Building According To The...

BUILDINGACCORDING TO

THE PATTERN

Bible Class StudySeries

Bible Class Series According To The Pattern i

According To The Pattern

Preface

The enclosed series of lessons will be used as a format for the in-class teaching of adults and youngpeople for the next three months. Our teachers have prepared lesson plans for these lessons. This programof teaching is designed as an aid to the parents' personal obligation of home study with their children.

Your part in this study will be to give your children ten to twenty minutes of study each day, five daysa week. Each day study one daily study selection from the next Sunday's lesson, thereby covering all fivedaily studies each week. It is suggested that you use the Memory Work the first day, so it may be learnedthrough repetition the following days.

To assist you in relating the verses to the coming Sunday's class, these lesson outlines are providedto you in advance for the entire 13 weeks.

Do not let your children down . . . . . . Set aside a certain portion of each day for Bible study (suchas each evening after supper). Make it a habit and be consistent, and your children will reap the benefits therest of their lives. The remembrance of these few minutes will cause them to be thankful always.

Each child will be given credit in class each week for memory work and participation in all five dailystudies. This recognition is arranged so that he may make up any previous week's work missed when absent.

Bible Class Series According To The Pattern ii

Memory Verse: “For He said, `See that you make all things according to the pattern shownyou on the mountain.' ” — Hebrews 8:5

WEEK 1

Building According To The Pattern

Day 1 — The New Testament Is Our Religious Pattern Today.1. The Old Covenant was taken out of the way.

a. Eph. 2:11-16 — Old Testament was the “middle wall of division” taken out the way so that Jewsand Gentiles might be reconciled to God in one body.

b. Col. 2:14-17 — Old Testament was “the handwriting of requirements” that was nailed to the cross.c. Rom. 7:1-6 — Christians are made dead to the law (Old Testament Law) that they might be

married to Christ.2. Christ is the mediator of a New Covenant. (Hebrews 8:1-13)

Day 2 — The New Testament Is The Revelation Of The Authority Of Christ.

1. Jesus has all authority. (Matt. 28:18).2. Jesus promised His apostles the Holy Spirit as a guide and teacher. (John 14:26; 15:26; John 16:13).

a. The Spirit revealed the mind of God to the apostles. (1 Cor. 2:6-16).b. The Spirit revealed the “mystery” or hidden purpose of God to Apostles and Prophets, who wrote

it so that we might know it. (Eph. 3:1-5)3. The Scriptures are God's complete and final revelation.

a. They furnish us unto every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16,17)b. We have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2 Pet. 1:3).c. “The faith” has been once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)

Day 3 — The Authority Of Christ Must Be Respected In Our Religious Activities.

1. We are to hear Him. (Acts 3:19-23; Mark 9:2-8)2. We are to do things “in the name of” Christ. (Col. 3:17). The expression “in the name of” means by the

authority of, as in “I arrest you in the name of the law”.3. We are not to follow the commandments of men. (Matt. 15:9).4. It makes a difference where our authority comes from - “from heaven or from men”. (Matt. 21:25-26).

Day 4 — Authority For Religious Activity Is Found In The Scriptures In Three Forms.

1. Direct command, or statement that has the force of a command, is a direct clear statement of what isto be done. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel....” is a command. “He who believes and isbaptized will be saved...” is a statement with the force of a command. (Mark 16:15,16).

1. Apostolic Examples are accounts of things early Christians did under the direction and with the approvalof the Apostles who were ambassadors sent out by Christ. Paul, an apostle, wrote: “The things whichyoulearned and received and heard and SAW IN ME, THESE DO...”(Phil. 4:9).

2. Necessary Inferences are unstated conclusions that necessarily follow when one considers all that isstated on a subject. At the baptism of Jesus, the Bible does not say that Jesus went down into the water,but it is necessarily inferred by what is said: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out

Bible Class Series According To The Pattern 1

of the water...” (Matt. 3:16 - KJV). If he went up out of the water, then he must have gone down intothe water. The conclusion is inescapable.

3. All three methods are used in secular law. 1) The statutes on the books 2) Authoritative precedents 3)Logical necessary conclusions.

4. All three methods are used in the Lord's Supper.(1) The observance itself is established by command: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:24).(2) The day for observance is establish by example: The disciples at Troas came together to eat it ON

THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, with Paul, an apostle, present.(3) The frequency of observance is established by necessary inference: The language necessarily infers

EVERY first day, just as “Remember the sabbath” necessarily inferred EVERY sabbath.

Day 5 — Authority From The Scriptures Can Be Specific or Generic.

1. Specific authority includes only the thing specified and excludes everything else in its class unlesssomething else in its class is also specified.a. When God told Noah to build an ark of GOPHER wood. (Gen. 6). That meant ONLY Gopher

wood. Pine, Cedar, Oak, etc. were excluded.b. When God tells us to SING. (Eph. 5:19) That means singing is the only music authorized unless

one can find instrumental music authorized for worship in this dispensation somewhere else in theScriptures. Since nothing is said of instrumental music, then it is excluded.

2. Generic authority includes things within the class authorized, including means and methods of execution.a. “Go preach ...” (Mark 16:15) includes going by car, going by bus, going by air, etc.b. “Assemble” (Heb. 10:25) includes a place and facilities to assemble.


Memory Verse: “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singingand making melody in your heart to the Lord.” — Eph. 5:19.

WEEK 2

Singing According To The Pattern

Day 1 — The Kind Of Music Specified In The New Testament.

1. The Scriptures that mention singing: Matt. 26:30; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col.3:16; Jas. 5:13)

2. What Scripture mentions a mechanical instrument of music in worship to God by Christians?

Day 2 — The Command To Sing Is Specific And Excludes All Other Kinds Of Music.

1. If one orders someone under his authority to buy a dozen oranges, what is authorized? Any kind of fruit?Or just oranges?

2. God's command for Gopher wood eliminated any other kind of wood. (Gen. 6:14).3. God's command to Aaron to offer two he goats and a ram in the atonement sacrifices excludes other

animals. (Lev. 16).4. God's command for a priesthood of Levi eliminated a priest from any other tribe. (See Heb. 7:11-18).

