Sermon | 1 Corinthians 12:28–30 | 2026 March 01

Title: Ordered Authority (March 1, 2026 · “The Church Loving One Another” Sermon Series VIII)

Theme Sentence: In the Lord Christ, we must have order, and we must love one another, so that the church may become a model of unity and a city set on a hill.

Question: How does the church maintain her order?

Transition Sentence: The church maintains her order through the following aspects.

Key Word: Aspects.

Introduction: Today we continue the eighth sermon in the series “The Church Loving One Another,” focusing on authority in the church.

I. Understanding That Equality of Status Easily Leads to Disorder

1. In the previous seven sermons of this series, we have consistently emphasized the equal and loving relationship among brothers and sisters. This is the teaching of Scripture and a precious heavenly civilization. Such a relationship of mutual love and mutual complementarity cannot be found in human society. We ought to practice it well in Christ, to train ourselves diligently in it, so that the church may become more unified.

However, we should also notice that if we only emphasize the equality of status among brothers and sisters, but lack corresponding authority and order, this will also bring confusion to the church. For the design of authority did not appear only after humanity fell into sin; rather, it proceeds from God’s wise design and exists for the sake of relationships within the human community.

2. Many evangelical churches have this problem. They do not value authority, nor do they value order. On the surface, they appear equal, but because they lack an awareness of authority, they easily fall into confusion in church governance and in dealing with sin. For many problems within an organization still need to rely upon authority to be resolved.

God has established authority in the family, in the church, and in society, in order to maintain the proper functioning of these institutions. As for the world’s misuse of authority, that is another issue. The problem does not lie in whether authority should exist, but in the wrongful use of authority.

The mainstream culture of the present society is postmodernism. One characteristic of this culture is anti-authority and anti-mainstream sentiment, and the denial of absolute truth. These are cultural phenomena to which Christians must pay attention.

Yet traditional Chinese culture especially emphasizes a singular authority. This is particularly evident in certain organizational systems. Therefore, Chinese people live in a highly fragmented cultural condition: outwardly showing infinite respect for authority, but inwardly resisting authority without limit.

3. But God’s wisdom is that in the church He emphasizes both equality and order. God has given an awareness of authority within the church. When we emphasize both the equality of personhood among one another and the order of spiritual authority, we are walking in accordance with God’s will.

This design is actually reflected in the relationship of the Triune God. The three persons of God are orderly and yet equal. The church, created according to God’s image and likeness, therefore has no problem when she follows this pattern.

II. Becoming Familiar with the Order of Different Offices

1. In this passage, Paul emphasizes that God has established order in the church.

First are apostles. They are witnesses of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and the first group to proclaim the gospel. They enjoy leading authority in the church, because the church was established through their proclamation of the gospel.

Second are prophets. They are those who proclaim the word of God. They also enjoy authority in the church, because they make known God’s will to the church, enabling the church to advance in accordance with God’s will.

Third are teachers. They are those who teach the truths of God. Unlike the first two groups, they do not directly receive words from the Lord. Rather, they teach and expound the teaching of the apostles and prophets, making it easier for people to understand.

It is very clear that God places these three categories of word-ministry authority at the forefront of church authority. For the ministry of the church is, in the final analysis, a ministry of the word. God created the world by His word; therefore, He also governs the church by His word. Thus, the church must value the ministry of the word, respect those who labor in the ministry of the word, and encourage ministers to learn how to serve the word of God.

This runs contrary to worldly experience. Among some groups in China, intellectuals are greatly despised. What Chinese people admire, as expressed in the Analects, is to be reserved in speech but quick in action, believing that only those who act are useful people. This is a great misunderstanding, and the church needs to repent. What we must reject are empty and unprofitable words, not the heavenly word of God.

Fourth are those who work miracles. In previous sermons, we have already shared that these refer to people who possess certain unique forms of authority, whether in special financial resources, reputation, or power. God grants these abilities to the church in order to manifest His great power to the world. Yet these abilities are only meant to help others, not to exalt oneself.

2. Next are gifts of healing, helping, and administrating. These are supportive and assisting offices. Through them, brothers and sisters experience help and warmth, and in these matters they also see God’s preservation of the church as a community.

