Eph 1:20-21 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (NKJVS) Christ’s authority is superior to all others, Mt. 28:18 ▪ Over all principalities, Eph. 1:20, 21 ▪ Over the church, Eph. 1:22, 23 ▪ Any challenge is disrespectful to Christ Eph 1:22-23 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (NKJVS)

The Lord’s authority extends to those who serve in the church ▪ All truth in His word, Jn. 16:13 ▪ All things for life & godliness, 2 Pt. 1:3 ▪ Hold to the pattern, 2 Tim. 1:13 Jn 16:13 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (NKJVS) 2Pe 1:3 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (NKJVS) 2Ti 1:13 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (NKJVS)

Uzziah started out good, 2 Chron. 26:1-5 ▪ Successful in battle, 2 Chron. 26:6, 7 ▪ Famous, 2 Chron. 26:8 ▪ Wealthy, 2 Chron. 26:10 ▪ Large army, 2 Chron. 26:12-14 ▪ Inventive men, 2 Chron. 26:15

Uzziah became puffed up & fell ▪ Arrogant, 2 Chron. 26:16; cf. Prov. 16:18 ▪ Tried to burn incense, 2 Chron. 26:16-18 ▪ Struck with leprosy, 2 Chron. 26:19-21

God’s authority cannot be disregarded ▪ Aaron’s sons to be priests, Ex. 29:1-9 ▪ Levites to assist them, Num. 3:5-9 ▪ Jesus could not be priest under the Law, Heb. 7:12-14

God’s authority cannot be disregarded ▪ Excuses not good enough ∙Blessed by God, want to praise Him ∙Ability to burn incense ∙Right place: Temple ∙Right activity: burn incense ∙WRONG person! king of Judah, not priest from Levi

NT identifies a pastor in multiple ways & shows it as a unique office ▪ Shepherds & overseers, Acts 20:28 ▪ Elders & shepherds, Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Pt. 5:1, 2 ▪ Bishops & elders, Titus 1:5, 7 ▪ Distinct from evangelist, preacher, minister, Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:2, 5 Act 20:28 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (NKJVS) Act 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. (NKJVS) Act 20:28 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (NKJVS) 1Pe 5:1-2 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; (NKJVS) Tit 1:5, 7 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you… 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self- willed, not quick- tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, (NKJVS) Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (NKJVS) 2Ti 4:2, 5 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching…do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (NKJVS)

NT gives requirements for pastors ▪ Husband of one wife, 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6 ▪ Faithful children, 1 Tim. 3:4; Titus 1:6 ▪ Plurality, Acts 11:30; 14:23; 20:17; Phil. 1:1 ▪ Chosen from among congregation, Acts 20:28; 1 Pt. 5:1-3; cf. Acts 6:1-6

Churches violate the pattern for pastors ▪ Single men ▪ Childless men ▪ Men w/ non-believing, non-converted children ▪ Sole “pastor” of the church ▪ Base qualifications on ∙Education ∙Popularity ∙Charisma

Preachers must follow God’s word ▪ Teach the truth, 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Tim. 4:7 ▪ Live the truth, 1 Tim. 4:12 2Ti 4:2 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (NKJVS) 1Ti 4:7 7 But reject profane and old wives ' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. (NKJVS) 1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (NKJVS)

Preachers must be men, not women 1 Tim. 2:11-15 ▪ God said so ▪ Adam first ▪ Woman deceived ▪ Woman’s chief sphere of labor is the home 1Ti 2:11-15 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. (NKJVS)

Churches violate the pattern for preachers ▪ False teachers ▪ Homosexuals ▪ Women ▪ Excuses will not stand up ∙He doesn’t teach error here ∙She is talented & effective

Christ’s authority is superior to all others, Mt. 28:18 ▪ Over all principalities, Eph. 1:20, 21 ▪ Over the church, Eph. 1:22, 23 ▪ Any challenge is disrespectful to Christ

The Lord’s authority extends to those who serve in the church ▪ All truth in His word, Jn. 16:13 ▪ All things for life & godliness, 2 Pt. 1:3 ▪ Hold to the pattern, 2 Tim. 1:13