There is a hierarchical
system of importance regarding those in the church. The system basically
is this: Christ is first – the rest are second.
In Colossians 1:18,
Paul writes, "And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the
beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have
the preeminence." Pre-eminence means "first place," and literally has to
do with one who has control of a group, organization, or family. The
Bible tells us that men sometimes seek preeminence in the church (3 John
9). This is always to be understood as an aberration. No one other than
Christ is to have a place of "preeminence" in the church.
In the book of Hebrews,
the writer shows the superiority of Jesus in at least seven different
comparisons. First, His superiority over the prophets, Hebrews 1:1-3.
Second, His superiority over angels in Hebrews 1:4 to Hebrews 2:18.
Third, His superiority over Moses in Hebrews 3:1-19. Fourth, His
superiority over Joshua, Hebrews 4:1-13. Fifth, His superiority over
Aaron in Hebrews 5:14 to 7:18. Sixth, His superiority over the whole
ritual of Judaism, which is developed by showing the surpassing
excellency of the new covenant over the old, in Hebrews 7:19 to Hebrews
10:39. Seventh, His superiority over each and all of the heroes of faith
listed in Hebrews 11:1 to Hebrews 12:3. In the Lord Jesus, Christians
have the substance and reality, of which Judaism contained but the
shadows and figures. This is the dominant theme of Hebrews.
In the church, though
elders are the divinely appointed overseers, pastors and/or bishops, the
Bible is clear that in this capacity and work they do not become "lords"
over God’s heritage (1 Peter 5:2-4). Elders are important to the welfare
and prosperity of the church, but they are not its head (Colossians
2:10). Like all others, they are in subjection to The Lord of Hosts.
In his preeminence
Jesus declares: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on
earth," (Matthew 28:18). This authority will be His until He turns it
over to the Father following the resurrection and judgment (1
Corinthians 15:54). Paul recognized His preeminence as he wrote the
church in Philippi: "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given
Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those
under the earth," (Philippians 2:9-10).
The Christian is told
by the Lord to, "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,"
(Matthew 6:33). Jesus also says that no one can serve two masters
(Matthew 6:24). If someone does not put the Lord in a place of
preeminence above himself, his own family, and all that he has and does,
that person, "cannot be My disciple," the Lord says (Luke 14:26-27).
In order to allow Jesus
to have first place in our lives, we must love Him more than all (John
21:15-17). If we do, then our place in His kingdom can be obediently won
and enjoyed for all eternity.