The Maintainer of Doctrinal Purity – Part2

The Purpose of the Church – Series

The Maintainer of Doctrinal Purity – Part2

“Biblical Evidence in Support of”

I.          THE EVIDENCE OF THE POSITION IS SUBSTANTIATED BY THE ROLE OF THE PASTOR-TEACHER. (1 Peter 5:2; John 21:15-17; 1 Timothy 3:2c)

A. Peter’s command is to lead, tend, shepherd, (feed = poimaino the flock)

1 Peter 5:2

Feed is used metaphorically in conjunction with flock. Together they complete a word picture.

            B. Peter was told by the Lord in John 21:15-17, to feed His sheep three times.

                        1) Verse 15 uses the Greek word Bosko.

                        2) Verse 16 Uses the Greek word poimaino.

                        3) Verse 17 uses the Greek word Bosko.

The subtle difference is this, poimaino is the broad term for feed and properly means to shepherd. Whereas Bosko is very explicate that it means properly to feed by nourishing. It is used in Luke 15 where it is said of the prodigal son that he joined himself to a citizen of that country and went into his fields to feed  the swine.

C. In, Paul’s instructions to Timothy he specifies that one requirement of the pastor, is that he be apt to teach. (1 timothy 3:2)

We can see clearly then, that the role of the pastor supports the centrality of the church in doctrinal matters.

                                                Section conclusion: (2 Timothy 4:1-3)

II.         THE EVIDENCE OF THE POSITION IS SUPPORTED BY THE RESPONSIBILTY OF THE CHURCH BODY ITSELF. (Hebrews 10:22-25)

A. From the position that teaches we are the temple of God.

1. First there is an analogy to the earthly temple worship where Christ is regarded as the high priest.

                                    a) We are that spiritual house.

                                    b) He is our great High Priest.

                                    c) We are to draw near.

2. Secondly we must abide by the whole of the teaching in these verses, not only the ones we choose.

            B. From the position of fellowship.

                        1. We are commanded to consider one another.

                        2. We are to provoke one another unto good things.

How will these things be achieved when we so blatantly disregard he warning of the 25th verse?

Conclusion:     The Biblical evidence speaks for itself, and is the authority. We conclude therefore, that the church (the called out, gathered together, local assembly) is the maintainer of doctrinal purity.

I also state unashamedly, that anyone not falling in line with this scriptural mandate is setting themselves against the direct commandments of the word of God.