Ephesians 4:12 and Equipping Ministries
In a previous post, I suggested from the grammar and syntax of Ephesians 4:11 that there are only four “items”, which precludes a “five-fold ministry” (see “Ephesians 4:11 and the Five-Fold Ministry“). The “five-fold ministry” is often said to be distinct from other types of “ministry” because only the “five-fold ministry” are given the responsibility of “equipping” the church. In this post, I hope to look at the “equipping” that is listed in Ephesians 4:12. Once again, let’s begin with the Greek text:
Ï€Ïος τον καταÏτισμον των αγιων εις εÏγον διακονιας εις οικοδομην του σωματος του ΧÏιστου
Here is the translation of Ephesians 4:11-12 in the ESV:
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ… (Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV)
From this translation, it does appear that the apostles, prophets, evangelists, etc. function to equip the saints. There is a problem with this view though: the phrase Ï€Ïος τον καταÏτισμον which is translated in the ESV as what looks like an infinitive (“to equip”), is actually a prepositional phrase: the preposition Ï€Ïος (“to”or “toward”) combined with the noun τον καταÏτισμον which has various glosses.
(As an aside, the prepositional phrase actually includes at least the following words των αγιων — “of the saints”. The prepositional phrase may include more of the sentence. However, a prepositional phrase always includes at least a preposition and a noun. So, for the sake of simplification, I am only going to discuss the basic prepositional phrase Ï€Ïος τον καταÏτισμον.)
Before I discuss the meaning of the noun τον καταÏτισμον, it is important to note the use of the entire prepositional phrase, Ï€Ïος τον καταÏτισμον. To begin with, what is a prepositional phrase? Daniel Wallace, in Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics, says, “Prepositions are, in some respects, extended adverbs. That is, they frequently modify verbs and tell how, when, where, etc. But, unlike adverbs they govern a noun and hence give more information than a mere adverb can.” [356] Thus, the prepositional phrase Ï€Ïος τον καταÏτισμον functions in the sentence as an adverb, modifying or further explaining a verb in the sentence. Within the prepositional phrase itself, the preposition Ï€Ïος explains how the verb in the sentence is connected to the noun of the prepositional phrase, τον καταÏτισμον.
So, the preposition Ï€Ïος works to connect τον καταÏτισμον to the verb. But what is the verb? To find the verb, we must go back to the beginning of Eph. 4:11: και αυτος εδωκεν – “And he himself gave”. “Gave” is the verb of this sentence. Therefore, the prepositional phrase modifies this verb, not the objects of the verb. Furthermore, the preposition Ï€Ïος explains how the verb “gave” is connected to the noun τον καταÏτισμον.
In this case, the preposition Ï€Ïος is probably used to describe the purpose or result of Jesus’ “giving”. There are other usages of Ï€Ïος (spatial: toward, temporal: toward, opposition: against, or association: with). However, in this case purpose (for, for the purpose of) or result (so that, with the result that) is probably best. There does not seem to be a connection of space, time, opposition, or association in this sentence. Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish between purpose and result; and sometimes it does not change the meaning significantly. At this time, I’m not going to attempt to differentiate between these two usages.
So far, we have seen that the prepositional phrase Ï€Ïος τον καταÏτισμον describes the purpose or the result of Jesus’ giving. This is significant. Because we can now see that the prepositional phrase does not identify the function of the gifted people that Jesus gives. In order to see this more clearly, consider the following sentences in which I have replaced the adverbial prepositional phrase with an adverb (Also, I shortened the list to make the sentences easier to read in English):
He himself gave apostles wisely.
He himself gave prophets abundantly.
He himself gave evangelists quickly.
The prepositional phrase Ï€Ïος τον καταÏτισμον in Eph. 4:12 modifies the verb “gave” in Eph. 4:11 in the same way that the adverbs “wisely”, “abundantly”, and “quickly” modify the verb “gave” in the sentences above. Neither “wisely”, nor “abundantly”, nor “quickly” describe the apostles, prophets, or evangelists. Instead, those adverbs tell us how Jesus gave.
Similarly, the adverbial prepositional phrase Ï€Ïος τον καταÏτισμον tells us for what purpose or for what reason Jesus gave: “for the equipping”, “for the purpose of preparation”, “with the result of training”. These glosses are highly confusing, because in English it appears that the author is saying that apostles equip, or prophets prepare, or evangelists train. As the apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers function, this will occur. But, this is not what Paul is telling us in Eph. 4:11-12. Instead, he is telling us that the saints are equipped, prepared, or trained because Jesus gave, not because apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers carry out their functions.
