THE APOSTOLIC TASK

The Book of Acts is filled with ministers known as apostles. Apostle means "sent one." There are 28 apostles identified by name in the NT, 14 before Pentecost, and 14 afterwards. This title describes a person under authority sent to accomplish a task. If we were writing the Book of Acts today, we could name many pastors, but very few apostles. Something is missing! For us to fulfill the Great Commission today, we need apostles (and prophets) in the church.

Romans 1:5 "through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake" (NASB)

we- not a solitary ministry, always in pairs or with a team, never alone.

grace- always received as a gift by faith, never earned (Eph 2:8-9)

apostleship- commissioning, authority divinely granted by virtue of being sent (to conquer and to rule), usually effective within a territory or to a certain people.

to bring about- God's grace plus our work (Eph 2:8-10) is to accomplish something:

Obedience of faith among all the Gentiles. What kind of believers are we producing?

Matt 9:38 Pray for God to send out laborers. Who are these workers? (Mk. 3:14-15)

Matt 28:18-20 "Teaching them" Who? The disciples. What? "To obey"

What is the difference between a convert and a disciple?
         Is it enough just to teach people what we know? Why not?

What is the difference between a teacher and a father?
         When is a teacher's task done? A father's task?

More than any other distinctive, apostles are spiritual fathers. (1 Cor. 4:14-15)

Two of Jesus' Commands: 1) Love one another. 2) Make disciples of all races.
         Which of these commands is more difficult for us? Have we been discipled?

An apostolic church can hear and obey Jesus' commands. (Acts 1:2, 5, 8)
         Jesus gave orders through the Holy Spirit. He still does it today!
         The mark of discipleship is the ability to hear God's voice (Is. 50:4-5)

Acts 20:17 After Paul had founded the church in Ephesus, he returned and called for the elders to come to him. The church leaders knew who he was, and he knew who they were. More importantly, they responded to their apostle. Who do you respond to?

Acts 20:20 Two views of the church: 1) in small groups in homes; 2) large public meetings.

Every church which Paul planted functioned as a house church. Each had from its foundation the concept of the church in the city (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; Mt. 12:25).
          You can never build larger than the foundation you have laid.
          You reproduce what you are, not just what you say.
Paul did not plant churches using buildings: He grew the church using relationships.
His process of making disciples developed teams of leaders who took over the work.

Acts 20:28 Describes the task of city-church elders and the limits of their stewardship:

Elders "presbuteros" Leaders, someone who stands in front of, at the head of.
Overseers "episkopos" Supervisors (bishops), able to look over, do the work.
Shepherd- "poemen" To feed or shepherd sheep, to care for the flock.

1 Peter 5:1-6 These teams worked in harmony with apostles and with one another. Peter was an apostle (sum-presbuteros), a fellow-elder. Elders are among the people. Suffering and glory are related. Shepherding is not to be done for profit-motive. Lead by example, not abuse of authority. Younger must submit to older leaders.

Ron Wood, Touched By Grace, Inc.