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The Reflecting Pool
Read Matthew 18:15-17. Whom does Jesus recognize as the final
court of appeal in the judgment of an offending brother? Now read Acts 6:1-4.
Whom do the apostles charge with choosing the seven deacons? Read also 2 Cor
2:6. By whom was the punishment of this man inflicted? What do these passages
seem to imply about where final authority over church matters rests?
Read Titus 1:5. Understanding that final authority in the church
rests with the assembled congregation, why do you think Paul nevertheless
thought it wise to have elders in every church?
In 1Timothy 3:1-6, Paul gives a list of the qualifications for
an elder. Spend some time thinking about why those character traits are important
in the leader of a church. Who in your church fits these qualifications?
Read Acts 6:1-4. What is the difference between the role of
a deacon and the role of one who oversees the affairs of the church? Does
your church recognize that difference in its government?
From Acts 6 we learn that the task of the deacons was to take
care of the physical needs of the church, thus freeing the overseers of the
church (apostles, elders, pastors) to attend to prayer and the ministry of
the Word. What are some of the ongoing physical needs of your church that
could be met by a deacon? What other roles might the deacons play in preserving
the unity of the church or supporting the ministers of the Word in your church?
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