Why is this important? Because in this passage, Paul associated equipping with Jesus’ giving, not with the function of certain types of gifted individuals. There is no reason (in this passage) to limit Jesus’ ability to equip, prepare, or train the saints to the functioning of those listed in Eph. 4:11, just as there is no reason to limit the number of spiritual gifts to those listed in Romans 12:6-8, or to those listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, or to those listed in 1 Corinthians 12:28-30. Each believer is Jesus’ gift to the church. Therefore, Jesus can and does work through all believers (through the gifting that He provides) in order to equip the church.
Ephesians 4:7-16 Series:
1. Ephesians 4:11 and the Five-Fold Ministry
2. Ephesians 4:12 and Equipping Ministry
3. Ephesians 4:7-16 and the Growing Church
4. Ephesians 4:7-16 and Consistency
Answers to Questions…
Last week, I celebrated my first anniversary of blogging. In my blogiversary post, I listed some of the questions that I have been researching – questions that I asked a year ago in a post called “Questions“:
- What is the church (essence, nature, purpose, etc.)?
- When does a group of people become a church?
- Is one church dependent, independent, or interdependent on other groups?
- What is the purpose of the gathering of the church?
- How are the various spiritual gifts exercised in the meeting of the church?
- What is the nature of church leadership?
- How should church leaders interact with others in the church?
My friend Ed – also known as tenjuices, one of the many members of the blogless tribe, though we are trying to convert him – asked me (in the comments of the blogiversary post) if I had any answers to my questions. I promised that I would share the answers that I have discovered so far. These are not full answers, but summaries. My study is continuing. I would love to hear how others would answer these questions. One thing about these questions/answers. I do not study for the academic value. I study to know how to live in a way that pleases God. So, I have tried to implement many of these “answers” in the way that I live. These are my answers… so far:
1. What is the church (essence, nature, purpose, etc.)?
This is a huge question. In fact, I have tossed around the idea of making this the subject of my Ph.D. dissertation. I don’t think I’m going to, because the topic is probably even too big for that.
The church is the people of God. Period. God gathers his people regularly. This is important to me. The church is not the people who choose to gather together. The church will gather together, but the church cannot be defined by its meetings.
The church exists to bring glory to God and to demonstrate God’s glory. This happens in many ways. When the church is gathered, the church brings glory to God by building up one another toward maturity in Christ.
2. When does a group of people become a church?
Again, this is another tough question. I do not know exactly “when” a group becomes a church. I do not believe that a group of people can decide for themselves to be a church. Either God brings them together or He does not. I do believe that believers should treat one another (and non-believers) the same at all times.
3. Is one church dependent, independent, or interdependent on other groups?
I find very little indication in Scripture that churches are independent. Churches depend on God and, therefore, should depend on one another because God works through different parts of His church to strengthen the church. I prefer the term “interdependent” to describe how churches should relate to one another. Churches are interdependent because all believers are dependent on God and are part of the same family.
4. What is the purpose of the gathering of the church?
Okay. This is one question that I think I can answer – though some may disagree. The church gathers together in order to edify (build up) one another toward maturity in Christ.
5. How are the various spiritual gifts exercised in the meeting of the church?
This is also something that I have studied. I think 1 Corinthians 12-14 – taken together, not just a verse here or there – is important to answering this question. 1) Realize that all gifts are given by the Spirit for the mutual benefit of others. 2) Recognize that the church needs every gift that God has provided through every believer. 3) Act as if those believers and gifts who seem less necessary are actually more important. 4) Say and do everything motivated by love for God and love for one another. 5) When the church is gathered, believers should only exercise those gifts that build up the church. 6) Give preference in exercising gifts to another person. 7) Allow the entire church the opportunity to exercise their gifts.
6. What is the nature of church leadership?
According to Jesus, leaders are servants. Leaders should be known as servants of all, not decision makers or power brokers. Believers should follow those who are good examples of following Christ and who serve others.
7. How should church leaders interact with others in the church?
Leaders are believers. They are part of the church and should be treated like all other parts of the church. They are not more important nor less important. They have responsibilities like the other believers in the church have responsibilities.