3. Finally, there are those who speak in tongues—that is, those who possess the gift of other languages. These people can proclaim the gospel of God among different cultural groups. They are not the source of the gospel, but translators of the gospel.

The importance of translation work lies in its function as a bridge for the transmission of knowledge. Without translation work, the message of the gospel is hindered and cannot be transmitted. From this perspective, the importance of speaking in tongues is very great.

The secondary nature of translation work. However, from another perspective, translation itself is not original. Its function is even lower than that of teachers. Its content and method are derivative. Moreover, if there is no one to interpret, merely speaking in tongues is of no benefit. This gift should not be excessively exalted.

III. Following the Cooperation of Different Offices

1. These offices must not be confused or mixed. A person cannot arbitrarily claim to possess a certain office, nor may one despise other offices. The order among these offices must not be reversed; otherwise, confusion will result in the church.

These offices must not be arbitrarily claimed. However, helping and administrating—Paul does not pose rhetorical questions about these. This implies that these are offices belonging to every Christian. This administration does not refer to the leadership authority of the church, but rather that within the church there are different spheres, and in each sphere everyone needs to make certain decisions.

2. The giving of these offices is for the building up of the body of Christ, so that the church may grow in health. Only a church that is orderly and whose authority functions properly is a glorious church. Otherwise, the church will be in confusion, sin will not be restrained, and eventually the church will lose her holiness and her witness.

3. Therefore, these offices are both indispensable and not to be reversed in order. Authority in the church must be respected and maintained. This is the Lord’s command. Paul’s series of rhetorical questions requires everyone to remain in his own place and not to usurp authority.

Those who are not apostles must not usurp apostolic authority; those who are not prophets must not usurp prophetic authority; those who are not teachers must not usurp the authority of teachers; those who do not work miracles must not usurp the authority of power; those who do not speak in tongues must not usurp the authority of tongues; those who do not interpret tongues must not usurp the authority of interpretation. Everyone must faithfully remain within his own office and station.

We must have a clear awareness of authority—what matters one may speak about, and what matters lie outside one’s scope of responsibility. Everyone must act according to the rights granted by the church constitution, decently and in order.

However, helping and administrating are the offices of all Christians. Everyone must carry them out. We must not be lazy, nor shirk our responsibilities. Therefore, Paul does not raise rhetorical questions concerning these two offices.

4. What everyone does in the church is to submit under the various offices and earnestly pursue the true doctrine of the Lord.

IV. Living as a City on a Hill Marked by Mutual Love

1. Of course, to realize the unity of authority and equality in the church is a very difficult matter. It can be said that this is a problem for the entire human race. Where there is authority, there is the danger of abuse of authority; where there is no authority, there is the danger of disorder.

2. To achieve unity, every brother and sister in the church must be willing to deny himself and take up his own cross. Those who possess authority must constantly be aware of their own lowliness and use their authority to serve others. Those who are led must often lay aside their own opinions, and for the sake of honoring God’s name, submit to those in authority. In this way, the church can be unified.

Without Christ, authority alone will inevitably lead to tyranny and dictatorship; without Christ, and without emphasizing authority, there will inevitably be confusion and disorder. This is the problem faced by human society.

The authority in the church is for serving people. The one who is first must be a servant, not relying on his authority to oppress others at will. Therefore, in the church, those who possess authority bear greater responsibility and require greater humility.

In fact, not only in the church, but also in courtship, marriage, family, and even among groups, communities, neighborhoods, society, between urban and rural areas, between different cities, and between different nations—the same principle applies. Only those who are willing to bear the cross will have true unity.

3. The focus of humility is to follow Jesus, to understand the path the Lord Jesus walked and the example He set, and then to love one another, building together in love a city set on a hill, so that God’s name may be glorified.

Conclusion: May God lead us in the church to be both equal and orderly, so that His name may be glorified.