The law had to be changed before Christ, from Judah (another tribe), could be a lawful priest.5. God's command to sing excludes any other kind of music. There are only two kinds - vocal and

instrumental. God specified vocal.6. When one does something more than “sing”, God has been disobeyed. (2 John 9-11).

Day 3 — Our Singing In Worship Has A Dual Purpose.1. Praise and Thanksgiving to God. (Heb. 13:15; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; Jas. 5:13).2. Teaching and admonishing one another. (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)

Day 4 — Congegational Singing Is Authorized By The New Testament.1. This is admitted by all. No one says that congregational singing is wrong.2. Solos, Quartets, Choirs and other special singers are questionable to say the least.

a. Many who believe such to be lawful believe them to be highly inexpedient because of theirpotential for abuse and turning worship into entertainment to appeal to the fleshly side of man.This author knows of no one in the church who believes that they may be lawful, who believes theywould be expedient at all. They feel that the dangers far out weighs any benefits that could comefrom them.

b. Many others believe them to be not only inexpedient but also to be without authority. This authoris one of those because such would preclude the reciprocal action required in Eph. 5:19 and Col.3:16.

3. “One another” in Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16 are reciprocal pronouns. Reciprocal in grammar means“expressing mutual action or relation: as, each other is a reciprocal pronoun” (Webster's New WorldDictionary Of The American Language).Both Vine and Thayer, in their respective dictionaries andlexicons of New Testament Greek point out the reciprocal nature of heautou, the word translated “oneanother” or “each other”: Vines: “used as a reciprocal pronoun, e.g., Eph. 5:19, RV, `one to another'(KJV, and RV marg., `to yourselves')”. Thayer: “It is used frequently in the plural for the reciprocal


pronoun allelon, allelois, allelous, reciprocally, mutually, one another: ... Col. 3:13,16”.

Day 5 — The Manner In Which Singing Is To Be Rendered.1. “Unto God” (Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). It is not to please the fleshly tastes of men,

but to please God. It is not entertainment, but worship.2. “With the heart”. (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). In other words, it must be done sincerely with one's mind in

accord with the sentiment of the song sung.3. “With the understanding” (1 Cor. 14:15). We need to understand the words that we are singing.4. So as to be understood by all. “Speaking one to another” (Eph. 5:19). “Teaching and admonishing” (Col.

3:16). The tune or melody cannot teach. Words teach. The words must be sung plainly enough for allto understand or else the purpose is lost.

5. The kind of songs to be used. “Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”. “ `Psalms and hymns' appear tohave been used interchangeably and not only convey the character in general that such compositions areto be ̀ spiritual.' Such could scarcely be descriptive of the ̀ Star Spangled Banner.' ̀ Yankee Doodle,' or`I Washed My Hands This Morning.' Neither could any of the light, trivial, jiggy tunes used today beclassified as `Spiritual.' ” (Roy Cogdill, in The New Testament Church).


Memory Verse: “Pray without ceasing” - 1 Thess. 5:17

WEEK 3

Praying According To The Pattern

Day 1 — Nature of Prayer.1. Prayer seems to be almost natural for man. It is as old as man himself. During periods of severe stress,

especially, man seems to naturally appeal for help from a higher power.2. Prayer is not merely a desire, but desire expressed to God in words. (cf. Rom. 10:1). We must do more

than desire - we must ask for what we would receive. (1 Sam. 1:12-17,27; John 14:13; 1 John 3:22)3. Prayer has several forms in Bible (See 1 Tim. 2:1): Prayer seems to be the general word for talking to

God. Supplication is prayer for special need. Intercession is praying for another. Thanksgiving is, ofcourse, giving thanks to God.

4. Prayer to God should be in the name of Jesus Christ. (John 14:13,14; 15:16; 16:23-26).5. Prayer should be made intelligently (Lk. 11:1-2), confidently (Heb. 4:16; 1 John 5:14; Jas. 5:16),

fervently (Jas. 5:16) and Scripturally (cf. 1 John 5:14-15).6. Prayer was made in the Bible from a variety of postures. 1) Standing. (Mk. 11:25; Lk. 18:13). 2) Sitting

(1 Chron. 17:16). 3) Kneeling (Acts 7:60). 4) Bowed (Neh. 8:6) 5) With lifted hands (1 Tim. 2:8)

Day 2 — Places And Times For Prayer.

1. Pray always. (1 Thess. 5:17; cf. 2 Pet. 2:14; Acts 12:5). The idea is not continuous unbroken praying 24hours a day, but regular prayer. “Give us this day our daily bread”, suggests one should pray daily.

2. Pray in all places. (1 Tim. 2:8)a. Privately. Matt. 6:5-6.b. Publicly - in assembly. (Acts 12:5; 1 Cor. 14:15,16). One leading prayer in assembly should give

particular attention to being clearly understood by all present, so that they might add their “Amen”to it.

Day 3 — Objectives And Benefits of Prayer.1. Some of the objectives of prayer are to:

a. Obey God. (1 Thess. 5:17)b. Invoke the providence of God. (Jas. 5:13-18).c. To relieve disease and distress. (Jas. 5:15; Phil. 4:6-8).d. To thank God. (1 Tim. 4:4,5).

2. Some of the benefits of prayer are:a. A quiet and peaceable life. (1 Tim. 2:12).b. “Sanctified” food. (1 Tim. 4:4,5).c. Peace of mind. (Phil. 4:5-7).d. Forgiveness of sins. (Acts 8:22; Matt. 6:12), but not for the alien sinner. He needs to be baptized.

(Acts 2:38; 22:16).