Summary
I enjoy asking questions. Sometimes, just asking the question is an important first step. You may not agree with some of these answers. First, I would love to hear how you would answer the questions. In your answer, I hope that you will give a scriptural defense. I know that I have not quoted Scripture here, but that is only for brevity. I try to build all of my answers (and questions) from Scripture. Second, please be gentle and patient with me and with others as we seek to understand what God is teaching about the church.
Also, perhaps you have other questions about the church. I hope you will share those with us as well.
Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly…
The title for this post comes from the following verse of Scripture:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)
Last Sunday evening, when our church comes together to pray, one of our brothers modeled what I think Paul meant in this verse. Now, the content of what this brother said is very dear to me and my family, but it is not important for this post.
While we were praying for one another, this brother asked us to pray for him. Then, he shared something the God was teaching him through his personal Bible study. He quickly (but not in a rushed manner) walked us through several passages of Scripture. Then he explained how God was showing him that this was not a reality in his life.
I know that as I was listening to this brother share from the depths of his heart and his hurt and his desire to walk in Christ, I was also convicted and taught and admonished to walk with the Lord in a similar manner. As I looked around at the brothers and sisters around me, I could tell that others were being convicted and encouraged and exhorted and taught at the same time.
Another brother confirmed this when he prayed for the one who shared the request. He confessed in his prayer that he also was not living this truth. He asked God to strengthen all of us and to bring us all into right fellowship with God in this area.
Our brother did not “preach”, but the word of God was proclaimed. He did not present three points from a Scripture passage, but the “point” of Scripture was communicated clearly. He was not talking from his intelligence or knowledge, but from a deep desire to walk with God in an area where he was deficient. He had not studied in order to teach, but he studied in order to know his Lord and to live out the gospel; then he taught what God was teaching him.
Perhaps, more importantly, this was not a planned “preaching” event – and, it probably only lasted ten minutes at the most. Instead, since the church allowed many people to share what God is doing in their lives, this brother had the chance to edify the church.
In response to this brother’s instruction, exhortation, confession, and admonition, we prayed, we sang a song, and we read additional Scripture – all unplanned, and all related to the same topic. And, the Word of Christ dwelled in us richly.
S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night…
(10 extra point to the first person to name the inspiration for the title of this post…)
Once again, our family met together last Saturday night with a few other brothers and sisters to share a meal and fellowship. We enjoyed getting to know them more, to hear about what was happening in their lives, and to simply spend time together as a family.
A few days ago in a post called “Imagine all the people…“, I mentioned that our family has been discussing what it means to live together as a family with people who are different from us. (As someone recently pointed out to me, it is sometimes more difficult to live with people who are very much like us!) We talked about this briefly, recognizing that we have been called to do something (live with and love people) which we cannot do on our own power. Thus, it is God “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”. (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)
Another brother mentioned that his family was reading the Gospel of John. He mentioned John 17, which includes the following passages:
And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. (John 17:11 ESV)
I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21 ESV)
Jesus prayed for his followers and the ones who come after them that they would be united. So, we talked about what kind of attitudes and motives we would need to be able to live in unity with those with whom we disagree.
We started talking about humility, then love, then patience. We soon realized that we were starting to list the fruit of the Spirit. Paul told the believers in Galatia that the Spirit would produce love, joy, peace, patience, kingdness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in their lives. All of these are necessary to live in unity with those who disagree with us.
We also talked about what attitudes and motives disrupt unity. We talked about pride, arrogance, hatred… These kinds of attitudes always cause problems.
I have to admit that I struggle with arrogance: that is, I usually come to a discussion thinking that I am right and the other person needs to change. However, this kind of attitude disrupts unity. Instead, I want to come to a discussion recognizing that the other person may be right. If I want someone to listen to me and to consider changing their views to match mine, then I must be willing to do the same thing.
Of course, this applies to blogs as well. I pray that I will be more willing to listen to others, and less anxious to jump in and prove my point.
Assembling Together 5 and 6 – The Lord’s Day and Hymn Singing
The fifth and sixth chapters of Watchman Nee’s book Assembling Together (chapters 18 and 19 of the Basic Lessons series) are called “Various Meetings” and “Hymn Singing” respectively. I decided to review these two chapters together, because, to be honest, I have very little to say about each topic.
