September 13, 2009 am
(Sunday, September 20, 2009 – Santa Barbara – Lesson 1 in series about
Trends)
GOD’S PATTERN FOR THE NEW
TESTAMENT CHURCH
Today we begin a series of lessons
I have entitled, “Trends”.
It will be a study of some movements that are extremely popular within
the denominational world today.
While we clearly understand that denominationalism is foreign to
God’s word, I am fearful that many of our brethren are being influenced
by the writings of prominent and successful denominational writers.
It is not uncommon to find the writings of Rick Warren, Joel
Osteen, Max Lucado, F. LaGard Smith and others in the libraries of
leaders and members alike, NOT there to examine their teachings, but as
guidelines to help them CHANGE the way the Lord’s church conducts its
affairs. In our midst we
have some brethren, many in influential positions, who are reexamining
EVERYTHING about the Lord’s church (which is something we MUST do from
time to time – 2 Corinthians 13:5) NOT with the intention of ensuring
that we are doing things according to the pattern but to become as
DIFFERENT as possible and still profess to be a part of the Lord’s
church. The point is that I am fearful that some of our brethren are
MORE concerned about what everyone else thinks AND seeing how close they
can get to the denominational world without crossing “the line”, than
they are about their own brethren around the world who are striving to
teach the truth and maintain the New Testament pattern and purity of the
Lord’s church. While it may
not be their intent, what they are doing is laying the ground work for
another denomination.
Brethren this is my concern and the reason for our study this week.
So where do we begin a study such as this?
In this lesson we want to talk about the pattern that God has
established for the church.
Time will not permit an exhaustive study of the pattern itself, but what
we want to notice is that there IS a pattern and it MUST be followed.
In our studies this week we will notice that God’s pattern is
being either totally ignored or watered down for the sake of pleasing
the whims of men. Many
denominations have completely changed the purpose and work of the
church. To many
denominations their primary work is to engage in general benevolence,
business, secular education, entertainment, politics, recreation, social
work and whatever is that latest TREND that can be justified in the name
of good works. While such
works may be good, wholesome and even commanded within their proper
sphere, the question arises: WHERE IS THE AUTHORITY?
While each of these things is justified in their minds in some
way, the truth is that the SIMPLE NEW TESTAMENT pattern for the church
has been lost. In this lesson we want to establish that there IS a
pattern for the church in its work, worship, purpose, organization,
doctrinal teachings and authority.
It is not our place to change that pattern in any way, shape or
form.
I. God’s Simple Pattern
A. The purpose of the church simply stated
is: “The pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15)
B. In all that the church does, it
must keep that in mind. Within God’s word we find the church
engaged in supporting evangelism, limited benevolence to saints in need,
the edification (or building up) of the saints and worshipping God.
C. Within the pages of the New
Testament we find local churches were always independent and autonomous
in their work. When there was cooperation, it was concurrent
(meaning two or more churches doing the same thing at the same time
while maintaining their independence – for example, in supporting Paul –
there were occasions when more than one church supported him, yet they
sent their support directly to him (2 Corinthians 11:8) )
Much time could be spent developing each of these
points and others, but my purpose today is to simply ask is God’s
pattern sufficient?
II. The Elements of God’s Pattern
A.
God Planned the Church
a.
Ephesians 3:10-11 – the
church was established and accomplished according to His eternal
purpose.
b.
Old Testament prophecies
attest to this fact – cf. Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:44; etc.
c.
The Tabernacle was a
pattern of that church – Hebrews 8:1-5. This passage tells us that
as divine instructions were given concerning the tabernacle God had
something else in mind, which is why He was so specific in His
instructions.
d.
John the Baptist taught –
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand – Matthew 3:2
e.
Jesus taught it during His
ministry – Matthew 4:17, 16:18, etc.
f.
Acts 2 records the
fulfillment of that plan.
B.
It Has a divine purpose
a.
Ephesians 3:10 – The church
demonstrates “the manifold wisdom of God”. It was a demonstration
to principalities and powers in heavenly places of God’s wisdom.
b.
1 Timothy 3:15 – It is to
support the truth (not make its own version in ANYTHING)
c.
It IS the saved (in its
universal sense) - Acts 2:47
d.
It always has been and is
still spiritual in its nature –
John 18:36 – My kingdom is not of this world.