Day 4 — Hindrances To Prayer

1. Disobedience. (Prov. 28:9; Psa. 66:18; Jno. 9:31).2. Doubts. (Jas. 1:6,7)3. Mistreatment of others. (1 Pet. 3:7)


4. Unforgiving attitude. (Matt. 6:12, 14-15).5. Selfishness. (Jas. 4:3).

Day 5 — Prayer Is Not A Substitute For:

1. Bible knowledge. Scriptures make us wise unto salvation. (2 Tim. 3:14-17). Faith comes from hearingthe word of God. (Rom. 10:17)

2. Repentance. Aliens must repent. (Acts 2:38). Erring Christians must repent (Acts 8:22). One must repentor God will not hear. (cf. Psa. 66:18).

3. Baptism. It not a substitute for baptism for Saul. (Acts 9:9,11; 22:16). Baptism, not prayer, puts oneinto Christ. (Rom. 6:4; Gal. 3:27).

4. General Obedience As A Christian. (Luke 6:46; Matt. 7:21)


Memory Verse: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim theLord's death till He comes.” — I Cor. 11:26

WEEK 4

Lord's Supper According To The Pattern

Day 1 — The Origin And Purpose Of The Lord's Supper.

1. Jesus instituted it at the passover just before His death. (1 Cor. 11:23-25; Luke 22:14-23; Mark 14:17-26; Matt. 26:20-30).

2. It is given as a perpetual reminder of the death of Christ. (1 Cor. 11:24-25) until He comes again.3. It was not given to satisfy physical hunger and thirst. (1 Cor. 11:20,22,34).

Day 2 — The Elements Of The Lord's Supper. (Matt. 26:26-29)

1. The Bread. The Supper was instituted in a Jewish house that was observing the Passover or Feast ofUnleavened Bread. During this feast, all leaven had to be put out of the house according the Law ofMoses. (Exodus 12-13; Deut. 16:1-8). Therefore, though the word for “bread” was the common wordfor any bread (rather than azumos, the word for unleavened bread), it is necessarily inferred that thebread of the Lord's Supper was unleavened.

2. The Cup or “fruit of the vine”. This was fruit of the grape vine liquified so it could be drunk. It is called“cup” by a figure of speech called metonymy: “Use of the name of one thing for that of anotherassociated with or suggested by it. (e.g., ̀ 'the White House has decided' for ̀ the President has decided')”(Webster's New World Dictionary). In this case “cup” is used for the contents, the fruit of the vine.“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, ̀ Take this and divide it among yourselves;”. Did theydivide the contents or the container? “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup”. Now, wasthe cup the contents or the container?

Day 3 — The Significance Of The Lord's Supper.

1. The elements signify the sacrificed body and blood of Jesus. (Matt. 26:26-28). “This is my body” and“This is by blood” are figures of speech also. It has the force of “This represents my body and blood”.When Jesus said, “I am the vine, your are the branches”, he was using the same figure of speech. Thesetwo elements serve to remind us of the death of Jesus on the cross for the remission of our sins.

2. Our eating the Lord's supper also signifies our fellowship or communion with Christ and His sacrifice.(1 Cor. 10:16-22)

Day 4 — The Time And Place For The Lord's Supper.

1. The day for observing the Lord's Supper is the “first day of the week” (Acts 20:7). How appropriate!Jesus arose on first day. (Mk. 16:9; Matt. 28:1; John 20:21). Jesus appeared to disciple on first day.(John 20:19,26). Church began on the first day. (Acts 2). Pentecost was on first day. (cf. Lev. 23:11,15).

2. The place for the Lord's supper is in the assembly of the church. Every observance of the Lord's supperby early Christians was when the church was assembled. (See Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17ff). Where is theauthority for “private suppers” away from the assembly?

3. It is in the kingdom. (Matt. 26:29)

Day 5 — The Corruption Of The Lord's Supper.

1. Sometimes called “Eucharist” which means “good thanks”. Called “Sacrament” meaning “an oath”. Bible


gives it neither of these names nor the significance suggested by them. “Mass” where priests drink cup,others eat bread.

2. Making it an occasion for a common feast. (1 Cor. 11:17-34)


Memory Verse: “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows boun-tifully will also reap bountifully.” — 2 Cor. 9:6

WEEK 5

Giving According To The Pattern

Day 1 — The Church Treasury.God's people have always had a treasury for special purposes. Israel of old had a treasury. (Num. 18:25-1.32). The Apostles had a treasury during Christ's personal ministry. (John 12:6; 13:29). The treasury ofthe temple.

2. The New Testament church had a treasury.a. It was gathered on the first day of the week. (1 Cor. 16:2). The word translated “in store” means

to store up or treasure up. It is akin to the word which means “a treasury, or storehouse”,according to Vine. Corinth, along with other churches were to gather this money regularly uponthe first day of the week. (1 Cor. 16:1-4).

b. It was used for work that the church was to do. In order for members of a congregation to actjointly in a work, there would need to be a common fund or treasury.

Day 2 — The Individual and His Money.The individual Christian may raise money by any honorable means: wages, trade, investment, gifts, etc.1.(Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:10-12; Luke 19:23).

2. The individual Christian's money is under his direct control (in harmony with the will of God). (Acts 5:4).3. The individual Christian uses his money to fulfill his individual responsibilities: Domestic (1 Tim. 5:8);

Civic and civil (Rom. 13:1-8); charitable or humanitarian (Eph. 4:28; Gal. 6:10; Jas. 1:27); hospitality(Matt. 26:7; 1 Pet. 4:9); Spiritual (Gal. 6:6; 1 Cor. 16:2). Money is a mere medium of exchange used asa tool to further the work he is supposed to do.

Day 3 — The Church and Its Money.The church's (or the Lord's) money is gained by individual Christians' contributions. (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor.1.8 and 9).

2. There is a difference in what church is to do with its funds and what an individual Christian is to do withhis funds. (1 Tim. 5:16)

3. The church's uses its money to fulfil its responsibilities: To provide things needed for assembly andworship; To provide things needed for its work of preaching (Phil. 4:15-17), benevolence (Acts 6; 11:27;2 Cor. 8, 9) and edification (Eph. 4:16). Again, money is a mere medium of exchange used as a tool tofurther the work the church is supposed to do.

