The Obligations of the Church :: 3/29/15

The Obligations of the Church

1 Thessalonians 4:1  Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

Intro: In this series on the Church, we have looked at

1.       The Origin of the Church

2.       The Organism of the Church

3.       The Ordinances of the Church

4.       The Offices of the Church

Today, we will look at the Obligations of the church.

As I said earlier this year, many people, church members included, have a distorted view of why the church is here.

The church is not here to spice up our week.

The church isn’t here to pay our bills for us when we are struggling.

The church isn’t here to be a place to hang out with friends and catch up on the latest news & gossip.

The church isn’t here to provide us with a place to ease our conscience and “feel better” about ourselves.

The church actually has a reason to exist, and a purpose.

Therefore, the church has obligations.

In our text I Thess. 4:1, Paul told them there were some things they OUGHT do do.

Notice the meaning of that word OUGHT: it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper

1a) necessity lying in the nature of the case

1b) necessity brought on by circumstances or by the conduct of others toward us.

1c) necessity in reference to what is required to attain some end

1d) a necessity of law and command, of duty, equity

1e) necessity established by the counsel and decree of God,

We find that word again in 1 Timothy 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

As a church, we have obligations for at least three reasons.

WE ARE OBLIGATED…

                A. Because of our Purchase

·         Acts 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

                B. Because of our Partnership

·         1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

ILLUSTRATION: If you have a job working at Chic-Fil-A, would it be right to clock in, and then go sit down at a table and fill out orders all day for your Avon business?

We should strive to pursue GOD’S AGENDA – not ours!

                C. Because of our Prize

·         II Corinthians 5:9, 10  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

·         1 Corinthians 3:8  … and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

·         Colossians 3:24  Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

I. We Are Obligated to Bring God Glory

·         1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

John the Baptist said this – John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (spoken by the greatest ever born of woman according to the words of Jesus Christ Himself) Matt. 11:11

We are obligated as Christians to bring God glory.

·         1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

·         Galatians 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

·         Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

It is the obligation of the local church and the believer to glorify Christ – not ourselves.

II. We Are Obligated to Be Holy

SEE I Cor. 6:9-20

We belong to God.

Our bodies belong to God.

As Christians, we are obligated to live righteously.

·         Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Living a holy life is not a fad, or a movement, or a philosophy, or an option – it is our obligation to Christ.

·         Romans 12:1, 2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

III. We Are Obligated to Broadcast the Gospel

·         Haggai 2:19 Is the seed yet in the barn?

·         Psalm 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

·         1 Corinthians 4:1, 2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

·         Romans 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

·         1 Corinthians 9:16  For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

I Wish We Had That! :: 3/22/15 PM

I Wish We Had That!

Proverbs 24:1  Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

Proverbs 24:19  Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;

Intro: In these verses, David is giving some excellent advice.  Don’t envy the wicked!

As children of God, we have a lot of things that the world doesn’t have.

                A. A Father – their father is the devil!  We have a great heavenly Father

                B. Fellowship with God and God’s people – the world is not a people! (I Pet. 2:10)

                C. Forgiveness – remember the sin and guilt and shame before you got saved?

                D. Future – as a Christian, we have a lot to look forward to – the world has Hell to look forward to.

There are a lot of things that we have the world doesn’t have.  We should not envy them.

But….

There are some things that the world has that I wish we had!

They are outdoing God’s people in some areas that I wish we could learn from them…

I wish we had their...

I. Excitement

At most sports events, the place is buzzing with excitement and anticipation at the upcoming event.

People talk about it for days prior – trying to figure out what will happen.

The world gets so excited about everything!

God’s people don’t get excited about anything.

·         Psalms 100:4  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

·         Psalms 122:1  I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

·         Romans 12:11  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

·         2 Corinthians 7:7  And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

·         James 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

·         1 Peter 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

II. Expectations

The world is always so hopeful –

·         Of their favorite politician

·         Of their stock market

·         Of their chances of getting promoted or getting a raise

·         Of seeing their favorite athlete break a record or accomplish some great sporting feat or making it to the playoffs or championship

·         Buy lottery tickets every week, expecting to win.

No matter how many times they get disappointed, they always come back hopeful and full of anticipation.

But God’s people?  One let down – one disappointment and their world comes crashing in on them.

They lose faith, they lose hope, they lose any positive outlook on anything.

Illustration: Children of Israel in the wilderness – after every miracle, they said, “We are going to die!!”

David said…

·         Psalms 71:14  But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.

·         Psalms 39:7  And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

We need to have some expectations in our:

·         Prayer life

·         Church attendance

·         Child training

·         Soul winning

III. Effort

·         Ecclesiastes 9:10  Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

The world gives it their best in business world, in the sporting world, in the entertainment world.

