Rebuilding the Church
Divine Order
The Bible teaches that Divine Order refers to the structured way in which God has organized the universe, human relationships, and the Church to reflect His will, wisdom, and authority. Divine Order is evident in creation, governance, family structures, and the functioning of the Church. It is based on God’s sovereignty and the idea that everything has a proper place and role according to His design. Understanding this order helps believers live in harmony with God's purposes and fulfill their callings.
Let’s explore how Divine Order is structured in various aspects of life according to Scripture:
1. Divine Order in Creation
God’s creative work in the world reflects divine order. The creation account in Genesis illustrates that God established order from chaos, assigning specific functions and roles to His creation.
Genesis 1:1-31 shows the systematic creation process. On each day, God created specific elements, such as light, the sky, land, and living creatures, with the pinnacle of His creation being humanity. Everything was created according to God’s plan and had its place within that order.
Colossians 1:16-17 emphasizes Christ’s role in sustaining this divine order: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
This passage shows that Christ is the central figure in maintaining the balance and harmony of the created world.
2. Divine Order in Authority and Governance
God established a clear chain of authority for human governance. This order is meant to promote justice, righteousness, and peace. The Bible speaks of God’s delegation of authority to various levels of governance, both spiritual and earthly.
Romans 13:1-2 teaches that governing authorities are established by God and that resisting these authorities is akin to resisting divine order: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
God ordains leaders to serve within His framework of order, and believers are instructed to respect and submit to rightful authorities.
In the Church, leadership follows a specific structure as well (see 1 Corinthians 12), where different roles are divinely assigned for the edification and functioning of the body of Christ.
3. Divine Order in the Family
The Bible also teaches about divine order within family relationships, particularly emphasizing the roles of husbands, wives, and children. This order is designed for harmony and mutual flourishing.
Ephesians 5:22-25 speaks to the order in marriage: “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This passage establishes a framework of mutual respect, love, and submission. The husband is seen as the spiritual leader, but his authority is modeled on Christ’s sacrificial love.
Ephesians 6:1-4 outlines the roles of children and parents: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’... Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
This shows the importance of family unity within God’s order.
4. Divine Order in the Church
In the New Testament, Paul gives explicit instructions about the structure and function of the Church, outlining the roles of leaders and members in maintaining divine order within the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 14:40: “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
This instruction was given to the Corinthian church to ensure that worship services were conducted in a way that reflected God’s orderly nature.
Ephesians 4:11-12 outlines ministry roles in the Church: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors (shepherds) and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Each person’s role in the Church is part of God’s Divine Order for equipping the saints for the work of ministry and building His people into unity and maturity.
1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 provide qualifications for church elders and deacons, showing God’s structure for governance in the Church is grounded in the spiritual character and ability to shepherd the flock. Feed the sheep.
5. Divine Order in Spiritual Living
God calls believers to live according to His divine order in their personal and communal lives. This means living in alignment with His will, walking in holiness, and growing in maturity in the faith.
1 Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”
God’s order brings peace, not confusion. This applies to all aspects of Christian living—whether in worship, relationships, or daily conduct.
Colossians 2:5: “For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.”
Paul’s commendation of discipline and order within the church shows that believers are called to live according to spiritual principles that reflect divine order.
6. Divine Order and Submission to God’s Sovereignty
Ultimately, divine order is rooted in the sovereignty of God. Believers are called to submit to God’s plans and purposes, trusting His wisdom and authority over their lives.
Proverbs 16:9 reminds us: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Divine Order requires acknowledging God’s overarching control and submitting to His direction.
Matthew 6:33 encourages believers to seek divine order in their priorities: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Placing God's kingdom first is the foundation of living in divine order.
Conclusion: Living in Alignment with Divine Order
The concept of Divine Order is central to the Bible’s teaching on how the world, relationships, and the Church should function according to God's design. It reflects the need for harmony, authority, and purpose in all areas of life. By understanding Divine Order, we align ourselves with God’s will and promote peace, unity, and godliness in our lives and communities.