Day 4 — The Principles of Giving.1 Cor. 16:1-2 — Periodic (upon the first day of the week), Proportionate (as prospered)1.

2. 2 Cor. 8 and 9 — Voluntarily, Purposely or planned, liberally, cheerfully.

Day 5 — The Motivation for Giving.We are not to give to be seen of men. (Matt. 6:1-4). Not wrong to be seen giving, but wrong to give to1.be seen.

2. We are to give out of love. (1 Cor. 13:3).3. We need to first give ourselves to the Lord. (2 Cor. 8:5). Once men give themselves totally to the Lord,

they are motivated to give. You do not have to beg them to give. They beg to give. (2 Cor. 8:4).


Memory Verse: “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed withfasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they believed.” — Acts14:23

WEEK 6

Church Organization According To The Pattern

Day 1 — The Word “Church” Is Used In Two Ways In the New Testament.1. In the Universal sense, including all the saved everywhere. (Matt. 16:18; 1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 1:22,23;

Heb. 12:23). In this sense, there is but one church (Eph. 4:4) because there is but one kind of people whoare saved — those who have obeyed the gospel. No organization in this universal sense, just individualChristians under Christ, doing His will. Whoever obeys the gospel is a member of it. (Acts 2:41, 47).

2. In the Local sense, including God's people in a community who have joined themselves together. (1 Cor.1:2; 16: 1; Rev. 1:11; Rom. 16:16; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 13:1; 14:23; 15:22). In this sense, there are manychurches.

Day 2 — The distinction between Universal Membership and Local Membership.1. Universal church membership includes all those added together by the Lord. (Acts 2:47); all those

enrolled in heaven. (Heb. 12:23) The Ethiopian eunuch was a member of universal church because hewas saved, but not yet a member of a local church. (cf. Acts 8:38, 39). It is possible for one to beexcluded from a local church and remain in the universal church. (3 John 10).

2. Local church membership includes those who have joined themselves together in that locality. Paul, aftersome difficulty, joined himself to the disciples in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:26-28). The local church may“receive” and “reject” members. (cf. Rom. 14:1,3; Tit. 3:10). It is possible for one to be included in localchurch membership that has been excluded from the universal church (the saved) by the Lord (1 Cor. 5:2,13).

Day 3 — The Organization of the Local Church.1. The Universal church has no organizational structure on earth. It is simply each Christian working under

Jesus according to His will as revealed by the Apostles and prophets. They have no joint action, nocommon fund, no meetings.

2. The Local church has organizational structure. Each has a treasury (1 Cor. 16:1-2; Phil. 4:15-17). Eachhas own oversight. (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-3; Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). Note that their oversightis specifically limited to the “flock of God which is among (them).” May function for a time withoutoverseers (Acts 14:23), but must not substitute man-made overseers. Let them get along the best theycan without oversight.

Day 4 — The Local Congregation — God's Organization For Church Work.1. The New Testament mentions no other organization for church work.2. The early church was able to do its work without any other organization —either smaller than or larger

than the local church.a. Preachers were sent out by the local church into new areas (Acts 13:1-3). They reported back to

the local church. (Acts 14:25, 30).b. Edifying itself. (Eph. 4:11-16).c. Caring for the needy. In Jerusalem, they looked out men from among themselves men to set over

the business of caring for needy widows. (Acts 6). Funds for poor saints in Judea were placed inhands of elders of Judean churches to be administered by them.

3. Various methods may be used in doing the work of the local church, but other organizations either within


or without the church were unknown in the New Testament.

Day 5 — The Organization Of The Church Has Often Been Set Aside And/Or Perverted.1. The Super-organizational structure of Catholicism and Protestantism.2. The Christian Church's state, local and national societies that began as simply innocent “cooperation”

meetings.3. The Churches that work through human organizations in benevolence and edification.4. The Churches that have a centralized “sponsoring church” arrangement. A congregation assumes the

oversight of a work, like evangelism, to which all the congregations have an equal relationship andreceive contributions from other churches to do the work. This causes many congregations to pool theirfunds into the treasury of one with that church controlling the work of the contributing churches.

5. Churches that band together to plan and carry out area-wide functions.6. Preachers and/or Elders becoming organized, meeting, discussing, and coordinating the work of the

churches of which they are preachers and elders. This causes the various church to become and act asa unit (organization) other than a local congregation.


Memory Verse: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which theHoly Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God whichHe purchased with His own blood.” — Acts 20:28

WEEK 7

Elders According To The Pattern

Day 1 — The Words Used To Identify Elders.1. “Elders” or “presbytery” (1 Tim. 4:14)

a. Used in ordinary sense to denote seniority or older. (Lk. 15:25; Mk. 8:21).b. Used to refer to Jewish Elders of the Synagogues. (Matt. 16:21; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22; Acts 4:5)c. Used of men appointed in Local churches to exercise spiritual oversight over its members. (Acts

14:23; 20:17; Titus 1:5).2. “Bishop” (Phil. 1:1) or “overseer” (Acts 20:28). Used interchangeably with “Elder”. “For this reason I

left you in Crete, that you should ... appoint elders in every city ... For a bishop must be blameless...”Titus 1:5-7.

3. “Pastor” (Eph. 4:11) or “Shepherd” (Many other translations). In Acts 20:28 the elders (v. 17) are toldto shepherd (King James says “feed”), in other words to pastor, the flock of God over which they hadbeen made “overseers” (Same word as bishop).

Day 2 — The Nature Of The Office Of Elder.1. It is not a political office, but a position governed by the Holy Spirit through the word of God. Men are

to be appointed who meet God-given qualifications for the work.2. It is not a one-man office, a plurality of elders in each church. (Acts 14:23; 20:17; Phil. 1:1).3. It is not a dictatorial position. Peter warns elders not the act as lords (1 Pet. 5:3). Their rule is one of

leadership. In fact, the word used for their rule is sometimes translated “lead”. They are to “rule well”as a father over his family (1 Tim. 3:5). They are to “take care” of the church as a loving father takes careof his family as he rules well. They are to care for the church as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

4. It is administrative and not legislative. (1 Pet. 5:4) They can make no laws, only administrate those givenby the Chief Shepherd, who is the one lawgiver who is able to save and destroy. (Jas. 4:12).

