Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
[It is the use of religious titles that exalt men over others that Jesus condemns. Yet some of the same
terms might rightly be used to describe what one does in the service of the Lord...]
II. THE USE OF DESCRIPTIONS
A. APPROVED BY THE APOSTLES...
1. Paul and Peter frequently used descriptive terms
a. Such as apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher - Ep 4:11
b. Such as elder, bishop, deacon - 1 Pe 5:1-2; Ph 1:1
2. Paul even used the term “father” in reference to himself
a. In his epistle to the Corinthians - 1 Co 4:15
b. In a similar vein, he thought of Timothy as his son - 1 Co 4:17
B. FOR DESCRIBING WHAT ONE DOES...
1. Such terms were used to describe:
a. What individuals did in the service to the Lord
b. What their function was in the body of Christ - cf. Ro 12:3-8
c. How they ministered to their brethren and to the Lord
2. The terms were not used as official titles
a. Such as “Apostle so-and-so”, “Father ...”
b. Or even “Elder ...”, “Pastor ...”, “Deacon ...”, “Evangelist ...”
c. Paul, Peter, etc., were never called “Apostle Paul”, “Apostle Peter”, etc., though the
term was often used to describe their service to the Lord - e.g., Ro 1:1; 1 Co 1:1
CONCLUSION
1. The difference may seem insignificant, but there is a distinction between using terms...
a. As titles by which to address someone - e.g., “Evangelist Mark Copeland”
b. As descriptions of the service one provides - e.g., “Mark Copeland, Evangelist”
2. The difference is between...
a. Obeying the teaching of Christ, our Lord and Teacher - Mt 23:8-10
b. Understanding the proper use of descriptions by the apostles of our Lord - Ep 4:11
3. Those who have humbled themselves will have no problem with the Lord’s admonition...
a. They will not be offended if people do not use titles to address them
b. If it was good enough for Paul or Peter to be called by their first names, it is good enough for
Mark, Joe, Sam, etc.
The use of titles is loved by those who desire to be exalted in the eyes of their associates; how much
better to be exalted in the eyes of the Lord! - cf. 1 Pe 5:5
Topical Sermons 97