The world understands that success comes after hard work and preparation.

God’s people don’t want to do anything, and yet they wonder why God doesn’t bless them.

Slothfulness, laziness, complacency, coldness, disinterest, and half-hearted service is the NORM.

IV. Execution

Paul’s sports analogy to a marathon runner and a boxer

·         I Cor. 9: 24   Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

 Unfortunately, the church is many times lacking a strategy or a game plan.

Independent Baptist are notorious for flying by the seat of their pants – no plan, no execution, no strategy.

Their favorite line is, “We’re just waitin’ on God”. They look like Rip Van Winkle covered in spider webs!

The Great Commission will work, if people put it into practice!

Tithing works, if people practice it!

The local church is a beautiful thing to behold if everybody is sticking to the game plan!

·         Illustration: Imagine a football offensive line if everybody run their own play every time!

Those that are members do not know their function in the body.

They don’t realize their importance and their significance

V. Endurance

I am amazed at the world’s ability to take a beating and keep on going!

They can take a chewing out from their boss, and still love their job.

They can take a blessing out from their coach, and still love the game.

But you have to deal with church members with kid gloves because they are apt to quit at a moment’s notice!

I’ve seen football players beg to be put back in the game, and they are bleeding and limping.

I don’t envy the world, but they have some things I wish we had – endurance!!

·         2 Thessalonians 1:4  So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

·         2 Timothy 2:3  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

·         2 Timothy 2:10  Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

The Office of the Deacon :: 3/22/15 AM

The Office of the Deacon

1 Timothy 3:10  And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

1 Timothy 3:13  For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Intro: The word deacon is the Greek word diakoneo dee-ak-on-eh’-o

It means to be a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon;  to minister to one, render ministering offices

The word is found translated servant:

·         John 12:26  If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

·         Mark 9:35  And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

·         Romans 16:1  I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

I. The Responsibility of the Deacon

There is no doubt that the responsibilities of a deacon are enough to constitute what the Bible calls “an office”.

diakoneo dee-ak-on-eh’-o

There are many people that have no idea what the Biblical deacon’s true job involves.

His job is not to run the church or to run the pastor.

His job is not to tell the pastor how to pastor.

His job is not to criticize and critique and intimidate and manipulate.

An unbiblical deacon can be a church’s and a pastor’s worse nightmare.

A Biblical deacon is a tremendous asset to a church.

NOTE: Though Acts 6 does not call these 7 men deacons, we can ASSUME that this was the beginning of this office simply because of the wording. The phrase: serve tables in vs. 2 is the Greek word for deacon.

The office of deacon was created as a necessity to address a very specific need.

The responsibilities of a deacon were the product of:

                A. Multiplication – Acts 6:1a (possibly as many as 20,000 members)

                B. Murmuring – Acts 6:1b – murmuring: This word refers to secret debate; whispering

Satan had tried to destroy the church with persecution – Acts 4

Satan had tried to destroy the church with sin – Acts 5 (Annanias and Sapphira)

Now Satan is trying to destroy the church from within – through murmuring and

                C. Ministration Neglect – Acts 6:1c – the widows were neglected; overlooked

The leadership approached the church with the problem.

Then the leadership approached the church with a solution to the problem.

Their solution was to appoint some men to put over this business.

NOTE: In studying the Scripture, it is clear to me that “this business” should be the ministry of every believer.

·         James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (visit: to look in on, to care for, to provide…)

It wasn’t ONLY the deacon’s job to care for the widows; it was their job to be OVER this business. It is everybody’s job!

                D. Misappropriation of Leadership – Acts 6:2 – It is not reason (reasonable) that we should leave the word…

Without a doubt, the leadership of the church should be willing and able to minister to the everyday needs.

But there’s some things that ONLY the pastor can do – nobody else in the church can do his job.

The man of God’s number one priority is detailed in Acts 6:4  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The deacon’s responsibility is to take that burden off of the pastor; to make sure that those in the church that are being neglected are seen about, and to keep people from having a reason to murmur.

II. The Requirements of the Deacon

The leadership of the church requested the church to look out among them and choose and recommend seven men.

NOTE: This does not necessarily mean that a church has to have seven deacons. (remember, they had thousands of members)

What this means is that they requested the church to nominate the deacons – men that they could respect and look up to that could be effective in their appointment “over this business”.

But – to avoid any man from being chosen because of his popularity, or his money, or his rank in society, they were given strict guidelines for the men that must be appointed deacons.

