedonia assisted. [CLICK] So, the apostle was working among them, but chose not to take money from them. I get the feeling that some of Paul’s enemies were going around saying that he was only doing his work to get himself rich by taking money from these churches that he started, as if that was his motive for starting churches. I also get the feeling that there were many in Corinth who were hording up their possessions as what we might refer to today as “tight wads.” Paul spills so much ink encouraging the Corinthians to give either for preaching or for benevolence to needy Saints. Think where we often go the great majority times to discuss the contribution? Is it not often in first and second Corinthians? [CLICK] I want to deal a little with the support of an evangelist. . . [CLICK] At Corinth, Paul worked with his hands, namely because of the neglect of the Corinthians. He preached to them free of charge, but he, along with other churches helped bear his burden. If you think the scripture teaches that a preacher is to preach for a church without receiving anything, you are believing in a lie. He may choose to not take it, but the laborer is worthy of his wages. Now if the preacher is a lazy man, then like any other field, a man who doesn’t work shall neither eat! [CLICK] An evangelist ought to be supported from the local church treasury. Again, Paul had not used this right to Corinth (v. 12). He had to work with his own hands and “endure all things” viz. endure many hardships because of the lack of support from Corinth. Yet, fortunately, churches from Macedonia assisted. [CLICK] So, the apostle was working among them, but chose not to take money from them. I get the feeling that some of Paul’s enemies were going around saying that he was only doing his work to get himself rich by taking money from these churches that he started, as if that was his motive for starting churches. I also get the feeling that there were many in Corinth who were hording up their possessions as what we might refer to today as “tight wads.” Paul spills so much ink encouraging the Corinthians to give either for preaching or for benevolence to needy Saints. Think where we often go the great majority times to discuss the contribution? Is it not often in first and second Corinthians? [CLICK]

    3. “wages” NOT “benevolence” “I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you” (2 Cor. 11:8) “Likewise the soldiers asked him saying, ‘And what shall we do?’ So he said to them, ‘Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages” (Lk. 3:14) “Who ever goes to war at his own expense?” (1 Cor. 9:7a) THE SUPPORT OF AN EVANGELIST

    4. RESPONSIBILITIES TO SELF “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7) I want to deal with the responsibilities of an evangelist as outlined in the scriptures. First, he has a responsibility to himself. [CLICK] He ought to be a man of discernment. He should recognize that some things need a good rejecting while other things need to be exercised. Profane fables existed then as they do now (e.g., email of the Koran 9:11 stating about awaking the eagle). [CLICK THROUGH] I want to deal with the responsibilities of an evangelist as outlined in the scriptures. First, he has a responsibility to himself. [CLICK] He ought to be a man of discernment. He should recognize that some things need a good rejecting while other things need to be exercised. Profane fables existed then as they do now (e.g., email of the Koran 9:11 stating about awaking the eagle). [CLICK THROUGH]

    5. “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22) Ro 12:9 "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."Ro 12:9 "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."

    6. “If you instruct the brethren in these things you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ. . .” (1 Tim. 4:6) RESPONSIBILITIES TO BRETHREN A large part of being an evangelist is “instruction.” When he stands before men, he must instruct them, not in his opinions, but in the word of the Lord. That instruction can come by way of convincing, rebuking and eshorting.A large part of being an evangelist is “instruction.” When he stands before men, he must instruct them, not in his opinions, but in the word of the Lord. That instruction can come by way of convincing, rebuking and eshorting.

