RULE 1 FROM "DUTIES OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP" by John Owen

ADAPTED FOR
The Baptist Church Adult Sunday School

June 7, 2026

 

SECTION 1 –

Rules for walking in fellowship with respect to the pastor [elders]of the congregation, with explanations of the rules, and motives for keeping them (Rules 1-7)

 

RULE 1 –

Believers are to attend regularly, and to submit to, the preaching of the word and administering of the ordinances committed to the pastor [elders] by virtue of his [their] ministerial office. They are to do this with a willing obedience in the Lord.

 

This rule is derived from the following Scriptures:

·       1 Corinthians 4:1 - Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

·       2 Corinthians 5:18, 20 – God gave us the ministry of reconciliation…we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us, be reconciled to God.

·       2 Corinthians 4:7 - We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.

·       Galatians 4:14 - You received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

·       2 Thessalonians 3:14 - If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.

·       Hebrews 13:7 - Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

·       Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

 

EXPLANATION – There is a two-fold power provided for the preaching of the Word:

I.            THE ABILITY TO PREACH

a.   1 Timothy 3:2-7; Titus 1:6-9 – esp. 1 Tim 3:2 – Able to teach.

b.   Romans 10:14-15 - How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

 

II.          THE AUTHORITY POSSESSED

a.   Christ’s institution of the office - Ephesians 4:11 – He gave some…

b.   God’s providential appointing of the persons - Matthew 9:38 – Beseech the Lord of hosts to send out workers…

c.    The church’s call, election, appointment, acceptance, and submissions

                                       i.    Galatians 4:14 – you received me as an angel of God.

                                     ii.    Acts 14:23 – They appointed elders in every church.

                                    iii.    1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - We request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.

                                    iv.    Acts 6:3 (4) – We will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

                                     v.    2 Corinthians 8:5 – They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us, by the will of God.

                                    vi.    2 Corinthians 1:24 - Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy.

                                  vii.    1 Peter 5:3 - nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge.

                                 viii.    1 Corinthians 4:1-2 - Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

                                    ix.    Acts 20:28 - Be on guard for yourselves and for 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.

d.   The Word is to be received as the truth of God

e.    The Word is to be received as the truth proclaimed with ministerial authority to themselves in particular, according to Christ’s institution.

f.     Motives for obedience:

                                       i.    Acknowledgment of Christ, whom pastors represent (2 Corinthians 5:20) – We are ambassadors of Christ

                                     ii.    Acknowledgment of the work they do

1.   1 Corinthians 3:9 – We are God’s fellow workers

2.   2 Corinthians 6:1 – Working together with Him

3.   1 Timothy 4:16 - Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

                                    iii.    Acknowledgment of the account they will give – Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

1.   The regard God has for them Matthew 10:40 (& Luke 10:16) - He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

                                    iv.    The account that the hearers will give

1.   2 Chronicles 36:15-16 – The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy.

2.   Proverbs 1:22-29

3.   Luke 10:16 – see above

4.   Mark 4:24 – Take care what you listen to. By you standard of measure it will be measured to you.

5.   Hebrews 2:1-3 - For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard.

6.   Hebrews 4:2 - For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.