The requirements according to Acts 6

·         Honest report – this means a testimony of integrity

·         Full of the Holy Ghost – abundantly manifesting the fruit of the Spirit as found in Galations 5:22, 23

·         Full of wisdom – as opposed to foolishness

The requirements according to I Tim. 3

·         Grave – serious; sober minded

·         Not doubletongued – two-faced; saying one thing to one person and something else to another

·         Not given to much wine – avoiding the detriment to one’s testimony that is associated with drunkenness

·         Not greedy of filthy lucre – their responsibility involved benevolence funds and dispersion of money for widows

·         Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience

·         Proved – one that has established a track record of faithfulness and loyalty

·         Blameless – above reproach

·         Wives must also be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things

·         Husbands of one wife – ruling their children and their own houses well

III. The Rewards of the Deacon

·         1 Timothy 3:13  For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

There are multiple rewards for the man that USES the office of the deacon well.

NOTE: They don’t HOLD the office – they USE the office. It is a job; it is a duty; it is a service; it is work

                A. The Reward of Integrity in Character – purchase to themselves a good degree

NOTE: They will have to purchase it; it has a price; it is not given for free

                B. The Reward of Influence in the Community – and great boldness in the faith

A church that properly cares for its people and loves its people and ministers to their needs will stand out.

A deacon that serves those in the church the way God intended will purchase to himself boldness in the faith.

·         James 2:18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

                C. The Reward of Increase in the Church

·         Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Three Voices :: 3/1/15 PM

Three Voices

Nehemiah 4

Intro: We’ve got a work to do.  This work is…

                A. God’s Work – 2:18a

                B. Good Work – 2:18b

                C. Group Work – 4:17-18 (note: 15 times we find plural pronouns)

But there will always be THREE VOICES whenever we endeavor to do anything for God.

I. The Helpless Voice of the Faint – 4:10

                A. Their Decay – notice their focus was on THEIR strength = we must focus on HIM!

                B. Their Difficulties – much rubbish - they focus on the work not the reward

                C. Their Disability – we are not able - they WERE able. They did it in 52 days!

II. The Hateful Voice of the Foe – 4:11

                A. Their Subtlety – they shall not know or see (grievous wolves creep in)

                B. Their Slaying – they don’t want to slow us down; they want to annihilate us!

                C. Their Stopping – cause the work to cease (what exactly is our work?)

                D. Their Steadfastness – they said it to them 10 times (they will not get weary in their work)

III. The Hopeful Voice of the Fighters – 4:12-14

                A. The Readiness – vs. 13 (every family was in their proper place)

                B. The Remembrance – vs. 14 (Remember the Lord…)

                C. The Reason – vs. 14 (fight for your brethren, sons, your daughters, your wives and houses)

                D. The Return – vs. 15 (we returned every one of us to the wall; every one unto his work)

Conclusion: In spite of the voices of the Faint and the Foe, the voice of the Fighters prevailed. They finished the wall in 52 days.

·         Neh. 6:15  So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

Until Ye Be Endued With Power :: 3/1/15 AM

Until Ye Be Endued With Power

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Intro: In preparation for our Missions Conference starting on Wednesday night, I want to point out the importance of being endued with power PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING TO FULFIL THE GREAT COMMISSION.

·         Endue – to be arrayed or clothed

The Holy Ghost is:

A. Misunderstood – Charismatics, sign gifts, etc.

B. Underestimated – so few seek the filling

·         Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

C. Blasphemed –there’s no forgiveness for this sin

·         Mark 3:28  Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

NOTE THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

                I. In Creation

·         Genesis 1:2  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

·         Genesis 1:26  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

               

                II. In Conversion  

·         John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

·         Rom. 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

                III. In Communicating Truth

·         II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

·         II Sam. 23:1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

                IV. In Comfort

·         John 14:16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

·         John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

·         John 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

·         John 16:7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

V. In Conviction

·         John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

                V. In Christ’s Life

                                1. He was Conceived by the Holy Ghost

·         Luke 1:35  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

                                2. He was Anointed by the Spirit

·         Acts 10:37, 38 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

                                3. He was Led by the Spirit

·         Matt. 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

                                4. He was Filled with the Spirit

·         Luke 4:14, 18, 19 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.  And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

                                5. He was Offered by the Spirit

·         Hebrews 9:11  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

                                6. He was Resurrected by the Spirit

·         I Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Conclusion: We have looked at a wide variety of ways that the Holy Spirit was instrumental to accomplish great things.  Without the filling of the Holy Spirit, the evangelization of the world is IMPOSSIBLE. As we turn our hearts this week to the Great Commission, or Great Command, let’s not forget another Great Command – BE YE ENDUED WITH POWER!