Questions:

1. If there is only equality, what are its advantages and disadvantages?

2. Concerning offices, what is God’s design in the church?

3. In the church, how can everyone achieve both equality and order?

Mutual Love in the Church (8): Ordered Authority
1 Corinthians 12:28–30

In the previous messages, we discussed how to care for the weaker members and how to practice equality and mutual love among believers. Chinese culture often emphasizes power, force, and male dominance—elders oppressing the young. Therefore, Scripture corrects us with a heavenly civilization, teaching us to complement one another.

However, the Bible’s teaching is comprehensive. After emphasizing equality and mutual cooperation, Paul also stresses authority.

I. Understanding That Equality Without Order Easily Leads to Chaos

In any organization, if there is only equality but no order, chaos is inevitable. Authority was not designed only after humanity fell into sin. God established order already in the Garden of Eden. Authority was not created merely to restrain human sin (as some think that in heaven there will be no authority). Even in heaven there will still be authority—for the purpose of serving others better.

Without an awareness of authority, the church will become very chaotic. Everyone has their own opinions and ideas, but there will be no efficiency, no resolution of problems, and no one able to confront sin. The sins of brothers and sisters would go unaddressed. If a minister refuses to deal with sin in the name of “mutual love,” the church will quickly descend into disorder.

Authority itself is good; the problem lies in how it is used. If personal interests are emphasized while authority is neglected, society will fall into confusion. Even in the kingdom of heaven, there will be distinctions of authority for the sake of better service. Adam’s authority was above Eve’s. When Eve failed to submit to her husband, sin entered the world and the relationship was damaged.

Postmodern Culture and Rebellion Against Authority

Contemporary culture is postmodern and self-centered. Jay Chou once had an advertisement with the slogan, “My territory, I decide.” Such slogans are lies, yet the postmodern catchphrases of the 1990s and 2000s were especially appealing: “Be yourself.” “Go your own way and let others talk.”

Advertisers know how to cater to modern tastes—anti-authority, anti-tradition. Modern Western culture denies absolute truth, promotes homosexuality, and multiplies gender identities. Some men claim to be women and compete accordingly. Media outlets such as CNN and BBC often promote anti-traditional narratives. A pianist once accused a music critic of misogyny, and the critic was immediately dismissed. Feminism is widely promoted.

In China, on the other hand, husbands oppress wives and governments oppress citizens. Yet those under authority do not genuinely submit in their hearts. There is a saying about “tyrants and mobs.” Though Chinese people may appear submissive, once given power, they often become tyrants themselves. This outward “submission” is not true obedience but the result of being unable to resist. Such so-called submission produces mobs.

God’s Design: Equality and Order Together

God desires both equality and order. Those in authority are to serve others. Those under authority are to submit, recognizing the higher office of those appointed over them.

In many Chinese marriages, how many wives submit out of respect for their husband’s authority and position? Often we evaluate everything based on right and wrong—if it seems right, we obey; if wrong, we refuse. Yet “right and wrong” are not always perceived objectively. If everyone acts according to what they personally judge to be right, the church will fall into chaos. Some think dancing or watching movies is a better form of worship. Others think sermons should last two hours.

One strength of the Reformed Presbyterian tradition is that it teaches both equality and authority. God indeed grants some people greater authority and wisdom so that they may make sound judgments. In matters of faith, we submit to God. In family life, wives are to submit to their husbands’ authority. For a sister to submit out of respect for her husband’s authority is a great challenge—but it is right to do so.

Submission as the Beginning of Blessing

In the church, if what the pastor teaches accords with Scripture, you should receive it as God speaking. If you insist on following only your own will, God will discipline you. I often say we should keep the Sabbath and read Scripture. I cannot physically force you to worship, but God has His ways of disciplining those who do not submit to His Word.

Submission begins with learning to listen. Obey your elders. Wives, submit to your husbands. This is the beginning of blessing. Such training is good and beneficial.

II. Becoming Familiar with the Order and Distinctions of Offices

Apostles:
They witnessed the resurrection of Jesus and proclaimed that Jesus is the Messiah. Therefore, apostles are placed first. The epistles they wrote are Holy Scripture.

Prophets:
They are those who proclaim God’s Word. Both before Christ’s coming and after His appearing, they proclaimed the message of the Messiah and made known God’s revelation. The church is built upon the teaching of the apostles and prophets.