5. It is local and not diocesan or universal. (1 Pet. 5:4). “The flock of God among you.”

Day 3 — The Qualifications Of Elders.1. 1 Tim. 3:2-7 — Desire the office, Blameless, husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good

behavior, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, gentle, notquarrelsome, not covetous, rules house well - children in subjection, not a novice, not puffed up withpride, good testimony among outsiders.

2. Titus 1:6-9 — Blameless, husband of one wife, faithful children, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, notgiven to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, hospitable, lover of what is good, sober-minded, just,holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word, able to convict those who contradict.

Day 4 — The Responsibilities Of Elders.1. To feed, tend or shepherd the church. (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2-3).2. To Guard the flock from false teachers. (Acts 20:29-31).3. To Rule the church (Rom. 12:8; 1 Tim. 5:17) - “Not as lords, but as examples” (1 Pet. 5:3).4. To oversee or superintend the church.5. To Watch on behalf of souls. (Heb. 13:17).


Day 5 — The Duty Of Other Members To The Elders.1. Honor them. (1 Tim. 5:17). Financially support those who labor in word or doctrine if need be. (1 Tim.

5:17,18).2. Do not hear accusations against them except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. (1 Tim. 5:19).3. Obey and respect them. (Heb. 13:17).


Memory Verse: “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a goodstanding and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. - 1 Tim.3:13

WEEK 8

Deacons According To The Pattern

Day 1 — The Meaning Of “Deacon”

a. General usage of the word. “Deacon” means waiter, attendant, servant, minister. From “diako”which means to run or hasten. The radical idea of the word is active service. In its ordinary senseit includes:

b. Preachers. (Eph. 6:21; Col. 1:7; 1 Tim. 4:6). In these passage it is translated “minister”.c. Any servant of Christ. (John 12:26).

2. Special usage of the word. Because it so closely associated with the office and work of elders, it isevident that the word is used in a special or official sense.a. Phil. 1:1 — Here deacons are associated with elders and distinguished from the saints in general.b. 1 Tim. 3:8-13. Deacons are given special qualifications following the special qualifications of

elders. This indicates a special office along with that of elders.

Day 2 — The Office Of A Deacon.

The office of a deacon is one of special service. This is seen from the meaning of diakonos and diakonia:“The other Greek word, “Diakonos, is defined as: `one who executes the commands of another,

esp. of a master,; a servant, attendant, minister; I. univ.: of the servant of a king, Mt. xxii.13; with gen.of the pers. served, Mt. xx.26; xxiii.11; Mk. ix.35; x.43 ... those through whom God carries on hisadministration on earth, as magistrates, Rom. xiii.4; teachers of the Christian religion, 1 Cor. iii.5; 2 Cor.iv.4; I Th. iii.2 .... 2. a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned him by the church, cares for the poor and hascharge and distributes the money collected for their use ... Phil. i.1; I Tim. iii.8, 12, cf. Acts vi.3 sqq..... 3. a waiter, one who serves food and drink: Jn. ii.5,9.' ”

“The Greek Diakonia is defined: `Service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commandsof others; 1 univ.: 2 Tim. iv.11; Heb. i.14. 2. of those who by the command of God proclaim andpromote religion among men; a. of the office of Moses: ... b. Of the office of the apostles and its ad-ministration: Acts i.17,25; xx.24; xxi.19; Ro. xi.13; 2 Co. iv.1; vi.3; 1 Tim. i.12... 3. the ministration ofthose who render to others the offices of Christian affection: ... esp. of those who succor needy by eithercollecting of bestowing benefactions (Acts xii.25); the care of the poor, the supplying or distributingcharities ... Acts vi.1; 2 Co. ix. 13 ... 4. the office of deacon in the primitive church ... 5. service of thosewho prepare and present food: Lk. x.40.' ” (Both quotes from Scriptural Elders and Deacons by H. E.Phillips.

Day 3 — The Qualifications Of Deacons.

1. 1 Tim. 3:8-13 — Reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holdingthe mystery of the faith with a pure conscience, blameless, husband of one wife, ruling children and


homes well.2. Acts 6:1-6. Of honest report, full of the Spirit, Full of wisdom.

Day 4 — The Duties Of Deacons.

1. “The meaning of the word `helper', `minister'. In contrast to the word bishop which means `overseer',the deacon is a helper or servant of the Church, working as does every other member of thecongregation, under the oversight and in assistance to the bishops of the Church.”

2. “Acts 6:1-6. From this passage we observe:“(1) These men were selected to relieve the apostles of secular duties and responsibilities in order that

they might give themselves to spiritual matters.“(2) These men were selected by the congregation and then appointed by the apostles.“(3) The performance of the work for which they were selected constituted the full measure of special

responsibility.”(Both quotes from The New Testament Church by Roy Cogdill.)

Day 5 — The Duties Of The Church To Deacons.

1. These are just common sense things based on general principles of being Christians, nothing specificallyspelled out in the Scriptures.

2. Like any other worker, they should be esteemed highly for their works sake. They do a great deal ofwork on behalf of the church.

3. Elders should not shift their own responsibilities off on the deacons.4. Like any good worker, we should express our appreciation to them when they do a good job.5. Not go about picking at every little thing to find fault with the great service they are performing for the

church.6. Set them over the business they are supposed to do and let them do it, even offering to assist them any

way we can.


Memory Verse: “... I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in thehouse of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and groundof the truth.” — 1 Tim 3:15.

