Matthew 23:5-12
Introduction:
1. Much of the religious world divides the church into two classes of people: the clergy and the laity.
2. The “clergy” is comprised of all who serve in an official capacity while the “laity” is comprised of the “regular” members.
3. Various titles are given to the “clergy” including reverend, pastor, priest, bishop, cardinal, father, Saint, etc.
4. What is the Bible’s teaching concerning the division of clergy and laity and clerical titles?
Discussion:
I. No New Testament Authority
A. For many in religion, this statement seems foreign.
B. The authority principle demands we have authorization for our religious practices (1 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 2:23; 3:17; 2 John 9-11).
II. Christ Condemned Clerical Titles
A. In Matthew 23, Jesus excoriated the scribes and Pharisees.
B. One strong criticism he levied was that they sought honorific/clerical titles (Matthew 23:5-12).
C. He made it clear that titles of rank had no place in the kingdom.
III. Equality In Christ
A. The NT resoundingly emphasizes the equality of all Christians, despite filling different roles (Galatians 3:26-29; James 2:1-7).
B. The man-made clergy-laity system degrades this equality by elevating one Christian or group of Christians above the rest.
Conclusion:
1. Equality in Christ is not subject to debate; it is the law of Christ.
2. It is okay to acknowledge different roles in the church, but we must never confer titles that place one above another.
3. In the Lord’s church, all honor and glory belong to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.