Teachers:
They analyze and expound the Word of God—that is, the knowledge about God handed down by the apostles and prophets. Teachers cannot change the content of revelation, but they may decide what to teach first and what to teach later. John Calvin, theologians, and pastors can only teach and expound Scripture. In this sense, there is a descending order in the level of authority attached to the Word.

The Centrality of Word Ministry

The ministry of the Word is extremely important in the church. The three offices above are devoted specifically to serving the Word. The most important thing in the church is God’s Word.

If we compare the church to a company, its “product” is God’s Word. Christians must read Scripture diligently and pray faithfully, allowing the Word to transform their lives. This is a Christian’s basic duty. Therefore, the church must train ministers and send them to study, because they are those who proclaim God’s Word.

A pastor’s work is not finished after “just preaching a sermon.” Listening to the preached Word should be the center of a Christian’s week. It shapes your life and leads you to follow God’s Word earnestly. The command given to Christians is to obey God’s Word. Thus, the purity of God’s Word in the church is of utmost importance.

Gifts Beyond Word Ministry

Workers of Miracles:
These are people who possess greater authority, wealth, ability, or influence than others. Those who have money should help the poor. Those with physical strength should help carry firewood. If you have a certain ability, it is meant for serving others. If you hold secular power—such as being a government official—you should help those without power. If someone excels academically, they should help those who struggle in their studies.

Gifts of Healing:
Some understand medical knowledge, can treat illnesses, prescribe medication, and give health advice.

The Gift of Helps:
The ability to perceive others’ needs and thoughts, and to assist them practically.

The Gift of Administration:
Governing church affairs, organizing matters, arranging resources and materials.

The Gift of Tongues:
The ability to speak a foreign language. Tongues are a genuine gift. To master a language proficiently is a significant gift. However, the Corinthian church greatly exalted this gift. Yet those who speak in tongues are ranked below teachers. They cannot organize theological knowledge; they can only translate and cannot go beyond what teachers expound. Therefore, the gift of tongues has limitations.

Nevertheless, it is still important. The transmission of knowledge through translation is crucial. Without translation, Chinese people could not understand the gospel. In pursuing a Master of Theology, I need a high level of English proficiency. Language barriers can hinder theological understanding. We need those who know foreign languages to translate gospel messages.

Translation will remain extremely important in the coming decades. The latest theological works from other churches need to be translated. Chinese theological scholarship lags about fifty years behind the West; we must gradually catch up.

III. Following the Distinctions of Offices and Cooperating with One Another

Here Paul raises rhetorical questions to those in the church who claimed to be apostles or prophets. God appoints different people in the church for the sake of the church. He establishes order to prevent chaos. Therefore, each office must function within its proper boundaries and not overstep them.

We may think we are doing what is right, but if we exceed our authority, greater disorder will result. When a small child tries to control the world, he cries loudly. A child must be trained to respect the authorities established in his life. He must learn to obey older siblings and parents. Through such teaching, he gradually realizes that he is not the center of the world.

In China, the lack of authority-consciousness is closely related to the “one-child policy.” With six adults—grandparents and parents—focusing on one child, the child easily grows up thinking he is the center. Today, asking a young woman to submit to her future husband may feel to her like losing her life. Likewise, many husbands do not know how to exercise their authority properly and think they may bully their wives at will. As a result, marriage and relationships have become serious problems. There was even a news report about a woman who preferred to “date” AI and created two AI models for that purpose. When people depart from the truth, they no longer understand submission to authority, nor do they realize that submission to rightful authority is one of the most blessed states for a creature.

Listening Within God-Ordained Authority

In the church, one should listen to those who have authority over them. If one refuses, God’s discipline will follow. Do not despise the Word. What appears weak and powerless—the spoken Word—will become the standard of judgment. If what the pastor says accords with Scripture, you must listen, for God speaks through him.

A common Chinese trait is resistance to words; the saying “slow to speak but quick to act” is often praised as virtuous. Yet in the church, cooperation is essential. Those in authority must serve others, not expand their own interests or encroach upon others’ rights. The one who leads must become a servant, using his gifts to communicate God’s Word to the brothers and sisters.

