Work of the Church

A two-part study of the work of the church and parachurch organizations

Two parts to this study

● This morning – What work has God given the church to do?

● Tonight – Should the church support “parachurch” organizations?

Introduction

● What does the Lord intend for the church to do in this world?

● Are we free to be involved in whatever work we think is suitable?

● The church universal has no organization to make decisions.

● The local congregation does have structure and does plan and support various works.

EDIFICATION

● Ephesians 4:11-13 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

EDIFICATION

● The work of evangelists, pastors (elders) and teachers is designed to equip the saints

● They are to edify (support, build up, strengthen, encourage) the brethren

● The result will be the growth of the body “for edifying itself in love.” (verse 16)

EDIFICATION● How does the church edify one another?● Singing – Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

● Teaching● Prayer● Word of encouragement

BENEVOLENCE● There will always be people who are in need of some

temporary help – food, clothes, financial help, etc.● Storms, house fire, loss of job, financial bind● Galatians 6:10 And let us not grow weary while doing

good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

BENEVOLENCE● The early church did this● Acts 4:32-35 32 Now the multitude of those who

believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

BENEVOLENCE● Deacons were appointed to do this in Acts 6● They made sure that the widows were fed● Judea was in a famine – others sent funds to help

them● 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 1 Now concerning the collection

for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

EVANGELISM● The early church was involved in reaching the lost● They sent out preachers on mission trips● They provided support for preachers● 2 Corinthians 11:8-9 8 I robbed other churches,

taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.

SUMMARY

● The work of the church is:● Edification – equipping saints to be strong,

active and faithful Christians● Benevolence – providing for physical needs ● Evangelism – proclaiming the gospel● The local church will do this work under the

guidance and direction of the elders and with the support of the members.

TONIGHT

● The sermon tonight looks at a disturbing trend in the church today.

● There are organizations seeking financial support from churches but the local church has no control over how the funds are used.