    7. instruct them in the word informative, expository and topical lessons family true worship the church/kingdom, organization of church discipline theme of Bible Godhead, etc. whole counsel of God, not only the elementary principles (Heb. 6:1, 2)

    8. address current and past errors. . . institutionalism, premillennialism social gospel, instrumental music denominationalism/mega church movement evidences (evolution vs. creation) assaults on scripture (Gospel of Judas, etc.) divorce and remarriage works of flesh, porn, dance, immodest dress, fornication, drinking, drugs, worldliness, etc. faith alone, Calvinism

    9. good bible study habits tools (concordances, commentaries, videos, tapes, CD’s, websites, etc.) goals (congregational, personal, short-term, long-term) personal evangelism, teacher/preacher training, home bible studies good conduct towards others (1 Thess. 4:10-12) 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. (1 Thess. 4:10-12)10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. (1 Thess. 4:10-12)

    10. “If you instruct the brethren in these things you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ. . .” (1 Tim. 4:6) RESPONSIBILITIES TO BRETHREN

    11. “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2) “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17) “In humility correcting those who are in opposition. . .” (2 Tim. 2:25) RESPONSIBILITIES TO BRETHREN Don’t take offense when the preacher commands and corrects. He is simply doing you a favor! Rather, you should be offended if your preacher doesn’t command and seek to correct anything.Don’t take offense when the preacher commands and corrects. He is simply doing you a favor! Rather, you should be offended if your preacher doesn’t command and seek to correct anything.

    12. “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses” (1 Tim. 5:19) “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear” (1 Tim. 5:20) “. . .nor share in other people’s sins. . .” (1 Tim. 5:22) RESPONSIBILITIES TO BRETHREN [CLICK] God’s infinite wisdom knew that men would often go to preachers to talk about others and sometimes even the elders. The preacher should take caution when he is subjected to such a circumstance. He should be careful about receiving an accusation. He should also not receive any accusation against an elder without multiple witnesses. [CLICK] Yet, he should be willing to rebuke anyone who is sinning. [CLICK][CLICK] God’s infinite wisdom knew that men would often go to preachers to talk about others and sometimes even the elders. The preacher should take caution when he is subjected to such a circumstance. He should be careful about receiving an accusation. He should also not receive any accusation against an elder without multiple witnesses. [CLICK] Yet, he should be willing to rebuke anyone who is sinning. [CLICK]

    13. “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality” (1 Tim. 5:21) “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you” (Titus 2:15) “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Tim. 4:16) RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE GOSPEL [CLICK] He should also be careful to not hold the gospel with partiality. What it says to a poor man it says to a rich one. He should preach what it says to women as well as what it says to men. [CLICK] Titus 2:15, the word “authority” here is translated “commandment” (see Titus 1:1, 3). He is not to preach God’s word as if it is his feeling or his belief, but rather as God commands and requires. Sometimes preachers get obsessed with the word “suggest” rather than command. Now I know there are some things that we ought to suggest, but doctrine is to be commanded! It is not to be timidly spoken. [CLICK] - This passage implies that Timothy was full time into being an evangelist without any other type of work hindering his progress. He could give himself “entirely” to the work. A preacher should progress![CLICK] He should also be careful to not hold the gospel with partiality. What it says to a poor man it says to a rich one. He should preach what it says to women as well as what it says to men. [CLICK] Titus 2:15, the word “authority” here is translated “commandment” (see Titus 1:1, 3). He is not to preach God’s word as if it is his feeling or his belief, but rather as God commands and requires. Sometimes preachers get obsessed with the word “suggest” rather than command. Now I know there are some things that we ought to suggest, but doctrine is to be commanded! It is not to be timidly spoken. [CLICK] - This passage implies that Timothy was full time into being an evangelist without any other type of work hindering his progress. He could give himself “entirely” to the work. A preacher should progress!

    14. Teach it house to house and publicly “how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20) RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE GOSPEL A preacher should be willing to do more than just speak publicly, he should be willing to go to house to house as well. You are not bothering me if there is a bible question that you want answered.A preacher should be willing to do more than just speak publicly, he should be willing to go to house to house as well. You are not bothering me if there is a bible question that you want answered.

