Sunday, June 30, 2019 am
LIGHTS IN A DARK WORLD
(23)
Seeking First God’s Kingdom
The Church Part 3 – The Church Within Our Community
We
are in the midst of part 2 of our study dealing with shining as lights
in this dark world. Part 2
deals with being an example in every area of our lives.
We began this section by emphasizing how the kingdom of God needs
to be first in our lives. I
devoted a handful of lessons to this by discussing what it means to put
God first, dealing with apathy, righteousness, and even comparing
ourselves to the atheist by the way we live (a lack of prayer, faith,
respect for God’s word, etc.).
We then devoted 2 lessons to the church – both universal and
local. In these lessons we
addressed: How important the church (including the local church) ought
to be to us? AND What can I do for her? (Ensuring her purity, future,
promoting unity, actively participating and devoting resources to her.
Last week we went in a different direction, but based on
recent studies, I would like to revisit the local church for another
lesson. In this lesson I
want to address The Lord’s Church in the Community.
a.
Let it be clear, that
our goal is not to convert someone to the church, but to the Lord.
It is Jesus who saves us, not the church.
Acts 4:12, And in everything we do by our example this is what we
are seeking to accomplish. It
is the example of Jesus that we are to imitate (Philippians 2:5, 1 Peter
2:21) and HIS light that we are to shine (John 8:12, Matthew 5:16)
b.
However, the local
church is part of being a Christians.
It is the “body of Christ” and Christ is our head (Ephesians
1:22-23, 5:23) When Paul used that analogy in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, he
emphasized the importance of every part doing its share.
This was in the context of a
local church.
We know that when we come together, we are edified (built up
spiritually) both in worship and in our fellowship with one another.
AND, when we let Christ be our focus, we will ALSO reflect properly His
church (both universal and local).
c.
As Christians letting
our lights shine, you could describe our goal in 2 parts.
i.
We are striving to get
to heaven when this life is over.
Philippians 3:14, 20; 2 Timothy 4:6-8
ii.
We ought to desire to
take as many with us as possible. That
means we are seeking the lost. Hebrews
10:31, 2 Corinthians 5:10-11, etc.
d.
Something many of us
struggle with is how to reach others.
How can we introduce the gospel to them?
While there are many approaches, and ultimately our goal is a
personal study with them, one way is to bring them with you “to church”.
Bring them to our Bible studies
and worship services.
Introduce them to the body of Christ in this community.
All are welcome, and I am convinced that is one thing we can do –
1 Corinthians 14:16, 22-25 indicates that in our assemblies, we can (and
should) have visitors.
e.
So in this lesson, I
want to focus on some things we should consider as we welcome visitors.
a.
Again, let me clarify,
this is NOT about catering to whatever the community wants.
There is far too much of that in the religious landscape today,
and it is by far, the most popular approach to God.
That is what you find in community churches – emphasis on
entertainment, social programs, and shallow preaching that fails to get
to the heart of the matter – souls are lost and they need Jesus.
That is the tragedy of the times we live in and the mindset that
has been engrained in the masses.
b.
BUT, there are many who
see though this and are turned off by it.
They want the Bible rather than pop-culture and current trends.
There are some out there who are searching for the truth and
churches that put God and His word first.
And when you consider what the New Testament says, it is clear that not
ALL will respond. In fact,
it is typically a small minority that is genuinely looking – consider
the parable of the sower – the good and honest heart (not all will
accept it), examples in scripture where only a few obeyed, Matthew 22:14
– many are called, but few are chosen, etc.
However, be reminded of what Jesus said to His disciples, John 4:35,
Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the
harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the
fields, for they are already white for harvest!
In Luke 10:2 He noted that the harvest is great, but the laborers are
few; therefore pray that Lord of the harvest to send out laborers for
the harvest.
The point is, we must not become discouraged to the point of giving up
because the masses are just not interested.
Let’s seek after “the few” who are genuinely looking.
NOTE: I’m not saying to ignore everyone else, we need to try and reach
anyone that we can – that’s what the great commission is about – Matthew
28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-47, etc.
But the point is, those who are genuinely looking are the ones
that will respond with a good and honest heart.
They may be few in number, but they are out there.
c.
What are THEY looking
for? Studies have been done of visitors to churches.
While many of the things they are looking for are superficial
(e.g. what do you offer the children, programs, etc.), there are two
things prevalent that I want to address.
i.
Do they love each other? People want to
see brethren that really love each other in a congregation.
We claim to be a family.
Do we act like it.
Others are looking.
ii.
Are they genuine? Do they see that we are just
“putting on a show” or “just keeping house for the Lord”, or do they see
that we are genuinely interested in obeying God with a true heart.
I want to focus on these
because they are also what God wants to see in us.
a.
Do we love each other?
i.
Continually there is an
emphasis on loving one another.
It is the glue that holds us together and stabilizes us even in
the difficult times.
IT was one of the themes in 1 John.
Notice 1 John 3:10-11, 4:7-8, 11, 20-21, etc.
ii.
Are we loving and
affectionate? Are we the
family God wants us to be?
iii.
John 13:34-35 – again be
reminded that the world has the right to judge us by how we love each
other. IF we are blessed
with visitors from the community, what do they observe in the way we
treat each other? Do they
see something they would want to be a part of?
iv.
Are we biting and
devouring one another?
Galatians 5:15 warns us about this.
1 John 2:9-11 speaks of the one who hates his brother.
Thought: Galatians 5:14-15 – we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.