Authority in Marriage

As a husband, how should you use your authority? To serve your wife and guide her in the truth—not merely to satisfy her desires. You must lead her, pray for her, and guide her spiritual life. Of course, you yourself must also continue learning. When what you say accords with Scripture and you communicate well, your wife will submit. A husband is not to bully his wife or make her do everything. The wife is the object of the husband’s loving service, and he should help her walk in God’s truth. Nor should a husband simply tolerate his wife’s old sinful nature when she is difficult. He must lead her toward spiritual growth, so that she may taste the joy of growing in spiritual life.

A wife is to submit to her husband. When he speaks, you should think, “This is my husband speaking.” Your husband has authority over you; therefore, his words are different from those of other brothers and sisters. Similarly, when a child hears many voices—the world, peers, friends, parents—he must ultimately listen to his parents.

Authority in the Church

The same applies in the church. What the pastor preaches should be carefully heeded, because God has given him his office. If one refuses to listen (when what is taught accords with Scripture), God will act. Listening to God’s Word and honoring it is a necessary lesson for Christians. If one refuses, various forms of discipline will come. Church officers exist to serve the brothers and sisters and to guide the members to walk in God’s Word.

Equality and Order Together

In verse 29, Paul’s rhetorical questions omit two roles: “Are all helpers?” and “Are all administrators?” His point seems to be that, in a sense, everyone is called to help and to govern within their sphere. Whatever your office, you must help others and manage well what falls under your responsibility. In the church, someone must take out the trash and sweep the floor; brothers and sisters should assist one another.

Paul teaches with great wisdom: there is both equality and order. Each person, according to his or her office, serves the others.

IV. Living as a City on a Hill in Mutual Love

Those who have authority tend to expand their authority; therefore, without love, authority will inevitably become distorted. A husband may want to send his wife to church simply so that she will listen to him completely. But look at Christ. Though He possesses all authority, He first washed His disciples’ feet and was crucified, accomplishing the utterly impossible task of cleansing sin.

The problem we are least able to solve is the covering of our sin. Yet Jesus, by dying on the cross, solved what we could never solve. Therefore, the first step of service is to die for the one you serve.

A husband must first serve his wife—wash her feet, so to speak—without insisting on his own will. Judas betrayed the Lord and Peter denied the Lord; in nature their sins were similar. Yet Jesus merely looked at Peter, then went to die for him. After His resurrection, He gently restored Peter by asking, “Do you love me?” (John 21). In the same way, a husband must first “die” before he can truly serve his wife—guiding her errors and leading her in the truth. He is not conveying his own demands, but Christ’s.

Likewise, a pastor is to “die” for the church—devoting himself wholeheartedly to study and then leading the congregation faithfully. When brothers and sisters struggle to find a spouse or a job, I may not be able to solve your problem immediately, but I must teach you how to walk according to God’s law.

Dying for God’s Glory

The Lord Jesus received the command from God the Father: You must die, and after death you will rise again. So He died for us. For the glory of God, we also must die to ourselves.

By nature, people resist true submission. Human cunning asks, “Why should I die?” or “What if you don’t let me rise again?” But consider the beauty of the Trinity. The three persons are equal in glory and honor, yet there is order: the Father begets the Son; the Father and the Son send the Spirit. The Son never doubts the Father’s command.

In earthly kingdoms, fathers and sons kill one another for power—this is familiar in Chinese history. Li Shimin killed his brothers and forced his father to abdicate for the sake of the throne. For kingship and authority, people shed blood. But within the Trinity, there is perfect mutual love.

Therefore, the church must imitate the Trinity—both equality and order. I am only first among you in terms of order. The church must cooperate together and become a city set on a hill.

If you are a person with authority, wash the feet of those you serve. The King of kings washed our feet. And after being cleansed by Him, we must live for God—for this is the most beneficial and blessed way for us to live.

Only when you believe God’s Word and trust His promises can you truly submit. Too often, our own opinions outweigh God’s. But if we come to regard God’s Word as greater than our own words—if His judgment overrules our preferences—then we can genuinely obey Him.

When we submit in this way, we imitate Christ, practice mutual love, and become a city set on a hill.