Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
Summary: Leadership in the church has always been a challenge, and — quite frankly — somewhat of a miracle.
Here is another one of Paul’s “trustworthy sayings.” These appear to be key teachings that Paul wants us to use in the organization of the church.
Another word for “overseer,” used in some translations, is “bishop.” The idea is that an overseer or bishop is responsible for a church community staying true to the true faith.
You can imagine that in the early days of the church, this would have been an important role. Remember that in the early days, there was no printing press, no copy machines, and no Bible. Instead, they had to rely on the Holy Spirit and their ability to remember and pass down the core teaching of the Gospel.
What was that “core teaching?”
In 180 AD, long before the Catholic Church became the official religion of the Roman Empire in 380 AD, Irenaeus of Lyons recorded what he called the “Regula Fidei,” which is Latin for “Rule of Faith.”*
The “Rule of Faith” was simple. It recites our belief in God the Father, Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who became flesh for our salvation, and in the Holy Spirit who proclaims the “dispensations of God.” The Rule of Faith also reminds us that God’s plan is to raise us from the dead so that every knee will bow to our King, Jesus.
Since the resurrection of Christ and his ascension into heaven, church leaders have relied on the Holy Spirit to guide the church.
Think about that for a moment.
Today we have beautiful, big church buildings. Churches have paid staff and organizational rules. There are so many churches that they have the luxury of arguing about this belief or that one. Instead of unity, there is division among the believers because there are so many nitpicking things to argue about.
Back then, life was simple. Believe in God. Believe in his Son, Jesus Christ. Believe in the Holy Spirit that God sends to his people. Believe that someday we will all be raised up to be with Jesus.
Somewhere along the line, centuries ago, our “overseers” forgot what their job was. Instead of making sure that we all believed the same thing, they fell to arguing among themselves.
Being a true overseer is indeed a “noble task.” Carrying out that mission is not as easy as you might think.
Application: Stick with the basics.
Food for Thought: What is your “Rule of Faith?”
*Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, Book 1, Chapter 10, Sections 1–2.
What is your “Rule of Faith?”
I have never written one of these so it may be a bit long, but I like where it is headed.
I believe that God is the Supreme Authority of all and is Holy, Righteous, and His Will is love. I believe God is the Creator of all things. I believe Jesus Christ, His only son, is the living Word of God, the first of all Creation. I believe God created mankind for a purpose, but mankind rebelled against His purpose and therefore God is justified to separate Himself from mankind because of their sin. I believe that I too had rebelled against God and therefore accepted my guilt through my repentance and submission to Him. I believe God gave mercy and grace to mankind by sending His son, Jesus Christ, to be born as God in the flesh, to suffer and die for the sins of mankind. I believe that Jesus died and was raised to life by God as proof that the wrath of God has been propitiated for our sins. I believe that through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection I can accept God’s gift of grace and have the Spirit of God live within me. I believe that through acting in faith in Jesus, He will transform my heart and mind into His likeness. I believe that my sinful nature still exists, but can be overcome by Christ living in me, guiding me to truth, and empowering me to act in faith to Him. I believe that I am dead to my sinful nature through Christ, and am a new creation through Him. I believe that the Holy Spirit guides me to all truth, that I am sealed by Him, and that He is the down-payment of the Kingdom of God, offering me living assurance and evidence of my faith.
Thank you, Chris!
I appreciate the time and the thought you put into this. Like you, I like where this is going, too! 🙂
What is your “Rule of Faith?”
At 17 years old, ( rather than go to a state operated confinement facility ) I joined the USMC which set me on a new path. As an enlisted marine I was one of many who held positions within nine pay grades or ranks. The first three grades were Gofers with minimal authority. Once promoted to the fourth grade, we became non-commissioned officers with command authority, and were sent to NCO Academy where we were trained in the fundamentals of “Servant Leadership”.
This management style stayed with me for life and I found myself being given responsibility over departments with a few people up operations with as many as 300 with 5 supervisors, and eventually my own company. When I became a believer, I learned the power to truly become a “Servant Leader” in Gods kingdom comes through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mathew 20:28, Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [paying the price to set them free from the penalty of sin].
All believers remain on earth as servants of God. All have been personally convicted of our sinful natures, cleansed by the power of Jesus Christ and are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve mankind in whatever capacity determined by God. There is only one Ruler of faith, Jesus Christ who serves all who are called into our small sphere of influence, convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit of God, and will spent all eternity in the presence of God.
Thank you, Ron.
Your thoughts here reflect something really important. Our testimony is the illustration of our personal creed. The story of your life never fails to inspire and guide me. Thank you!