The love we show for one another, will manifest true love toward
ALL mankind when we are all that God would have us to be.
b.
Are we genuine?
i.
What does it mean to be
genuine? Unhypocritical.
Unpretentious. Sincere.
Not fake or counterfeit.
We are not just going through the motions to APPEAR welcoming, etc.
2 Corinthians 6:6, as Paul describes various things that he had endured,
he includes some proper attitudes including “sincere love” (“genuine
love” – NASB)
Philippians 2:20, as Paul sends Timothy to these brethren he speaks of
one “who will sincerely care for your state” (“genuinely be concerned…”
NASB).
2 Timothy 1:5, Paul speaks of Timothy’s “genuine faith that is in you,
which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice…”
(NASB – “sincere faith”)
1 Peter 1:7, as we are grieved by various trials, “the genuineness of
your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes… is found
to praise, glory and honor…” (NASB – “proof of your faith”)
Many other examples could be added to these, but we see the idea of
genuineness and that it is something God demands in us.
AND quite honestly, others want to see this as well – we are living in a
world that is SO FULL of the disingenuous (in advertising, political
speeches, etc.), and they are seeing it in the shallow religious world
as well – with all the flashy lights, loud music, emotional testimonies,
etc. People are looking for
something genuine.
And honestly, they ought to see it in us, WHETHER it is what they are
looking for or not!
1 Peter 3:15-16 – having a good conscience and good conduct that shames
your critics.
c.
How are we to be genuine?
i.
Are we following His pattern? This is simply
non-negotiable! By its very definition, that which is genuine is TRUE.
That which is FALSE is NOT genuine.
Thus false teachers are not presenting the genuine gospel.
1 Peter 1:22 – we purify our souls in obeying the truth through the
Spirit in sincere love of the brethren…
James 3:17 – the wisdom form above is “without hypocrisy” – clearly the
word of God, is the wisdom from above that is to be applied.
Matthew 7:21 -23 – we have to do the will of the Father in all things
2 Timothy 4:2-3 – Timothy is instructed to preach the word “in season
and out of season” – because there are many who are NOT genuine.
The word of God will weed out those who are not genuine.
NOTE: This doesn’t mean we should be harsh in our presentation of the
truth. We are to weigh our
words carefully. Not only
WHAT we say, but how we say it – Colossians 4:6 speech seasoned with
salt (this applies to the preaching of the word as well);
James 3:1 warns teachers that they will receive a stricter judgment –
does this apply ONLY to the content, or the delivery as well?
Look at the context! (James 3:1-12).
ii.
Are we reverent?
Reverence is the idea of being respectful and serious
God is to be served and worshipped with reverence.
Hebrews 12:28
1 Timothy 2:2 – our prayers to God for our leaders include leading quiet
and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence (NKJV).
NASB –“dignity”.
If we are genuine, we are going to show God the reverence He is due.
It will be reflected in our appearance and our demeanor.
It will be reflected in our worship – not flippant as we lead
worship or as we participate.
Seen in starting on time, etc. We will not be treating the
worship like a chore to be endured, but a privilege to be with God and
our brethren. Consider Psalm
122:1, I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of
the Lord.”
People notice when all
we are doing is going through the motions, and they notice when our
worship is genuine – God centered (cf. John 4:24 – in spirit and in
truth).
iii.
Are we holy? To
be set apart (sanctified).
This has to do with our purity of life as we have noted on numerous
occasions. In a previous
lesson we addressed how we are to keep the church pure (Ephesians 5:27).
2 Peter 3:11 speaking of the end of all things physical, “What manner of
persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…”
1 Peter 1:14-16 notes, as obedient children, not conforming
yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who
called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is
written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
We address problems and sin – ensuring the purity of the body.
We practice discipline,
and we strive, EACH OF US, to live pure and godly lives.
Again, this is something that in time can be observed.
People notice whether or not your service to God is real.
iv.
Are we engaged?
Are we zealous for good works? (Titus 2:14)
Romans 12:11, Are we fervent in
spirit?
It is no secret that the life of a Christian is active.
And it is to be done enthusiastically – 1 Corinthians 15:58 –
always abounding in the work of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:12, Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual
gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to
excel – are we doing our part to build up the body?
Do we actively
participate in the singing? Seriously consider the lesson as it is being
presented? Give as we have prospered?
Are we eager to apply what we have learned?
Do we participate to the best of our abilities?
Again, people can see if what you are doing is just enough to get by, or
if this is something you GENUINELY care about.
v.
Are we welcoming to others? “Visitor
friendly”
When we have visitors, do we let them know we are glad they are here?
It is somewhat obvious, that if someone is visiting and they do not feel
welcome (or out of place), they are like to not come back.
Our job is to let others know they are welcome in our midst.
Luke 9:11, we read of multitudes following Jesus; and “He received
them and spoke to them…”
The idea of receiving them was that He welcomed them.
The NASB, ESV AND ASV use the word welcome in this text
When we, or our brothers and sisters, invite others, how welcome do we
make them feel? Do we try to
make them comfortable and see if there is anything they need? (Make sure
they have a bulletin, lesson outline and visitor’s card).
This is an area of commendation with this congregation.
Will we get to know them a little better after services.
Are we, and can we be hospitable with them?
Do we do this without partiality?
Consider James 2:1-9
This is the third aspect of a church (congregation) as we
strive to shine as lights in this dark world.
When our friends, family and neighbors visit us, do they see
these qualities here? They
ought to be prevalent in our lives AND when we come together.
May we strive to be all that God wants us to be in these things.
Think about it.