The Lord’s Day
In the chapter called “The Lord’s Day”, Nee explains that believers no longer have to keep the Sabbath, but that they should still have a day of rest, and that they should meet on the Lord’s Day (the first day of the week). Consider these quotes:
Nowhere in the Bible are we told that God ordered the Lord’s day to be substituted for the Sabbath. No, God simply made the change seen in the facts. [73]
We desire that new believers would remember this principle in the Bible, that one day out of each seven days is set apart for spiritual purposes. On that day, no secular work should be done so that one may devote the time to spiritual affairs. [74]
God does not forbid the doing of certain things on the Lord’s day as He formerly had done for the Sabbath. [74]
Man has entered into rest through the gospel. He is now able to serve God. This is the reality of the Sabbath. [74]
So, Nee seems to instruct new believers to stop secular work one day a week, but he does not specify which day that should be. He says that God does not specify a certain day for believers to rest from secular work. This seems like a fairly balanced approach, as long as the day of rest from secular work is not legalistically enforced.
As far as the Lord’s day, Nee recognizes a difference between the first day of the week and the Sabbath. He says that the Sabbath commands were filled with prohibitions, while the Lord’s day was positive, not prohibiting anything. [76] He does make the following statement:
So let all the children of God gather in the name of God’s Son on that day [i.e. the Lord’s Day, the first day of the week] and be glad. [78]
I do not see a problem with this, as long as he is not issuing a command. I do not see a command in Scripture for believers to gather on a certain day. Yes, I know that the church in Troas met on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7), I do not see this as a command, or even normative at this point. (By the way, I wonder why so many believers use this verse to prove that church should gather on Sunday, but they don’t recognize that the same verse teaches that the believers ate a meal together weekly. Why is one part important, but not the other?)
Also, I know that Paul instructed the Corinthians to set aside something on the first day of the week to add to the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1-2). However, Paul does not indicate that this is to be done in a meeting, or that they were to pool their money together before he came for the collection.
Similarly, John says that he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day when he received the revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:10). Again, there is no mention of a meeting on that day.
Do not misunderstand what I am saying. I think it is wonderful if believers gather together on Sunday. (And, to be correct, the Lord’s Day would have probably run from sundown Saturday until sundown on Sunday.) I also think it is wonderful when believers gather on other days of the week. I think it would be wrong for us to set aside one day as more important than other days. Consider what Paul said:
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. (Romans 14:5 ESV)
Similarly, we see several places in Scripture where believers gathered daily, not just weekly. Here are a few examples:
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47 ESV)
But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. (Acts 19:9 ESV)
Now, I’m not calling for daily meetings. However, there are at least as many passages that indicate the believers met daily as there are passages that indicate the believers met on a certain day. Let’s not worry about a specific day. Instead, let’s gather together with other believers whenever we can.
Hymn Singing
In the chapter called “Hymn Singing”, Nee spends most of the time explaining what makes a good hymn. He says there are three basic requirements for hymns: 1) soundness of truth, 2) with spiritual sentiment, and 3) dependable in feeling. He also says that there are three different types of hymns: 1) hymns toward God, 2) hymns toward men, and 3) hymns toward self.
I honestly don’t have much to say about this chapter. Scripture mentions the noun “hymn” in two places. We do not learn much about the content of the hymns from these passages:
…addressing [speaking to] one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart… (Ephesians 5:19 ESV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)
In each passage above, “hymns” are included with “psalms and spiritual songs”. It also seems that in each case the hymns are to be spoken or sung to one another – that is, to people. However, we do not learn anything about the content of hymns from those passages.
The verb form of the noun “hymn” is variously translated as “sing the praise of” or “sing a hymn”. The verb form is used four times in Scripture:
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30 ESV)
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Mark 14:26 ESV)
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. (Acts 16:25-26 ESV)
For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” (Hebrews 2:11-12 ESV)
Again, we don’t learn much about hymns in these passages. So, while Nee suggests that we sing hymns that have a “lack of dispensational clarity” [91], I’m not sure that we can claim this as scriptural teaching.
So, what can we say about hymns? Well, it seems the early believers sang or spoke (or both) hymns to one another. The hymns were a response of the Holy Spirit filling them (Eph. 5:19) and a response to the word of the Lord (Col. 3:16). The hymns were presented as a way to admonish or teach other believers (Col. 3:16). Hymns were used to express thankfulness and praise (Col. 3:16).