WEEK 9

The Work Of The Church and IndividualAccording To The Pattern

Day 1 — The Special Nature Of The Church.

a. The church is here by special planning. (Eph. 3:10,11). The church is no accident or after thought,but the result of the eternal purpose of God.

b. The church is here by a special purchase. (Eph. 5:25, Acts 20:28). One sense in which the churchis purchased by blood of Christ is that each individual member of it has been so purchased.Another sense is that the very arrangement of the church itself was purchased by the blood. TheNew Covenant was dedicated by the blood of Christ. (Heb. 9).

c. The church is given special care. (Eph. 4:11; I Cor. 12:18). God equipped it with what is neededto fulfill its purpose.

d. The church has a special character. (1 Tim. 3:15). It is a spiritual institution, “the pillar and groundof the truth”.

Day 2 — The Individual Christian's Relationships.

a. The individual Christian sustains several kinds of relationships and responsibilities in the world.Thus, he may be a part of and/or contributor to various institutions in the world in which he lives.Each area of responsibility and activity may exist and function somewhat independent of the otherareas. No area should be allowed to usurp or supplant another.

b. Some of the areas of a Christian's responsibilities and activities:i. Civil responsibilities and activities. (Rom. 13:1-5). Governmental and political (in the better

sense of the word) agencies and institutions.ii. Social, civic, and humanitarian responsibilities and activities. (Jas. 1:27; Gal. 6:10). There

are many institutions and activities in this area of which a Christian may be a part.iii. Economic responsibilities and activities. (Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:10). Business organizations

and activities, either profit or non-profit have a place in the Christian's life.iv. Domestic responsibilities and activities, (Eph. 5:23-25; Eph. 6:1). The home and various

agencies that may assist the home in carrying out its responsibilities.v. Spiritual responsibilities and activities. (1 Tim. 3:15). The church.

Day 3 — The Church's Work and The Individual's Work.

a. These are not identical. (1 Tim. 5:16). There is a difference between one's “own supper” and the“Lord's Supper” (1 Cor. 11:20-22,34). A difference in common (church's) fund and own funds.(Acts 5:4). A difference in how church and individuals raise funds. Churches depend oncontributions (1 Cor. 16:1,2), while individuals must work for a living in some kind of businessarrangement. (Eph. 4:28)

b. These are parallel in some respects. We are to support preachers both individually (Gal. 6:6) andcollectively as the church. (Phil. 4:15-17). We are to support needy saints both individually (Rom.12:13) and collectively as the church. (1 Cor. 16:1,2). We are to edify Christians both individually(Matt. 18:15-18) and collectively as the church (Eph. 4:16).

c. These are not parallel in all respects. (1 Tim. 5:16; 1 Cor. 11:22, 34).

Day 4 — The Church's Work More Restricted Than The Individual's Work.


a. It is limited to a spiritual mission. 1) To making saints (Phil 4:15-17), 3) To caring for needs ofsaints (2 Cor. 8,9), 3) To edifying saints (Eph. 4:16). Although caring for saints is supplying theirmaterial needs, the work has spiritual overtones. (cf. Rom. 15:27). The contribution is a token ofthe spiritual fellowship that exists between the giver and receiver. Hence, such contributing iscalled “fellowship” because is a token of the fellowship that exists between the giver and receiver.“Contribution” in Rom. 15:26 is from same original word as “fellowship”.

b. It leaves other “good works” to individual action. Social, recreational, secular educational, politicaland labor relations and activities require individual action, not church action.

Day 5 — The Church provides the Means and Methods For Its Work.

a. The authority to do a thing includes the means and methods of doing it. For example, whenAbraham was commanded to go offer his son on a mountain, the means of going to the mountainand the means to carry the things needed for such a sacrifice was included in the command, thoughnot specifically mentioned in the command itself. Hence, Abraham used a donkey and two men toaid in carrying out the command. (Read Gen. 22:2-3). Verse 2 gives the command itself as statedby God. Verse 3 gives the record of the means Abraham used to carry out the command.

b. Meeting houses, baptisteries, song books, chalk boards, religious broadcasts, computers, copymachines, comfort facilities, etc. are some of the means and methods used by church to fulfill itsmission. When the church uses them as tools in its work, it is still just doing its work and nothingmore.

c. Kitchens and rooms to provide and serve social meals, gyms, wedding chapels, etc. are means thatindividuals sometimes use to do their work. But since it is not the church's work to engage in suchsocial, recreational and domestic activities the church has no business providing such facilities.Sometimes when we tell our friends that there is no authority for the church to provide suchfacilities, it is replied that there is as much authority for a gym or kitchen as there is for a songbook or a radio program —since none of them are specifically mentioned in the Scriptures. But,we are not asking for specific authority for the gym or kitchens but the authority for the area ofactivity that these facilities are designed to facilitate. If one could find the authority for the churchto provide recreation for its members and/or others then it would have the authority for a gym andother recreational equipment.


Memory Verse: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” — Mark16:16.

WEEK 10

Evangelism According To The Pattern

Day 1 — The Work Of Evangelism.

1. “Evangelism”, “Evangelist”, “gospel”, “preach the gospel” all come from the same root word and idea. a. “Gospel” is from EUANGELION, meaning good news.b. “Preach the gospel” is from EUANGELIZO, meaning to carry good news — to evangelize. Hence

evangelism is the act of evangelizing or preaching the good news. (1 Cor. 9:16; Gal 1:8)c. “Evangelist” is from EUANGELISTES, meaning a messenger of good news, hence a preacher of

the gospel.d. Hence, evangelism is the act of preaching the gospel (good news). An evangelist is one who

preaches the gospel (good news).2. “Evangelism” and “edification” overlap somewhat.

a. In the doing the “work of an evangelist”, Timothy was to preach the word to edify the church. (2Tim. 4:1-5). A careful reading shows that Timothy's preaching was to build up brethren, while theywould endure his preaching, lest they should fall away.

b. Evangelists were given to early church for edification. (Eph. 4:11-16).

Day 2 — The Importance Of Evangelism.

1. There is a universal need for salvation, because all are under sin. (Rom. 3:9-10, 23; Gal. 3:22; Eph. 2:1-5, 12).

2. The gospel is the power to God to save sinners. (Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Mark16:15,16)

Day 3 — The Responsibility For Evangelism.

