Sunday, June 2, 2019 am
LIGHTS IN A DARK WORLD (20)
Seeking First the Kingdom of God (4)
The Church – We need each other
(This Outline is 2 Lessons
a.
What is the church? A
word used in two senses in scripture -
Universal – referring to the body of all who are saved (a relationship
with God – added to it by Him)
Local – a group of Christians in a given location that join together to
do the work He has given us to do collectively.
This group ought to be related to
our understanding of who is in the universal church (i.e. those we
believe to be saved).
We typically class these works in 4 categories – Evangelism, worship,
edification and limited benevolence.
Time will not permit a detailed discourse on these works, but
that is what we find the church engaged in, in the Bible.
b.
The importance of the
church –
Ephesians 3:10-11 – a part of God’s eternal plan.
God has always made provisions (and expectations) that we meet
together from time to time.
It helps us deal with the world.
It was built by Jesus –
Matthew 16:18-19 and purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28).
When we are saved, we are added to it – Acts 2:47
It is described as the pillar and ground of truth – 1 Timothy 3:15
c.
The New Testament serves
as a pattern for the church – within its pages we learn about
organization (local – independent & autonomous, limited authority of
elders, deacons), its work, worship, name and means of entrance, etc.
We need to follow that pattern.
d.
The church and the world
– we are designed to stand out and project the light of Christ to a lost
world. We need to be
concerned about our influence. We
do this primarily as individuals, but we also ought to be concerned
collectively what the world thinks of us (for good or bad).
Thessalonica – from you the word sounded forth – 1 Thessalonians 1:6-9,
the world sees who we are.
The church at Philadelphia speaks of a church with an open door that no
one could shut (Revelation 3:8).
NOTE: We cannot let what others think of us keep us from doing the right
thing. Obviously, the point
is, we let our lights shine individually and by what we do together
(collectivity) in our community, BY reflecting the word of God.
a.
God wants me to be a
part of His church.
The body of the saved, but also a local group of believers joined
together to do His prescribed work.
We find plenty of evidence in the NT for local congregations.
First, most letters were written to congregations, implying their
importance.
Second, we find examples of joining the church and working with a
congregation. Paul sought to
join the brethren in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26).
Later we find Paul and Barnabas in Antioch (Acts 11:26 & 13:1).
There are so many things associated with being part of a local
church.
Clearly, this is what God wants.
b.
What can the church do
for me?
i.
I realize this expression is subject to abuse.
Many totally misunderstand what the church is, and they ask this
with expectations that the church cater to their wants and desires.
That is NOT what the church is about.
Understanding the church ought to compel us to ask, “What can I
do for the church?” instead.
But beyond that, we need to understand the importance of the church as a
part of our lives. So it
behooves us to understand FROM God’s word some things the church can do
for us.
ii.
It can ground me in the faith.
One of the works involved in the church is teaching.
Not just those outside (evangelism), but also within the body
(edification).
Edification is primarily about building us up spiritually – consider
Ephesians 4:11-16.
1 Timothy 4:6 – Timothy is to “instruct the brethren in these things.”
2 Timothy 4:2-3 also points toward this as Timothy is instructed to
preach the word.
That is why we emphasize teaching so much.
iii.
It can give me a spiritual family to turn to with my struggles
– sometimes this world produces struggles in our lives.
We become discouraged, frustrated, maybe even frightened at what
is going on around us.
Our brethren are there for us to help us.
They genuinely care and understand the spiritual nature of our
battle. That is why
scripture continually challenges us to care for each other – it is borne
out in our Christian love -
Philippians 2:20 – Timothy was described as one “like-minded, who will
sincerely care for your state.”
We bear one another’s burdens – Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:10, 15
– kindly affectionate to one another; we rejoice and weep with
each other
Hebrews 12:12-13 – strengthen the hands that hang down, and feeble
knees…
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 – Paul commended them for their brotherly love.
iv.
It can be a place of refuge from the carnal ways of the world
– in the times we
live in, we desperately need this. Those who deal with the world on a
regular basis, need a place where they can come and meet with others who
will not use profanity, filthy entertainment and the various ungodly
ways so prevalent around us.
Acts 4:23-24 records Peter and John, after being released going to their
brethren who prayed to God in praise.
Vs. 31 – they were strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
While miraculous, it demonstrates how the disciples together were
there for each other, especially in the midst of that hostile
environment.
Acts 12:5, 12-17 – as Peter is in prison about to be executed, the
church was praying for Him. Peter,
when released by an angel, he goes to them where they are together
praying.
This is one reason we have a mid-week Bible study – as a refuge from the
world.
Hebrews 10:24-25, 3:12-13 – beware, lest there be in you an evil heart
of unbelief…exhort one another daily…
v.
It can help bring me closer to God – James 4:8, Hebrews 10:22 – let us draw near with a
true heart in full assurance of faith…
What better way to draw closer to God than to be with others who are
seeking the same goal? As
the Lord’s church, we will worship God “in spirit and in truth”, offer
spiritual sacrifices to him as we do (Hebrews 13:15-16).
vi.
It can hold me accountable – keep me going in the right direction.
Numerous passages encourage us to encourage one another,
especially when we are straying or struggling.
Galatians 6:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – warn the unruly…This is NOT
a bad thing!
Most don’t like being corrected, but if we are honest, we know its
necessary and should humbly accept it.
vii.