Finally, this chapter raised a question for me, perhaps a question that we need to ask about the church today? Why would Nee spend an entire chapter discussing the day to meet, and another chapter discussing hymns, which are rarely mentioned in Scripture, and yet barely discuss (if at all) other topics such as prophecy or teaching, which are often mentioned in Scripture? Do we simliarly emphasize certain activities that Scripture does not emphasize, and de-emphasize other things that Scripture does emphasize?
The next two chapters are called “Praise” and “The Breaking of Bread”. I will review these two chapters together as well.
Review of Watchman Nee’s Assembling Together Series:
1: Chapter 1 – Joining the Church
2: Chapter 2 – Laying on of Hands
3: Chapter 3 – Assembling Together
4: Chapter 4 – Various Meetings
5: Chapters 5 & 6 – The Lord’s Day and Hymn Singing
6: Chapters 7 & 8 – Praise and The Breaking of Bread
Assembling Together 4 – Various Meetings
The fourth chapter of Watchman Nee’s book Assembling Together (chapter 17 of the Basic Lessons series) is called “Various Meetings”. I believe that this is the chapter that David Rogers wanted me to read in response to his comment in my post called “Messy Meetings“. In this chapter, Nee describes the different types of church meetings that he finds in Scripture.
Before I begin reviewing this chapter, I want to quote Nee from the previous chapter. I think this statement helps explain my view of these various meeting types:
Another principle which governs a gathering is the edifying or building up of God’s people. According to 1 Corinthians 14, this is a purpose found in all gatherings – that others, not ourselves, may be edified. [40]
I agree with Nee wholeheartedly at this point. Regardless of the “reason” for our meeting together, the purpose remains the same: “Whenever you come together… let all things be done for edification.” (1 Cor. 14:26) I also believe that the principles of edification which Paul spells out in the following verses of 1 Corinthians 14 apply to any type of meeting of the church. Perhaps, if we find ourselves in a situation where we feel we cannot carry out these principles, we should change our situation or our understanding of the situation instead of ignoring the principles.
Now, on to Nee’s chapter called “Various Meetings”. Nee finds at least 5 different types of meetings in the New Testament:
1. Gospel Meetings
2. Breaking of Bread Meetings
3. Prayer Meetings
4. Exercise of Gifts (or Fellowship) Meetings
5. Ministry (or Preaching) Meetings
He believes that the “gospel meeting” is the most important type of meeting [43], that the “breaking of bread meeting” is the second most important type of meeting [51], and that the “ministry meeting” is the least important type of meeting [65]. Interestingly enough, I believe he would classify the way most churches meet today as a “ministry meeting”, where believers come together specifically to listen to an “apostle, teacher, or prophet”. Similarly, Nee says, “The popularity of listening to sermons is a reflection on the weakened condition of the church.” [44] Before you stone Nee (or me for quoting him here), think about the number of times in Scripture that we are exhorted to sit and listen. Then, think about the number of times in Scripture that we are exhorted to speak and serve. Perhaps Nee is onto something here.
Nee spends most of the chapter describing how these meetings should look. While I apprecaite the time and effort that Nee spends in putting this together, I also recognize that some of these exhortations are not found in Scripture: i.e. “if you bring in one person, sit next to him; if two people sit in the middle” [47], “help the unbelievers to find the hymns” [48], and “pray for one specific matter” [58].
I have three concerns with this chapter. The first concerns the “gospel meeting”. Again, before you pick up stones, I believe the gospel is of utmost importance, and that every believer is responsible for speaking (preaching) the gospel to those around him or her. However, I do not see any meetings of the church in Scripture in which the central focus is to present the gospel to unbelievers. In fact, the only time in Scripture that unbelievers are mentioned in the context of the gathering of the church, the unbeliever is not convicted by the preaching of the gospel, but by the presence of the Lord which is demonstrated by the prophecy of all the people. (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)
I do agree that the early church took seriously their responsibility to preach (proclaim) the gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ. However, I do not see where that happened during a meeting of the church. Instead, I see believers going to unbelievers to proclaim the gospel.