    15. “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5) [CLICK through] "Work" When people wonder if you "work" and "preach" they should understand that being an evangelist is a work. When a preacher is too lazy to read, study, develop lesson, debate false doctrine and defend the truth, etc., He is defying the work of an evangelist. Now, people often have the wrong kind of idea of the work of an evangelist. Many think that since he is not working a secul job, that he has all kinds of time to visit the sick and everyone else. Visiting others is as much your responsibility as it is the preachers. Where is a verse that states the job of an evangelist is to visit the sick, elderly, etc.? If you show me one, I will show you one that it is the job of every Christian to visit those in need.[CLICK through] "Work" When people wonder if you "work" and "preach" they should understand that being an evangelist is a work. When a preacher is too lazy to read, study, develop lesson, debate false doctrine and defend the truth, etc., He is defying the work of an evangelist. Now, people often have the wrong kind of idea of the work of an evangelist. Many think that since he is not working a secul job, that he has all kinds of time to visit the sick and everyone else. Visiting others is as much your responsibility as it is the preachers. Where is a verse that states the job of an evangelist is to visit the sick, elderly, etc.? If you show me one, I will show you one that it is the job of every Christian to visit those in need.

    16. “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you” (Titus 1:5) [CLICK Through][CLICK Through]

    17. Reject (Titus 3:10, 11) Withdraw From (1 Tim. 6:3-5) Turn Away (2 Tim. 3:1-5) Rebuke Sharply (Titus 1:12, 13) It takes major preparation time for one to do the work of an evangelist. It takes major time to invest in learning God’s word. Then it takes more time to learn how to organize your thoughts and to present them. It takes major time to learn and rebut the erroneous doctrines that men create to lead others astray. Then again, it takes more time to prepare to do battle with those who oppose the truth.It takes major preparation time for one to do the work of an evangelist. It takes major time to invest in learning God’s word. Then it takes more time to learn how to organize your thoughts and to present them. It takes major time to learn and rebut the erroneous doctrines that men create to lead others astray. Then again, it takes more time to prepare to do battle with those who oppose the truth.

    18. What Evangelists Could Learn From Paul: Be Consistent, “. . .Timothy. . .will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Cor. 4:17) Be Not Ashamed (Rom. 1:16, 17) Some apologize in their preaching the gospel! Be willing to use ample time to teach others (Acts 28:23; Acts 20:7) Acts 28:22, 23, “"But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere." 23 ¶ So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.” “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7)Acts 28:22, 23, “"But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere." 23 ¶ So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.” “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7)

    19. What Evangelists Could Learn From Paul: Be Humble, “serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials. . .” (Acts 20:19) Preach to please God (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4) Practiced what Is preached (Rom. 2:21, 22) “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4) “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” (Rom. 2:21, 22).“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4) “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” (Rom. 2:21, 22).

    20. What Evangelists Could Learn From Philip: Preached Christ (Acts 8:5) included the kingdom, name of Christ, and plan of salvation (v. 12) Obedient (Acts 8:26, 27) Enthusiastic (Acts 8:29, 30) Recognized and began preaching at the level of understanding of his student (Acts 8:30-35)

    21. With the Mentioned Responsibilities. . . are we thankful that the Lord “gave some to be evangelists. . .” or do we esteem such a work lightly (Eph. 4:11)? do we view such a work as merely elective or essential for growth and development of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12ff)? shall we accept anyone who wants to be an evangelist (principle of Rev. 2:2)?

    22. With the Mentioned Responsibilities. . . will we be appreciative when he watches and warns of departures, issues facing the church, identifying false teachers/doctrines, etc.? should we not be concerned if he never gives warnings of departures? will we be appreciative if he rebukes sharply and rejects one who advocates error? will you be appreciative or angry if he corrects you? will we support his work and help lift up his hands (e.g., Hur & Aaron, Ex. 17:10)

    23. Do you expect the evangelist to do the personal work for you and the church? can you lawfully expect him to do more personal work than you do (scripture?) Do you criticize his performance from a scriptural viewpoint or from a denominational one? Do you and will you use him as your tool for righteousness, knowledge, etc.? Do you think of the evangelist as a second class citizen in the church? With the Mentioned Responsibilities. . .

    24. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves” (cf. Phil. 2:29)

More Related