Pastor Terrie Beede's "Studies in Theology" series, grounded in the anchor text of 1 Timothy 4:16, continued with its 42 session, The Doctrine of The Church Part 13: The Priesthood of the Believer and the Church's Purposes. Pastor Beede reiterated Paul's charge to Timothy to "take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine" and "continue in them," emphasizing that faithful conduct and accurate teaching of doctrine ensure both the minister's own salvation and that of their hearers by preaching "the pure word of God" and "not the ideas and the doctrine of men". This session marked the conclusion of the Doctrine of the Church, with the series preparing to transition to the book of Acts.
The session built upon the previous week's discussion of the ministries and offices of the church, shifting focus from the five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) to the priesthood of the believer. This concept, highlighted as a great truth of the Reformation, means more than simply having direct access to God without a human intermediary. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:9, which calls believers a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people," Beede emphasized that this priesthood is a trust and a stewardship, intended for active ministry, not merely for personal benefit. Just as ancient Israel was called to be a "kingdom of priests" to the surrounding nations, New Testament believers are meant to be priests to the world. This challenges a common "consumer relationship" mentality in the church, where individuals primarily seek to have their own needs met; instead, God's ministers are to equip the body (believers) to go out and minister to each other and the world. Ministers themselves are also "sheep" and are called to prepare others for ministry.
The session then outlined the three foundational purposes of the church, all evident in the inaugural passage of the early church in Acts 2:42-47:
1. Ministry to God: This includes praising God and demonstrating unity, as the early church "continued daily with one accord in the temple... praising God".
2. Ministry to the Body: This involves fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers, sharing possessions, and having "all things common," reflecting mutual edification, encouragement, and support among believers.
3. Ministry to the World: Manifested through "many wonders and signs were done by the apostles" and the Lord "added to the church daily such as should be saved," indicating evangelism and outward witness.
The role of the believer permeates all three purposes of the church. Believers are called to:
• Worship God (Ministry to God).
• Fellowship and Receptivity (Ministry to the Body): Believers "cannot live isolated lives". Neglecting to dwell together deprives both oneself and other members of vital nourishment and demonstrates a lack of love for one another, and ultimately for God (1 John 3:14). This includes receiving the Word (James 1:21), receiving those whom God has placed over the body, like elders (Hebrews 13:17), and receiving from one another (1 Peter 5:5).
• Contribution (Ministry to the Body): This extends beyond financial giving to include "edification," meaning building one another up. Edification is a commandment (1 Thessalonians 5:11), should be the basis of choices (Romans 14:19), and is accomplished through communication (Philippians 4:8). Regarding giving, believers are to "Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase" (Proverbs 3:9). While the technical application of tithing is debated, the principle of generous giving—sowing bountifully to reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6)—is still in effect.
• Sacrifice, Witness, Teaching, and Intercession (Ministry to the World and Body): As priests, believers are to present themselves as living sacrifices, witness to the gospel through proclamation and holy living, teach one another (Hebrews 5:12), and intercede for all men, desiring their salvation (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
The session concluded by stressing that believers are not merely "consumers" but are called "to go and give," contributing to the body in all three ministries of the church.