1. Both churches and individuals have a responsibility in evangelism.a. Individuals should preach it to extent of ability and opportunity. (Acts 8:4). Preachers should

preach it whether or not supported by the church. (1 Cor. 9:15-16).b. Churches should see that the gospel is preached by: 1) having assemblies in which it is preached

(Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 14), 2) giving moral support those to go out to preach (Acts 13:1-5), 3) givingfinancial support (wages) to gospel preachers. (2 Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16).

2. Evangelists have a responsibility to preach the gospel to sinners as in the case of Philip the evangelist(Acts 8; 21:8) and to saints as in the case of Timothy the evangelist (2 Tim. 4:1-4) and others (Eph. 4:11)regardless of financial support, but they have every right to financial support. (1 Cor. 9).

Day 4 — New Testament Cooperation In Evangelism.

1. There are two kinds of cooperation possible in a work: Joint action and Concurrent action. Joint actionis when the work is pooled together and placed under a common control. Concurrent actions is wheneach act independently, under separate control, yet working toward the common goal. For example,three farmers have a common project in supplying a store with produce. They may cooperate in thiseffort in either of the above ways.They could act concurrently by each maintaining his own truck, settinghis own schedule, buying his own fuel, setting his own prices, etc. yet still cooperating in seeing that thestore does not run out of produce. Or, they could act jointly by two of them turning the maintenance,scheduling, fuel buying, and price setting over to the third one and let him manage the whole affair with


the two others merely driving the trucks.2. In the New Testament churches did cooperate in evangelism, but only concurrently. Several churches

sent to Paul. (2 Cor. 11:8), but they did not act jointly. They did not pool their resources. Each sentdirectly to the preacher. They did not send the funds to a central church which in turn sent funds to Paul.There was no church that gathered funds from other churches to send out evangelists. There was nomissionary society to gather funds from the churches to send out evangelists.

Day 5 — Modern Cooperation In Evangelism.

1. One of the issues that divided the church is the last century that resulted in a separation of the ChristianChurch from churches of Christ was the issue of a missionary societies been set up to gather funds frommany churches and using them to send out and support evangelists. This arrangement took the work outof the hands of independent churches and placed it in the hands of institutions not found in theScriptures. No such arrangement could be found in the Scriptures.

2. One of the issues that has divided churches in this century has been the practice of a sponsoring churchgathering funds from many churches and using them to preach the gospel in various places and byvarious means. This arrangement takes the work away from independent churches and puts it in thehands of a central church. No such arrangement as this is found in the Scriptures.

3. Another fundamental principle that is violated by such a practice as described above is that in the NewTestament every time you find one church sending funds to another church, the receiving church alwayshad a need that was peculiar to it that it was unable to meet. The responsibility to preach the gospel tothe world to the extent of their ability is shared by all the churches alike. Each does what it can do to theextent of its ability. There is just no passage in the New Testament that authorizes a church to send fundsto another church in the work of evangelism.


Memory Verse: “Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send reliefto the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to theelders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” — Acts 11:29,30.

WEEK 11

Benevolence According To The Pattern

Day 1 — Benevolence And Our Priorities.

1. “Benevolence” is not used in the Bible in reference to the poor, but the idea is there. As we commonlyuse the word, it means a charitable activity to benefit the poor and needy.

2. Benevolent work is important (Matt. 25:34-46, but it was not given top priority by Jesus. (cf. Mark 14:3-9). Jesus did not declare a “war on poverty”, but rather a “war on sin”. He did not preach social noreconomic equality, but spiritual equality.

3. The “Social Gospel” concept that has become so popular since World War II has shifted the emphasisfrom the spiritual to the material needs of man.a. The poor is given top billing by the social gospel. It is find and feed the hungry and relieve the

poor and then as you have opportunity attend to his spiritual needs.b. The lost get top billing in the gospel of Christ. It is to seek and save the lost and then as you have

opportunity attend to the needs of the poor. (cf. John 6:27; Mark 16:15,16).

Day 2 — Benevolence And Our Personal Duty.

1. A Christian must be willing to work to avoid personal poverty. (1 Tim. 5:8, 13; 2 Thess. 3:8-11). Notethat 2 Thess. 3:10 says that “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” It does say, “If anyone cannotwork ...”. If one cannot work because he cannot physically do it, or if he cannot find any work, then heis not condemned by this passage.

2. A Christian must help the poor (both saint and sinner) as he has time and opportunity. (Gal. 6:10; Jas.1:27; 2:6,15,16; Rom. 12:20; Matt. 25:31-46; Eph. 4:28; Luke 10:25-37).

Day 3 — Benevolence And The Church.

1. The church is to relieve the poor.a. But, there is a difference in individual responsibility and church responsibility to the poor. (1 Tim.

5:16).b. There is no authority for the church helping the needy of the world.

2 Cor. 9:13 is sometimes cited as proof that the church helped “all men” meaning bothsaint and sinner. But, a closer examination of the passage in the light of its context showssuch was not the case. Often “all men” is limited to the context meaning all men of the classbeing discussed. (See Acts 2:44,45). The obvious meaning is that those helped (the saintsin Jerusalem) would glorify God because of their liberal sharing with them (saints inJerusalem) and all (other saints with which they might also share). If this passage means thatthe contribution for the poor saints in Jerusalem went to poor non-saints in Jerusalem aswell, this raises many difficulties with other passages. All else that is said about thecontribution shows that it went to saints and saints only. Rom. 15:26,27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; and2 Cor. 8 and 9 all say it was for the saints.

The Gentile Christians (of Macedonia and Achaia) were debtors to the Jewish Christians(of Jerusalem) because they (Gentile Christians) had become partakers of their (JewishChristians) spiritual things, now they were in turn ministering to them (Jewish Christians)in material things. Non-Christians had no spiritual things of which these Gentile Christianscould be partakers. The ones to whom these Gentile Christians were ministering carnal or


material things were those with whom they had become partakers of spiritual things —saints, not non-saints.

2. So, the church helped poor SAINTS. (Acts 2:42; 4:34; 6:1; Rom. 15:26; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8:4; 1 Tim.5:16.