I also agree with this statement that Nee makes about preaching the gospel, even though I disagree with the context in which he says this preaching should take place:
As soon as people come to believe in the Lord, they should immediately start to help in the preaching of the gospel. Do not allow them to develop the habit of listening to sermons; instead, help them to cultivate the habit of serving by preaching the gospel. [45]
My second concern revolves around how Nee sees distinct meeting types in Scripture. Unfortunately, this is the entire premise of this chapter. Thus, Nee says that the church met for at least five different types of meetings. This quote shows that Nee sees these at different meetings, not different activities within the same meeting:
From what I personally can see, there are five different types of meetings in the Bible. They are gospel meetings, breaking of bread meetings, prayer meetings, exercise of gifts or fellowship meetings, and ministry or preaching meetings. We can find examples of all these in the Bible. Thus we know that at the time of the apostles in the New Testament days, there were at least these five different types of meetings. The church today also needs to have all these various meetings if it is to be strong before God. [43]
The problem is that in Scripture we also see where the distinctions between these “various meetings” are blurred. So, as Nee says, the church met to pray for Peter in Acts 12:5,12. However, the church is praying and serving (Nee’s “exercise of gifts meeting”) in Acts 13. Similarly, Nee separates the “breaking of bread meeting” from other types of meetings based on 1 Corinthians 10 and 11. But, that ignores 1 Corinthians 14, which is in the same context, and refers to Nee’s “exercise of gifts meeting”. Acts 20 shows us that the church in Troas met to both break bread and to listen to Paul (Nee’s “ministry meeting”).
From these passages, and others, it appears that the church met for various activities, sometimes carried out at the same meeting. It seems odd to suggest that these meetings need to occur at different times with different rules of engagement.
I have already mentioned my third concern, but I’ll add it here anyway. When discussing the “prayer meeting”, Nee suggests that prayer produced Pentecost:
The power of the specific prayer in Acts 1 and 2 produced Pentecost. As the cross was the work accomplished by the Son of God, so Pentecost was the work accomplished through the prayer of God’s children. [59]
I think this is giving too much credit to those praying, and not enough to the plan, purpose, and power of God. In fact, Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 seems to indicate that the Spirit came because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Once again, I found the last paragraph encouraging, especially since Nee has already stated the goal of any meeting is edification:
The above are the five different types of meetings which we find in the Bible. I believe Christianity has in its very nature the need to assemble. If we know how to meet, then the next generation will become stronger. May we gird ourselves that we may arrive at the goal which God has set for us. May God be gracious to us.
I’ll review the next two chapters together. They are called “The Lord’s Day” and “Hymn Singing”.
Review of Watchman Nee’s Assembling Together Series:
1: Chapter 1 – Joining the Church
2: Chapter 2 – Laying on of Hands
3: Chapter 3 – Assembling Together
4: Chapter 4 – Various Meetings
5: Chapters 5 & 6 – The Lord’s Day and Hymn Singing
6: Chapters 7 & 8 – Praise and The Breaking of Bread
Assembling Together 3 – Assembling Together
The third chapter of Watchman Nee’s book Assembling Together (chapter 16 of the Basic Lessons series) is called “Assembling Together”. I looked forward to reading this chapter, since I am very interested in the gathering of the church (thus, the name of this blog). In fact, Nee begins this chapter by quoting some of the passages of Scripture that I have been studying closely: Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14:23&26. For the most part, I agreed with Nee in this chapter.
I especially appreciated Nee’s encouragement that the body edifies itself when many in the gathering take part – speaking or not speaking as the Spirit leads them. For example, he says:
How wonderful the assembling of God’s children is! We do not know how the body operates, but we do know that it does function. As one brother rises, you see light. When another brother stands up, you sense the presence of the Lord. Still another brother opens his mouth to pray, and you touch God. Yet another says a few words, and you receive the supply of life. Let me tell you, this is something beyond explanation – how the body of Christ works together. [38-39]
Because of Nee’s understanding of the presence of God only (or more?) when the church gathers, he emphasizes meeting for that purpose. I will deal with this later. However, he also recognizes that the purpose for the gathering is edification:
Another principle which governs a gathering [besides the special presence of God] is the edifying or building up of God’s people. According to 1 Corinthians 14, this is a purpose found in all gatherings – that others, not ourselves, may be edified. [40]
That which only edifies self and not others should not be expressed in the meeting. [40]
Therefore, when we come to the meeting, we need to consider whether or not others will be edified. [40]
Do remember that both our speaking and our silence may hurt others. If we are not considerate of others, we will cause the meeting to suffer loss. Whether we speak or remain silent, it is to profit the meeting by edifying the people. Do not refrain from speaking when your speaking is needed. All things should be done for edification. [41]
