I. The officebearcrs chosen:
A. How these are chosen.
1. The article implies opposition to the Hierarchical system of Rome.
a. Romish church rules from top down with the pope as supreme authority.
b. Then officebearers are appointed by higher authority and imposed upon congregations.
2. The Confession suggests what is the proper and Reformed system of appointment:
a. God must call to office; Christ exercises His office through officebearers so chosen.
b. That choosing of officebearers is as follows:
1) There must be a lawful nomination within the consistory of the church.
2) From the nomination, an election is held at a “congregational” meeting.
3) Those elected are properly installed and ordained into office.
c. All of this must be done in a spiritual manner.
1) It must be done prayerfully. Why?
2) And it must be done in the manner prescribed by God’s Word–especially mentioned is the laying on of hands (I Tim. 4:14; I Tim. 5:22).
B. Significance:
1. Thus there is a proper emphasis upon the call by God.
a. The method must emphasize that God calls.
b. But God uses means to accomplish this purpose.
2. And there is an emphasis upon the call which comes in the way of good order.
II. Seeking the office.
A. There is presented the problem of intrusion into the office.
1. The danger warned against.
a. Some have used devious means to seek the office: simony; politicing; etc.
1) These may feel themselves qualified–but seem never to be called.
2) Or these have the desire for the office because of love of praise of men, etc.
b. Therefore the need to emphasize the proper way of obtaining the office.
2. There is a proper desire for the office: I Tim. 3:1.
a. One can desire the office that therein he may glorify his God.
b. And can prepare himself for that time when he may serve:
1) Through careful study of Scripture.
2) Through prayer to his God.
B. Preparation for the ministry:
1. There is the so-called “internal call”.
a. That God works in the heart the desire to serve in the ministry.
b. That God provides the requisite talents for that purpose.
2. And there is the “external call”.
a. That God provides the way whereby proper training can be obtained.
b. That God, through the church, calls to a particular place.
III. The position of officebearers:
A. The equality of ministers.
1. The Confession again by implication rejects the hierarchy of Rome.
2. And emphasizes that all ministers of the gospel are equally under Christ in the ministry of the Word.
B. The necessary respect for the office:
1. Respect for the office has been, and is today, lacking.
a. There is no care or concern about that calling.
b. This is evident in lack of respect in address and in action.
c. Basically, this is lack of repsect for the office of Christ.
1) This is violation of the fifth commandment.
2) And must be severely condemned.
2. But respect must be on the basis of the fact that the office is a reflection of the power of Christ within the church.
Worksheet
A. Supplementary reading:
1. Acts 1:23-26; 6:1-6; 14:23; I Tim. 3.
2. Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 39.
3. Westminster Larger Catechism, Q. 124, 125, 158, 159.
4. Church Order, Articles 2-28.
B. Questions for further consideration:
1. Would you maintain that the Reformed method of election of officebearers is a democratic method?
2. What is “simony”? What is the origin of this word?
3. What is the significance of the laying on of hands?
4. Why do we not lay hands upon elders and deacons? Should we, perhaps?
5. Why does the consistory nominate those who are to be chosen to office?
6. Does the Church Order suggest other methods of choosing to office than that which we presently practice?
7. What of the choosing of officebearers by lot? Cf. Acts 1.
8. What are the qualifications for serving in office?
9. What must our evaluation be of one who maintains: I am not qualified to serve in an office?