Presented, February 20, 2005 am
THE CHRISTIAN AND SELF-RENEWAL (9)
The Church and Renewal (1)
We have been studying renewal. It is my hope that we have seen the importance of renewal in our lives. We have noted that renewal involves two things – 1) being restored to a state of purity as when we first became Christians and 2) measures to ensure continued growth and quality (thriving) in our service to Him. We have also noted extensively that renewal begins with a renewed mind which leads to a change in our action (See Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Colossians 3:10). In our lesson today we want to turn our focus in a different direction: We want to talk about renewal and the church.
I. The Church and Renewal
A. What is the church?
a.
The word church in the New Testament is from
a Greek word which means, “a calling out” (Strong’s). Thayer defines it as “a
gathering of citizens called out of their homes into some public place, an
assembly”
In this definition we see that the church – is NOT a building, but those who
comprise the group. Whenever the word “church” is used in the New Testament it
reference to Christians, those called out of the world and into a relationship
with Christ. It is used in two different senses – the universal church
– which is the relationship of all who are saved and the local church
– which is a group of Christians who meet in a specified location to work
together and to worship God according to His pattern. In other words, WE are
the church – and what we are determines what the church will be.
b.
It is the body of Christ
In the New Testament there are many different descriptions that help us to
understand what the church is and how it functions. One such description is
that of a body.
Ephesians 1:22-23 – God gave Him to be head over all things to the church
which is His body.
In explaining this relationship, Paul noted in 1 Corinthians 12:13-27
that each of us is like a body part. He notes that we are ALL needed and
important within the body. We are to work together so there is schism in the
body (25).
As we all work together, each part doing its share the body will grow and thrive
– Ephesians 4:16
c. Understanding this, IF we desire self-renewal in our minds and lives, we NEED to be part of a church that is thriving and promoting growth. It is with this in mind that I present the next two lessons.
B. At times the church needs renewal (or revival)
a.
Even in the first century there were concerns as
some churches began to drift.
Revelation 2 -3 we read of the church at Ephesus which had lost its first love
(2:1-7, esp. 4-5).
The church at Sardis had a name that they were alive, but to God they were dead
(3:1-6, esp. 1)
The church at Laodicea was referred to as lukewarm (3:14-22, esp. 15-17)
b. Many passages express concerns about churches and individuals drifting.
1. Matthew 24:11-12 – Because of iniquity, Jesus warned “the love of many will grow cold”
2. Romans 13:11 – time to awake out of your sleep
3. Hebrews 5:12-14 – the writer expressed concerns because they had not progressed as they ought to
4. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 – Paul admonishes Timothy to preach the word, because the day will come when they will no longer endure sound doctrine.
5. Hebrews 2:1 – give heed lest we drift away
c.
What about today? It is a fact that in many places
the church is not as it ought to be. There are many churches that are
doctrinally sound, but they are dying. Like the church at Ephesus, they need to
have that fire rekindled. Some churches are just “holding their own”. Many
churches are like Sardis, seemingly alive in outward appearance, but inwardly
they are dead. And far too many churches have become complacent like Laodicea,
satisfied right where they are at and afraid or resistant to growth because of
the fear of change.
They need REVIVAL. The word revival means, a spiritual awakening. It is
needed when something is about to die. See Acts 3:19
We need to ask, “Have we restored the New Testament church?” While we can look
at what we do and how we do it, we can confidently say, ‘yes’. But have
restored ALL of it? Have we restored the attitudes and zeal we find in the book
of Acts and in sound churches. Paul commended the Thessalonians because their
love abounded reaching to all of Macedonia (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
d. Renewal starts with you and me. Because the church is made up of individuals it is not going to renew itself until we, as individuals step up and do our share. That having been said, the church DOES have a work to do and if we are not careful it can die out.
So what can we do to ensure that the church is growing as it ought to and thriving in the eyes of God?
II. Planning for Growth
A. Like individual Christians, we need to realize the need for growth.
a.
Churches need to be growing – consider the examples
of failing churches we have mentioned.
Consider the teachings of Jesus about the kingdom of heaven (which is the
church) – He likened it to a mustard seed and leaven which spread (Matthew
13:31-33)
Consider the example of the church in Acts as it began with 3000 souls (2:41)
and soon increased to about 5000 men (4:4) and then it kept growing. That IS
what God wanted the church to do back then and that is what He wants the church
to do today.
b.
We need to be moving forward – and we need to be
willing to move forward.
A study of the development of the church in Acts and the New Testament shows
that as it started, all problems were not worked out. What did they do when
they encountered a problem? They addressed the problems, adapted and moved
forward. For example – Acts 6:1-7 records a need arising concerning Hellenistic
widows that were being neglected. They consulted the word of God (namely, the
apostles) and dealt with the problem
In Acts 8:4 after persecutions in Jerusalem, they were scattered and took the
gospel with them. This is HOW the church GREW in the first century.
In Acts 15 we find them addressing false teaching head on. Discussing the issue
according to God’s word, they took a stand and clarified that stand.
My point is that when the church started in Jerusalem, it did not just stand
still – it kept moving forward and growing. When it faced a problem it adapted
(without compromising) and kept to its task. Should today be any different?
Many of Paul’s letters were addressed to churches, instructing them how to
improve and become what God intended for them to be.
c. Sadly, as we have already pointed out, many churches are not growing as they ought to.
B. Understanding our purpose
a.
Why are we here? What is our purpose as the church
of Christ here in Bellflower? If we are to thrive as the Lord’s church, we have
to know our purpose!
AND to determine what our purpose is, we need to turn to God’s word and learn
what He expects of us.
b. If we are to grow as we ought, we first need a clear understanding of WHAT our purpose actually is. There are many churches today that are growing today for many different reasons. Some have appealed to the physical needs of man while others cater to the needs of society. Some have watered down the gospel, eliminating that which is controversial or reinterpreting it to accept whatever lifestyle one is engaged in. Some churches are preaching a gospel of health and wealth. Others have turned the worship service into entertainment. Churches like these ARE growing - some of them are the fastest growing churches in America or the world. BUT are they pleasing to God? Are they fulfilling God’s intended purpose for the church? All the growth in the world is meaningless if it is not according to God’s purpose.
In our next study, we will examine what our purpose is.