Proclaiming the Word of Truth
The Christian Church's purpose is to fulfill its function of being the pillar and the ground of the truth by incarnation and proclamation.
G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the vital role of the Church in teaching and proclaiming the Word of Truth, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11. He explains that the Church is called to incarnate the Word and illuminate the darkness of the world through the diverse gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The apostolic function is to express truth in a balanced manner, while the pastoral role involves nurturing the congregation and leading them to a deeper understanding of their faith. Morgan highlights the importance of enthusiasm within the Church, as exemplified by the Day of Pentecost, where the fervor of the Church attracted many to the message of salvation. Ultimately, he asserts that the Church must fulfill its mission of being the pillar and ground of truth to impact the world effectively.
Text
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers"
(Eph. 4:11).
The business of those within the Church is to teach the word of truth in such form and fashion that the Church will be able to incarnate the Word, and flash the light on the world's darkness. The apostolic function, which, technically is expressing truth in its balanced form and proportion, is always to that end. The pastoral function is breaking the Bread of Life, feeding the flock of God, leading individual souls to new appreciation, in order that by obedience thereto they may proclaim the truth. These gifts within the Church are bestowed in order that the Church may fulfill her function of being the pillar and the ground of the truth.
The Church must not only fulfill its function by incarnation, she must do it also by proclamation. In order to do this, she has her prophets and evangelists. The function of the prophet is to proclaim the evangel, call men to repentance and faith. The prophet and the evangelist must speak on behalf of the Church, explaining the secrets of the Church's experience. If there be no experience to explain, the declaration of a theory is of no avail. For one brief moment let us go back to the Day of Pentecost. Think of the significant and important fact, that Peter's preaching was made possible by the Church's enthusiasm. What attracted the crowd? A Church with its eyes aflame with light and its lips filled with song! All Jerusalem gathered together, and they were amazed, and they were perplexed, and they said, What meaneth this? The Church attracted the crowd by its enthusiasm, and so the opportunity of the preacher was created. This is the supreme work of the Christian Church, and it is only as she does her work that men and nations and the world will live by the Bible.
Sermon Outline
- The Business of the Church
- Teaching the Word of Truth
- Incarnating the Word
- Flashing Light on the World's Darkness
Key Quotes
“The business of those within the Church is to teach the word of truth in such form and fashion that the Church will be able to incarnate the Word, and flash the light on the world's darkness.” — G. Campbell Morgan
“The Church attracted the crowd by its enthusiasm, and so the opportunity of the preacher was created.” — G. Campbell Morgan
Application Points
- The Church must be enthusiastic and filled with the light of God in order to attract people and create opportunities for the preacher.
- The Church's role is to incarnate the Word and proclaim the truth in order to fulfill its function as the pillar and the ground of truth.
- The supreme work of the Christian Church is to do its work and fulfill its function as the pillar and the ground of truth.