Clergy Does The Lords Church Have A Clergy

DOES THE LORD’S CHURCH HAVE A CLERGY? (1 Peter 2:5-10)

I. Most “churches” have people known as the “clergy” The members are “laity” and the leaders are the “clergy” What does the word “clergy” mean? A Brief Word Study Clergy A group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church. [NOTE: Pastoral and Sacerdotal] Clerisy Intelligentsia…A class or group of persons having or claiming special enlightenment in views or principles: the intellectuals ↓ Pastoral Of or relating to spiritual care or guidance especially of a congregation. Of or relating to the pastor of a church. ↓ Pastor A spiritual overseer; Especially a clergyman serving a local church or parish. [NOTE: The word “pastor” comes from the same word for “bishop” in the New Testament. To scripturally be a “pastor” is to be a bishop, elder, or overseer. All words denote the same office In the Lord’s church.] ↓ Sacerdotal Of or relating to priests or a priesthood: Priestly. Of, relating to, or suggesting sacerdotalism ↓ Sacerdotalism Religious belief emphasizing the powers of priests as essential mediators between God and man.

II. Is there a clergy in Christ’s church?

A. Are the Pastors/Overseers “clergy”? The N.T. authorizes Elders/Pastors, in each congregation

2. There was always a plurality, never just one man

a. “…Ordained them elders in every church” (Acts 14:23)

b. “…And ordain elders in every city…” (Titus 1:5)

c. “…let him call for the elders of the church…” (James 5:14)

d. “…the elders which are among you…” (1 Peter 5:1)

3. Elders are NOT a separate clergy

a. All of the definitions under clergy describe one who is an overseer

b. BUT, the New Testament does NOT elevate one overseer/elder above others (1 Peter 5:1-4)

c. Elders/Pastors in Christ’s church are NOT a “clergy” separate from other christians (1) (2)

B. Is there to be an “Intelligentsia” in the Lord’s church? (those “claiming special enlightenment, intellectuals”)

1. God condemns arrogant “intellectuals” (Romans 12:16)  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to (enter in company with –EDR) men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

2. God has made the gospel available to ALL, not just an elite group. (Romans 16:25-27)

a. Note verse 27 “God only wise”

3. There are two kinds of wisdom (James 3:13-18)

4. It is not our intelligence that makes us wise, but God’s word (2 Timothy 3:14-15)  (14) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:3-4)  (3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,  (4)  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

a. God’s word is available to all

b. His wisdom is able to save us

c. ALL can understand it, not just a select “clergy”

C. Are there to be “mediators” or “priests” in the Lord’s church?

1. ALL Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:5-10)

2. There is only ONE high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)

3. There is only ONE mediator (1 Timothy 2:5-6)  (5)For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;  (6)  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Jesus is speaking on our behalf before the Father

i. (IF we are in subjection to Him)

b. NO man or woman can take Christ’s place as a mediator

c. The word “clergy” means “priest”, which is a mediator

d. Christians go directly to God through Christ. No other mediation is needed!

e. Therefore, NO ONE can be in submission to Jesus and claim to be “clergy”, or a mediator, between God and man. NOTE: This is how the dictionary defines “clergy” and how the religious world, in general, understands the word. (3)

III. CONCLUSION

A. ALL Christians are priests, or, “clergy”

1. NO mediator is needed between Christians and God except Jesus

B. A separate “Clergy” has no place in the church of Jesus Christ

1. The pastoral/shepherd duties are met by elders

a. God has authorized shepherds (elders), NOT “priests” or “mediators”

2. The “nature” of the clergy (a “go-between” to God) violates God’s instructions for His church.

3. A separate clergy, by definition, takes Christ’s place as mediator between God and man, and (implicitly) does away with the need for a savior.

C. Let Us RESTORE The church of JESUS CHRIST…

1. By adhering to God’s word ONLY as authority (John 17;17, 12:48)

2. By examining ALL things religious that we practice

a. Even if “we’ve always done it that way” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

3. By rejecting ALL that is not found in God’s word (Psalms 119:105, John 8:32, Romans 1:16) (Hebrews 3:12-15)  (12) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  (13)  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  (14)  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;  (15)  While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.