Never come to the meeting with the though of what you can get; rather let all your actions be for the benefit of others. If speaking is good for others, then speak; if silence is better, then keep quiet. The basic priciple of a meeting is edification of the people. [41]
When we are concerned with others’ needs and others’ edification, then the Holy Spirit is honored and He will do the work of edification both in us and in others. [42]
This last sentence is especially important, and perhaps it states a point that I do not state enough. When we speak to edify others, it is actually the Holy Spirit who does the work of edification through us. Similarly, when others are edified, then God is glorified (that is, we worship). (1 Peter 4:10-11)
Again, the concern that I have with this chapter is the emphasis that Nee places on the presence of God with the community of believers. Now, do not misunderstand me. I do believe that God is present when the community gathers. However, Nee indicates a special presence during the gathering that is not available to believers when they are alone. Consider these statements from this chapter:
But God gives corporate grace as well as personal grace, and this corporate grace can only be obtained in the assembly. [34]
Indeed, in reading the Bible we are granted grace to understand. Nevertheless, certain Scriptures will not be opened up to us except in the gathering of the saints. They cannot be understood individually; but in the meeting special grace is given to understand them. [34]
Due to the interaction of one member with another, our prayers in the meetings are more easily heard by God and we also receive more light. [37] [Note: This is especially peculiar to me. He makes another statement in a later chapter that is even more peculiar: “The power of the specific prayer in Acts 1 and 2 produced Pentecost. As the cross was the work accomplished by the Son of God, so Pentecost was the work accomplished through the prayer of God’s children.” -59]
Only when the saints are assembled together does the church become God’s dwelling place, and then God’s light shines in full splendor. [37]
Many know of His presence in a personal way, but such knowledge is insufficient. His most powerful and overwhelming presence is known only in the meeting. Although there is His presence with you personally, it is bound to be of a lesser degree. [38]
So, at this point we see that Nee does recognize that God’s presence is with the individual. But, he also indicates that God is limited to how He is able to work in the individual’s life. Apparently, Nee believes there are certain things that God is only able to reveal some things to the believer in the assembly and is only able to operation in some ways in the assembly. I’m not comfortable with limiting God is this manner.
Remember, I agree that God operates in the assembly of believers. I also agree that God uses different believers in the assembly to edify others. It is very important for believers to gather together. However, I do not think we need to limit God’s abilities to make this point, nor do I believe that Scripture shows that God’s abilities are limited except during the assembly.
Once again, though, I greatly resonated with the final paragraph of this chapter:
Be a humble soul from the very start. If anyone is uncertain whether his speaking edifies or not, it is best for him to consult with responsible brothers, to ask them, “Brothers, do you think I should speak more or less in the meetings?” Be humble and do not think too highly of yourself, as if you were the marvel of these twenty centuries – the best singer and the best preacher! Let us learn humility that our gatherings may be strong. Whenever people walk into our midst, they should instantly sense the presence of God. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. It will cause them to fall down on their faces and worship God, declaring that God is indeed among us. [42]
The next chapter is called “Various Meetings”.
Review of Watchman Nee’s Assembling Together Series:
1: Chapter 1 – Joining the Church
2: Chapter 2 – Laying on of Hands
3: Chapter 3 – Assembling Together
4: Chapter 4 – Various Meetings
5: Chapters 5 & 6 – The Lord’s Day and Hymn Singing
6: Chapters 7 & 8 – Praise and The Breaking of Bread
How are you?
Phil, one of the contributors to “Chronicles of the Way“, has written a post called “No Big Deal, just a better deal!” He examines what it means to be yourself with other believers. He makes the following observation:
The churches I grew up in and attended as an adult usually consisted of hollow ” how are you’s” and quick greetings in a hallway somewhere. No one really knew what was going on in anyones life. We were reluctant to share our pains and our victories for fear of judgement by others. “Church” was usually quite painful and uncomfortable for the most part. It’s like when you put on the suit, you also put on another person. The person you wanted the outside world to see. Not everyone in every church made me feel this way, but most did.
I am learning to be myself with the church. One of the greatest things that has happened to me recently is when someone asked me how I was doing. Without thinking, I said, “I’m okay.” They replied, “No you’re not. Something is wrong.”
Isn’t it amazing when we begin to know one another in such a way that we can tell when everything is not “okay”. I’m learning to respond truthfully when I’m sick, or sad, or overwhelmed, or disappointed, or encouraged… Some may not understand. Some may not care. But, others truly want to know and will love me anyway.
