Order and Organization

Importance of Order and System

Of what is God the author?

“For God is not a God of disorder but a God of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33. 

Why did Paul give instructions to Timothy concerning the duties and qualifications of ministers and deacons?

“Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

1 Timothy 3:14,15.

How should everything pertaining to God’s work be done?

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” 1 Corinthians 14:40. 

Note – Order is Heaven’s first law. In the Scriptures Christians are likened to soldiers, and their work to that of a warrior (2 Timothy 2:3, 4: 1 Timothy 1:18; Revelation 6:2.) As order, direction, and discipline are necessary in an army, so are they also in the church. The weapons used and the objects sought are different in each case (Romans 13:4; 2 Corinthians 10:3,4); but the necessity for order and organization are the same in both.

Division of Responsibility

That the burden of judging and looking after the affairs of Israel might not all rest on Moses, what instruction did Jethro, his father-in-law, give him?

“But select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people all the times, but have them bring difficult cases to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.” Exodus 18:21,22.

How many apostles did Christ at first ordain to preach the gospel?

“He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.” Mark 3:14.   

How many did He later appoint to this work?

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” Luke 10:1.  

When the number of the disciples multiplied, what instruction did the apostles give the believers, that none might be neglected in the daily ministration of temporal necessities?

“Brother, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn the responsibility over to them.” Acts 6:3.

Note – The men thus selected were known as deacons. The lesson to be learned from this is that leaders and people should unite in planning and providing for the necessary organization and officering of the church according to its growth and needs. This cooperation is again shown in the words of Paul, “Whomever you will approve by your letters, then I will send.” 1 Corinthians 16:3. (See also Acts 15:22.)

What word came through the Spirit to the ministering prophets and teachers laboring at Antioch?

‘While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, The Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:2,3.

What is one of the gifts that God has set in the church?

“And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also having the gift of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28.  

Note – The word here rendered administration implies the work or office of “steering, piloting, and directing.”

For what direction of matters in each local church, what instruction did the Apostle Paul give Titus?

“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Titus 1:5. 

Relationship of Members and Leaders

What instruction did he give to the members of the church as to their relationship to those thus appointed?

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17. (See 1 Peter 5:5; Mark 10:42-45.)

What instruction and caution are given to the elders?

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who will also share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over these entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”  1 Peter 5:1-3.

Note – For the qualifications and duties of the elders, see 1 Timothy 3:1-3; Titus 1:6-9; Acts 20:28-31; and the scripture just quoted. How God regards rebellion against divinely appointed authority and leadership is illustrated in the expulsion of Satan and his angels from heaven, and in the fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abriram. (See Revelation 12:7-9; Numbers 16.) The unity and harmony which should exist among believers is described in John 13:34, 35: 17:20-23; and Ephesians 4:1-6. The evil of place seeking in the church is shown in Mark 10:35-45 and Luke 14:7-11; and of ecclesiastical tyranny, in Daniel 7:25; 8:24,25; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4; and John 16:2. The course to be pursued toward offending members, and in cases where differences arise, is pointed out in Matthew 18:15-18; 5:23, 24; Galatians 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:19, 20; Titus 3:10, 11; 1 Corinthians 5; and Acts 15. And the guidebook in all matters of both doctrine and discipline should be the Bible. (Isaiah 8:20; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 4:1,2.)  

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