Topical Sermons - Dear Reverend

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                            "DEAR REVEREND"


INTRODUCTION

1. I occasionally receive letters or e-mail with the salutation "Dear
   Reverend..."
   a. From people who are well-intentioned and seek only to show respect
   b. For this is considered common courtesy and proper etiquette in
      addressing ministers

2. Regarding the word "reverend" as used in the Bible...
   a. It is used only of God in our English Bible (KJV, ASV) - Ps 111:9
   b. Other translations use these words:
      1) "awesome" (NKJV, NASB, NIV, NRSV)
      2) "fearsome" (CEV)
      3) "awe-inspiring" (CSB)
      4) "terrifying" (GW)
   c. The Hebrew word (yare) is applied to men several times
      1) Parents - Lev 19:3
      2) Moses and Joshua - Josh 4:14
      3) David - 1Sa 18:29

3. Yet the term "Reverend" has become one of many titles worn by various
   religious leaders...
   a. In Orthodox churches, the following are used depending upon one's
      position:
      1) His All Holiness, His Beatitude, His Eminence, His Excellency
      2) The Right Reverend, The Very Right Reverend
      3) The Very Reverend Father, Reverend Father, Mother Superior
   b. Among Protestant churches, it is not uncommon to find these
      titles:
      1) Father, Doctor
      2) Apostle, Bishop, Pastor, Elder, Deacon
      3) Evangelist, Preacher, Minister, Teacher

[Is the use of such titles appropriate?  How about when describing what
one does in the service of the Lord?  To answer these questions,
consider first...]

I. THE USE OF TITLES

   A. CONDEMNED BY JESUS...
      1. The scribes and Pharisees loved to be called by men, 'Rabbi,
         Rabbi' - Mt 23:7
      2. Jesus forbid His disciples from being called:
         a. Rabbi - Mt 23:8
         b. Father - Mt 23:9
         c. Teacher - Mt 23:10

   B. FOR EXALTING MEN...
      1. Jesus condemns the use of titles and salutations that exalt
         men above another
      2. This is evident from the context
         a. The scribes and Pharisees loved being exalted by men - Mt
            23:6-7
         b. But this is contrary to the principle of servitude and
            humility - Mt 23:11-12
         c. We are to view ourselves equally as brethren - Mt 23:8

[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 - 1Pe 5:1-2; Php 1:1
      2. Paul even used the term "father" in reference to himself
         a. In his epistle to the Corinthians - 1Co 4:15
         b. In a similar vein, he thought of Timothy as his son - 1Co 
            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; 1Co 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. 1Pe 5:5
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