Romans 14:17 – the kingdom of God is NOT eating and drinking, but
righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Luke 17:21 – Jesus said, “the kingdom is within you”
C.
It is revealed by the Holy Spirit in God’s Perfect Revelation
a.
A study of divine
inspiration shows that what God says is ALL that we need
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All writings
inspired are profitable…make the man of God complete
Jude 3 – what was revealed in the first century WAS complete
b.
2 Peter 1:3 – His divine power
has given unto us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness.
c.
We have NO right to add to
or take away from His word – Galatians 1:6-9, 1 Corinthians 4:6
d.
Even the apostles, who were
guided by the Holy Spirit realized their boundaries – Galatians 1:10-12
– concerning Paul.
Consider Acts 15 where they were involved in resolving a conflict
concerning circumcision. As you study that chapter you find that
the decisions they made were NOT their own opinions, but the work of the
Holy Spirit through command, example and necessary conclusion. In
writing their decision they said, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit
and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary
things…”
D.
It’s Function is Under Divine Supervision
a.
The church belongs to Jesus
– it is HIS – Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23.
b.
With Christ as the HEAD of the
church, we are the body.
Can the body operate independent of the head? 1 Corinthians 12:27
– describing the church at Corinth as a body, Paul showed how each part
is important and needed (12:12-27). But in all that we must never
forget we are UNDER the head.
c.
Ephesians 5:22-24 – The church is
subject to Christ as the wife is subject to the husband. Note
Paul’s main point in vs. 32, “This is a great mystery, but I speak
concerning Christ and the church”
d.
Matthew 28:18-20 – when His
apostles were instructed to “make disciples” they were told they were
told, “teaching them to observe all things…”
e.
1 Corinthians 3:9-11 –
Christ is the ONLY foundation we can build on. Paul warns the brethren
at Corinth to take heed how you build on that foundation.
These we can see some elements of God’s pattern
for the church that show it to be sufficient (or adequate). Yet
man has continually rejected this pattern. What are the
consequences of rejecting this pattern? Let us consider for a few
moments some of these.
III.
When We Reject God’s Pattern
A.
We are saying God’s pattern is
not sufficient.
a.
Can anyone deny that God’s
way is best? Would anyone DARE to challenge God’s ways?
b.
Jeremiah realized, “O LORD, I
know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man who walks
to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23)
c.
“There is a way that seems right
to man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25).
B.
We are saying His pattern is flawed
a.
When man sets out to change
the purpose of the church he is in essence finding fault with God’s
purpose. He is saying he knows better than God himself what is
best
b.
In finding fault with the
church you always find man applies human wisdom – Isaiah 55:8-9, God
says His thoughts and ways are not the same as ours. AND His ways
are higher than ours.
c.
Paul noted in 1 Corinthians
1: 25 that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of man.
d.
I would like to think that
God knows what He is talking about as He set His pattern for the church.
C.
We reject His divine instructions –
a.
The big problem today in too many
instances is that man simply rejects the inspired word of God as their
final source of authority. They simply don’t care what God’s word
says.
b.
In Mark 7:6-9 – Notice esp.
vs. 9, “All too well you reject the commandment of God.”
D.
We are saying we don’t need Jesus as our head
a.
Many churches proudly claim a
founder other than Jesus. And while they give lip service to Him,
they actually put more weight on their personal doctrines
b.
The problem with this is
summed up in Acts 4:12 – “Nor is there salvation in any other name…”
E.
We are putting the desires of
man above the desires of God –
a.
In every innovation that
has been introduced since (and even during) the first century, it has
always been to please men and not God. Therein lies the problem.
b.
Paul even warned Timothy to
preach the word because this would happen – 2 Timothy 4:2-4.
In conclusion:
We shall see that the issues that
we will be examining this week are designed to please man rather than
God. Let it be understood
that in many instances man’s
intentions are noble and he BELIEVES what he is doing is pleasing to
God. But based upon everything we learn in God’s word – their own
attitudes are a total rejection of God, Jesus, His word AND His church.
Jesus said its not enough to call upon His name – you HAVE
to do the will of God (Matthew 7:21-23). Let us always resolve to
keep the Lord’s church in this location just that: THE CHURCH OF CHRIST!