These things will only be helpful, if I am seeking first the kingdom of
God.
And do not forget, that the church IS the kingdom.
Just a different description.
c.
What can I do for her?
i.
An equally important
question. IF with the church
we are letting our lights shine in this dark world, we ought to do all
we can to build her up and preserve her.
We need her in our life and want her to accomplish maximum
effectiveness for us.
To this, she needs to be so important that we invest in her.
Typically, what you invest your resources in, is something you
will be concerned about its success.
The more we put into the church, the more we will care about her.
ii.
Ensure her purity – Ephesians 5:26-27 describes how Christ gave Himself for the church (His
bride) to cleanse her, and to present her to himself a glorious church,
without spot or wrinkle.
2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul desires to present the church in Corinth “as a
chaste virgin to Christ.”
How is a church impure? By tolerating immorality and error in its midst.
Consider 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, Revelation
2:12-29 – the churches of Pergamos and Thyatira that tolerated error and
immorality in their numbers.
Also of note is Laodicea, Revelation 3:14-22, that was condemned for its
lukewarm attitude. She was
called upon to repent and purify herself (vs. 18 – refined gold, white
garments, and eye salve for healing).
Many are compromising the purity of the church today, by tolerance (as
we have addressed), watering down the message that keeps her pure,
failing to discipline, etc.
Some of the churches are growing IN NUMBER, but are they growing closer
to God?
A big, thriving church is meaningless if God and our Lord are not at its
foundation.
iii.
Ensure her future – many churches today are dying. The
reasons are many. Sometimes it is indifference and apathy (as we
addressed two weeks ago).
Sometimes it is an unwillingness to adapt to culture (without
compromising God’s word).
And often it is because we see the corrupt world around us and we are
NOT prepared to deal with it.
We WANT TO do something, but we don’t know how to respond to its
attacks. Part of the answer
is to ground ourselves in the truth and beware of what this error is.
In Revelation 2 & 3, 3 of the 7 churches were in danger concerning their
future – Ephesus that had left her first love, Sardis that was dying
(described as having a name that they were alive, but they were dead),
and Laodicea – the lukewarm church.
We need to do what we can to ensure the future of the Lord’s church in
this community.
Luke 18:8, “When the Son of Man
comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
A sobering question.
We ought to make this personal and local – When he returns, will He
really find faith HERE?
iv.
Do I actively participate? The local church
is not supposed be merely a “spectator sport”.
We are expected to be actively involved in her work.
Am I here when we assemble?
We worship God by participating together – in this God is
glorified, AND we are edified. John
4:24, Colossians 3:16, etc.
We contribute with our resources on the first day of the week (1
Corinthians 16:1-2)
We ought to be involved in building up each other as saints – preferring
one another to those of the world. Romans 12:10, Philippians 2:3-4, 1
Peter 2:17 – “Love the brotherhood”.
As we have opportunity, we seek to reach the lost and bring them into
the fold (2 Corinthians 5:10-11, Acts 8:4, 1 Thessalonians 1:6-9,
etc.)
And of course, we are to build each other up – a purpose of this lesson.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
v.
Do I promote unity? Unity is fundamental to growth and edification.
If we are biting and devouring one another, we will not be
growing (Galatians 5:15).
Ephesians 4:1-3 calls for us to be endeavoring to keep the unity of the
spirit in the bond of peace.
Philippians 2:1-2 describes the depth of our unity.
1 Corinthians 1:10 says there are to be no divisions among us.
Romans 14 challenges us to deal with differences in matters of liberties
(Romans 14:19).
John 13:34-35 – recall how Jesus noted that all will know we are
disciples by loving one another (and showing it).
The world needs to see how united
we are. It is fundamental to
letting our light shine spiritually.
If spiritual matters are important to me, I will seek to promote unity
by my actions and attitudes toward my brethren.
vi.
Do I support her with my resources? We all
have talents and resources.
For some it is giving – 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, cf. Acts 4:34-37; For
others it is our abilities – to lead in worship, to encourage and
uplift, to help brethren with their physical needs – transportation,
chores, etc. Whatever our abilities, we need to use them to build up the
kingdom of God – 1 Peter 4:11, Romans 12:4-8, etc.
The local church is an organization.
Organizations need workers to do the work at hand.
That is why we should be interested in this.
vii.
How do I portray her to this world? The whole
premise of letting our lights shine has to do with living so that the
world will see the need for God in their lives.
The church that is sound, active and vibrant can be an asset in
this.
As we let our lights shine in EVERY area of our lives, let them see the
influence of the Lord’s church there – both universally and locally.
There may be circumstances where as we stand for truth, we will
be maligned by the world. So
be it! BUT, there are also
times when that need not be the case – by our attitudes and actions
toward those outside. Do we
make the Lord’s church as attractive as possible?
To do this, we must live as if she is important by our example and
words. Do NOT belittle the
Lord’s body to outsiders (or insiders for that matter).
Do not live so that the name of the Lord (and His church) is
blasphemed because of you.
Consider 1 Corinthians 6:4-7 in a passage where Paul is telling is not
to take each other to court (sue each other).
Vs. 7 notes that we ought to be willing to suffer wrong
rather than let the world see the
church tainted.
Romans 2:24 – the name of God is blasphemed because of you.
When we behave badly, even as individuals, it can discredit God.