Topical Bible: Christ is God: As Giver of Pastors to the Church

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Topical Encyclopedia

The role of pastors within the Christian Church is a divine appointment, rooted in the understanding that Christ, as God, is the ultimate source and giver of these shepherds to His people. This concept is deeply embedded in the New Testament, where the establishment and nurturing of the Church are seen as acts of divine providence and grace.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, articulates the divine origin of pastoral leadership. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." Here, Paul emphasizes that it is Christ Himself who bestows these roles upon individuals, underscoring the divine authority and purpose behind pastoral leadership.

Christ's Sovereignty and Authority

The giving of pastors is an expression of Christ's sovereignty over the Church. As the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), Christ exercises His authority by appointing leaders who will guide, teach, and protect His flock. This divine appointment is not merely a human decision but a reflection of Christ's ongoing care and governance over His people.

The Role of Pastors

Pastors are tasked with shepherding the Church, a role that mirrors Christ's own shepherding of His followers. In John 10:11 , Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." Pastors, as under-shepherds, are called to emulate Christ's sacrificial love and care for the Church, guiding believers in truth and righteousness.

Equipping the Saints

The purpose of Christ giving pastors to the Church is multifaceted. Primarily, it is to equip the saints for ministry, as noted in Ephesians 4:12. This equipping involves teaching sound doctrine, providing spiritual guidance, and fostering an environment where believers can grow in their faith and service. Pastors play a crucial role in the spiritual maturation of the Church, ensuring that each member is prepared to fulfill their God-given calling.

Unity and Maturity

Through the leadership of pastors, Christ aims to bring about unity and maturity within the Church. Ephesians 4:13 continues, "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." Pastors are instrumental in promoting doctrinal unity and helping believers grow into the likeness of Christ, reflecting His character and mission in the world.

Conclusion

The giving of pastors to the Church is a testament to Christ's divine authority and His ongoing work in building and sustaining His body. Through pastoral leadership, Christ ensures that His Church is equipped, unified, and mature, ready to carry out His mission on earth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to my heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:11-13
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The General Service to Two or Many Hieromartyrs.
... Taking up the voice of the archangel Gabriel, let us say: Hail thou, O Mother of
God, who hast given birth to Christ the Life-giver unto the world. ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xvii the general service.htm

The Anglican Catechism. AD 1549, 1662.
... Lord God our heavenly Father, who is the giver of all ... And I pray unto God, that he
will send us all ... of his mercy and goodness, through our Lord Jesus Christ. ...
/.../the anglican catechism a d 1549.htm

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... For God designs to have me his child in Christ, placed above all things ... we do not
see, yea, we utterly ignore the fact that God is the giver of these. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm

The Life of Mr. John Knox.
... it, and denounced an anathema on the giver and receiver ... to God for her, and commended
her to Christ her head ... in heaven, and am content, if it please God, to lie ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john.htm

Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs.
... and imparts liberally of the Father's benefits,"he who is the giver of life and
light, our great Physician and King and Lord, the Christ of God. 13. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv panegyric on the splendor.htm

God's Love for a Sinning World
... things most necessary that the law-giver should vindicate ... still, let it be considered
Jesus Christ has not ... more than the interests of God's government demanded ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.htm

The Waldenses.
... to look with gratitude to God as the giver of every ... to minister." They fed the flock
of God, leading them to ... to the words of truth from the servants of Christ. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /4 the waldenses.htm

The Waldenses
... to look with gratitude to God as the giver of every ... to minister." They fed the flock
of God, leading them to ... to the words of truth from the servants of Christ. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 4 the waldenses.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... bond of union is formed between the giver and the ... measure," is to violate the order
which God has established ... we being many, are one body in Christ, and every ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ...
... 1 Corinthians 9, 7, "God loveth a cheerful giver." The knowledge of ... more noble than,
for the sake of Christ, to incur ... well might it be so did not God, for the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty second sunday after trinity.htm