Decently and in Order

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

It is written: “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (I Cor. 14:33,40) Read I Cor. 14:33-40.

Everything God does has an order to it. God is not only sovereign over the salvation of man; He is also sovereign over the order of His church. God does not save the sinner and then leave him to the chaotic inventions of his imagination. God has a purpose, a plan, and an order for His saints. He begins with eternal salvation and then orders the first step of obedience to be baptism; then He orders the second step of obedience to be church membership. However, this is not the end of His order; it is simply the beginning of the order of the saints.

This church that the believer is brought into a covenant relationship is also ordered by the rule of God. Jesus Christ has purchased all believers with His own blood; therefore, God “hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” (Eph. 1:22) Then directly under the Lord’s supervision is His under-shepherd of the flock known as the “pastor.” There is absolutely nothing and no one between the Lord and His pastor and the local church. God did not design a pecking order for the churches.

The “pastor” is instructed to “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (I Peter 5:2-4) By divine order there can only be one pastor in a church who must take the oversight in all things concerning the whole flock. He may have helpers, but at the end of the day the sum of the matter rest only upon one man’s shoulders before God.

By divine charge the members of the church are instructed to “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Heb. 13:7,17) Follow the order set by God.