Day 4 — Benevolence and Church Cooperation.

1. Acts 11:27-30 — The church at Antioch sent relief for poor saints to the churches in Judea. They sentit to the elders.

2. Rom. 15:26,27; 1 Cor. 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 8 & 9. — The churches of Galatia, Macedonia and Achaia sentrelief for poor saints to the church at Jerusalem.

3. So, one church sent relief to several churches and several churches sent relief to one church.

Day 5 — Benevolence and Human Organizations.

1. The New Testament church took care of their own needy and cooperated with other churches in takingcare of their needy without building and/or maintaining a single organization separate from the churchfor such work.

2. The church at Jerusalem took care of its needy without another organization (Acts 6).3. The church at Antioch helped the poor in Judea without another organization. They sent to the elders

in Judea.4. The churches throughout the Gentile world helped the poor in Jerusalem without another organization.5. When the church turns its work over to other organizations, it is, in effect, saying that God gave the

church a work to do, but did not equip it with the organization needed to do it. But, God did give itadequate organization, namely, the local congregation.

6. If the church can turn its benevolent work over to another organization and become merely aorganization to raise and furnish funds to the other organization, then why can it not work the samearrangement for its evangelistic and edification work. This would reduce the church to a mere fundraising organization for human institutions.


Memory Verse: “...Joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to theeffective working by which every part does its share, causes the growth ofthe body for the edifying of itself in love.” — Eph. 4:16

WEEK 12

Edification According To The Pattern

Day 1 — Meaning of Edification.

1. The word, Edify, means to build up. Edifice, a building, is from the same root word. When you aretalking about the edification of the church we are talking building it up in the faith or causing it growspiritually. (Eph. 4:16).

2. Christians need to grow in many respects, for example:a. In grace and knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18)b. In love, knowledge, and discernment. (Phil. 1:9).c. Quiet, industrious characters. (1 Thess. 4:9-12).d. As a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices. (1 Pet. 2:5).e. In adding “Christian graces” (2 Pet. 1:4-13).f. In the Lord and in the power of His might. (Eph. 6:10-18).g. In faith and love. (2 Thess. 1:3; 1 Thess. 3:12-13).h. In ability to resist temptation. (Jude 17-23; Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-10)i. In ability to serve and sacrifice. (Rom. 12:1-2).

Day 2 — Equipment for Edification. (Eph. 4:11-16

1. Apostles and prophets taught and continue the teach the church through the Scriptures they wrote. (cf.Eph. 2:20 - 3:5).

2. Evangelists teach and admonish the church. (2 Tim. 4:1-4).3. Pastors or elders teach and admonish the church. (1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Tit. 1:9).4. Teachers also teach and admonish the church.5. Church is equipped to edify itself. Needs no other organization. (Eph. 4:16)

Day 3 — Helps to Edification.

1. Spiritual appetite. (1 Pet. 2:2)2. Spiritual exercise. (Heb. 5:13-14; 1 Tim. 4:7-8)3. Heeding what we hear. (Heb. 2:1-3)4. Diligence and active service. (1 Tim. 4:13-16)5. The right spiritual diet. (1 Tim. 4:5-6; 6:3; Titus 2:1; 2 Tim. 2:14-16, 22-23)6. Purity of heart and mind. (Tit. 1:11-14).7. Prayer and communion with the Lord. (Phil. 4:5-7; James 1:2-6; Heb. 7:25; Heb. 4:14-16).8. Peace. (Acts 9:31; Rom. 14:19)

Day 4 — Hindrances to Edification

1. Malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking. (1 Pet. 2:1,2).2. Dullness of hearing. (Heb. 5:11).3. Foolish and ignorant questions or disputes. (2 Tim. 2:23; 2 Tim. 1:13).


4. Love of money (1 Tim. 6:10).5. False teaching. (Gal. 2:5).

Day 5 — Avenues of Edification.

1. By the assemblies of the church. (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; 1 Cor. 14; Heb. 10:24-25)2. By a good teaching program to “feed the church of God” (Acts 20:28; 2 Tim. 2:2; Tit. 2:1-8) — good

classes with good, qualified teachers.3. Elders watching for souls. (Acts 20:28-31; Heb. 13:7-17).4. Encouragement, support, warning, long-suffering. (1 Thess. 5:12-14).5. Proper corrective discipline. (1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:6-14; Rom. 16:17).


Memory Verse: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LordJesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” — Col. 3:17

WEEK 13

Review

Day 1A. Where does the “social gospel” put the emphasis in church work? Week 11, Day 1

1. Explain “Generic” and “Specific” authority. Week 1, Day 5

2. List some differences between the church's work and the individual's work. Week 9, Days1-5

3. How may the church raise money for its purposes? Week 5, Day 3

Day 2 1. Who may the church help in benevolence? Week 11, Day 3

2. What is a deacon? Week 8, Days 1-5

3. List some avenues for edifying the church? Week 12, Day 5

4. How may an individual raise money for his purposes? Week 5, Day 2

Day 3 1. Explain why it is wrong to us a piano in our worship today. Week 2, Days 1-5

2. When should Christians observe the Lord's supper? Where? Week 4, Day 4

3. What are some of the benefits of prayer? Week 3, Day 3

4. What are some of the responsibilities of elders? Week 7, Day 4

Day 4 1. What are the other words used for an elder in the New Testament? What do they mean?Week 7, Day 1

2. Why should our prayers in the assembly be clearly understood? Week 3, Day 2

3. What is the purpose of the Lord's Supper? Week 4, Day 1

4. Show some ways that the organization of the church has been perverted? Week 6, Day 5Day 5 1. What wrong with the church turning it benevolent work over to another institution? Week

11, Day 52. What are the three ways to establish authority from the Scriptures? Week 1, Day 43. Explain the two ways that the word “church” is used in the New Testament. Week 6, Day

14. What is evangelism? Week 10, Day 1

5. What is wrong with the “sponsoring church” arrangement in evangelism? Week 10, Days4 & 5


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