The Works of the Local Church

Concerns About Benevolence

• Where Christians Agree: Generously & Lovingly Giving To Non-Christians In Need Is A Good Work.–Matthew 6:3, James 1:27, Titus 2:14

• Where Christians Disagree: Who Is Authorized To Engage In This Good Work: Individuals, The Local Church, or Both?

THE STRONGEST CASE:Limiting Congregational Aid To Saints

• The Consistency of the Examples– This One Detail Is Always The Same.• “believers” Acts 2:44,45• “believers” Acts 4:32-35• “disciples” Acts 6:1-4• “brethren” Acts 11:27-30• “poor saints” Romans

15:25,26

• “saints” 1 Cor. 16:1-2• “saints” 2 Cor. 8:4• “saints” 2 Cor. 9:1-13• “widows indeed” 1 Tim.

5:3-5

• The Clarity of the Examples– This One Detail Is Always Highlighted.

THE STRONGEST CASE:Limiting Congregational Aid To Saints• The Benefits Paul Teaches:– To Keep The Church Focused & Unburdened

(1 Timothy 5:16)• The Obstacles Jesus Expressed:– The physical can distract from the spiritual.

(John 6:26)• The Special Bond Saints Share: – Upholds The Family Bond of Saints (1 Tim.

3:15) • The Personal Involvement & Growth:– 1 Timothy 6:17-19

But What About That Verse…

• Does 2 Corinthians 9:13 Include “All Men?”– “men” is added by the translators, but the

context indicates all saints.• Does Matthew 12 Encourage Compassionate

Exceptions?– Suffering is not an excuse to compromise

God’s laws. (1 Peter 2:20-21)• Does Galatians 6:10 Include The Local

Church?– Vs. 4-8 clearly address the individual and a

strong case can be made for vs. 9-10 as well.

Concerns About The Building & Other

Resources• God Is Pleased When Expedient Tools Are Used To Fulfill His Commands.– Building The Ark (Genesis 6:14)– Building The Tabernacle (Exodus 35:10, 36:1)

• To Be An Expedient Tool, The Aid Must Help Accomplish The Work God Authorized Without Altering It.– Command to Sing: Tool = Songbook

• The Building & Other Resources Are Expedient Tools, Purchased For The Purpose of Accomplishing Our Collective Local Work.

Is The Building “Set Apart?”• The Local Building Is Dedicated To Our Work, But Is

Not A Holy Place Like The Temple or Tabernacle.– They were specifically commissioned by God, and were

designed to communicate our need to approach God in holiness. (Hebrews 9:1-7)

• The Use of the Building Is Set Apart By Payment– Financed with funds dedicated to the work of the

local church.• The Use of the Building Is Set Apart By Possession

– Overseen by local elders, not our personal preferences.• The Use of the Building Is Set Apart By Purpose

– As a tool for the work of the local church.

Exercising The Best Judgment

• Our Goal Is To Respect The PURPOSE – John 2:16, Luke 4:16

• Everyone Has Varying Personal Judgments About What Minor Uses Are Insignificant.– Corporate Equivalent: One company may allow

you to freely use office supplies, while another may not.

– Working Together: Matthew 23:24• Local Elders Will Exercise Their Best Judgment

Over Resources Purchased By The Church.– Acts 11:30, 1 Peter 5:1-4

Case Studies: Areas To Stay Alert In Our Applications

• Gatherings At The Building• Borrowing Tools & Supplies• Meeting In Our Groups• Teaching Aids We Incorporate

The Works of the Local Church