Now, can I care about others who are not “okay”?
Matthew McDill’s Messy Meetings…
Matthew McDill is continuing our discussion about “Messy Meetings” on his blog in a post called (of all things) “Messy Meetings“. Matthew is a fellow PhD student under Dr. Black. I’ve been greatly encouraged by his posts as they seek God’s will in how to live and act as the church in the mountains of North Carolina. He concludes his post with the following words:
Returning to the initial question, “Does it work?”: If you are looking for a smooth, ever-edifying, always feel-good meeting, no, it does not work. But if you are looking for an opportunity for the body to grow together in the context of real life, real struggles, and real relationships, yes, it works.
I would encourage you to read Matthew’s post (and his entire blog!) to see how other believers are struggling with meeting together as the church.
Messy Meetings…
Relationships can be messy. We all know this. We have experienced “messy” relationships, and Scripture tells us that relating to people will not be easy. If relationships were easy and maintenance free, then we would not need “Spirit power” in order to love people. If relationships were not messy, then we would not need “Spirit power” in order to bear with one another with patience. In fact, one of the amazing things about our new life in Christ is that we can now – finally – relate to people who we would not naturally be able to relate to. We can now relate to them supernaturally, because we can now relate to God.
Of course, we do not always live in the supernatural. We do not always walk in a worthy manner. We do not always follow the Spirit. We have seen what happens in our lives and in the lives of others when this happens. Things get messy. But, we all know – or at least, we all SHOULD know – that we do not turn our backs on people when their lives get messy.
But, what about during times when the church gathers together? I believe that Scripture teaches that all believers should have the opportunity to interact with one another when the church gathers. This interaction should always be led by the Spirit, motivated by love, and for the purpose of edifying (building up to maturity) other followers of Jesus Christ. I believe God works through the gifts of all in order to grow the entire body of Christ into maturity in Christ Jesus, and I believe that this should happen anytime the church gathers.
But, what happens when one of those “participants” speaks when not led by the Spirit? What happens when someone is not motivated by love, but contributes anyway? What happens when someone acts, but their purpose is not to build up the body? What happens when someone is hurting, and they let the church know about their hurt? What happens when someone is afraid, and they voice their fear? What happens when someone disagrees?
In other words, what happens when things get messy during the meeting of the church?
There are several options in this scenario. The first option – and the one usually taken throughout most of church history, whether people realize it or not – is to limit the amount of participation during the meeting of the church. If only certain people are allowed to speak or sing or pray or contribute, then there is less chance for things to get messy. This is usually done in the name of “order”. However, I think there is an inherent problem with this solution. For one thing, this solution suggests – even inaudibly – that only certain people are qualified to contribute and only certain people are necessary for the proper functioning of the church. Also, this solution suggests – even inadibly – that the event of the meeting is more important than the people who are meeting. This option also suggests that “messy” relationships between people are equivalent to disorder, and are thus not proper for times when the church gathers.
Another option is to allow the mess to occur, then trust the Spirit of God to use the people of God to lovingly care for the “messy” people – which, can be me or you at times, if we are honest. Thus, even when the church meets, there is a need for “Spirit empowered” love and “Spirit empowered” patience.
What are the implications of this option? Well, first of all, we have to admit that we do not know what will happen when the church gathers together. Things may not go “as planned”. Thus, we have to admit to ourselves and to others that our plan – if we have one – is not the most important thing. Instead, the people become more important than the event. We also must – truly – trust the Holy Spirit to work in and through his people, even during the meeting of the church. We must admit that we do not have all the answer, and that God may not choose to work through us during this meeting (regardless of our title, position, role, function, gifting, etc.). God may choose to work through someone else. He may even choose to work through someone’s mess – if we allow him to.
This is very difficult to do – it is even difficult to think. Even after thinking through this idea of “church” for several years, I still have this habitual understanding that I should be quiet (thus, reverent) when I come together with the church (unless, of course, I have been scheduled to speak). There is also this traditional idea that “order” means “according to plan”.
So, what are we going to do with “messy” people and “messy” meetings? Can we trust God enough to allow him to work through us and others during the meeting, even when things are out of our hands? Can we allow peple to hurt, cry, doubt, complain, disagree, etc. while the church meets without rushing them off to a back room or asking them to leave altogether? Can we allow the church to be the church to one another even when the church is meeting?