Series on the church of Christ

PART 1

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST:

DIVINELY PLANNED TO ACCOMPLISH DIVINE WORK

 

Intro.

1.  The church is under attack: False doctrines, worldliness, humanism, apathy, etc.

2.  Many teach the church is unimportant, a "non-essential!"  Yet -- Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28.

3.  Without a thorough knowledge of the church’s work & its sufficiency to do its work, its source of authority & its organization, we will only be paying lip-service to the grand house of God -- eventually its true identity will be destroyed by lack of knowledge! - 1 Cor. 3:16-17.

  a.  Brethren / churches have failed due to misunderstand the nature & work of the church.

  b.  Only God’s word can bring about unity (Jno. 17:20-21).

 

I.  THE CHURCH IS A VITAL PART OF GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE - Eph. 3:10-11.

  A.  The Church Displays The Eternal Wisdom Of God - v. 10. -HOW?-

    1.  Church is Christ’s body - The saved (ekklesia -"To call out of," hence, called out ones).

-The church shows forth God’s plan to save mankind.

    2.  Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28 - Built & bought with blood of Christ - Church exhibits the love & sacrifice of God for sinners!

    3.  Acts 2:38, 41, 47 - Entrance. Church shows that the transformation of lives & fellowship with God is now possible!

  B.  As a Result, The Church Is Not An Optional Relationship!

    1.  God is the Architect of the church (Eph. 3:10-11).

    2.  Christ is Builder & Head of church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22).

    3.  H.S. the Revealer of the church's place & work (Eph. 3:3-5).

    4.  The church of Christ is not the work of man, it is the work of God!

  C.  The Church Was Built By Divine Pattern - Matt. 16:18; Heb. 3:3-4.

    1.  Heb. 8:1-5 - Importance of following the divine pattern:

      a.  OT tabernacle - v. 5; (Exo. 25-27; 25:9, 40).

      b.  Ark of Noah - (Gen. 6:13-22).

      c.  Pattern for bearing the ark of covenant (Exo. 25:14).

    -Different pattern (new cart) - Uzziah killed (2 Sam. 6:3, 6-7).

    -1 Chron. 15:12-15 - Wasn’t according to the ordinance!

    2.  Principle applies to church (God’s house) today:

      a.  God has told church what to do & how to do it!

      b.  1 Cor. 3:11 - Christ is only foundation for church.

      c.  1 Cor. 3:16-17 - Destroy church - Be destroyed!

      d.  Therefore, must honor divine pattern & plan for the church!

 

II.  THE DIVINE PLAN FOR THE CHURCH FULFILLS GOD'S PURPOSES - Eph . 4:11-16.

  A.  This Plan Rests Squarely Upon The Gospel (Rom. 1:16) - Eph. 4:11.

    1.  Apostles & prophets: Divine revelation.

      a.  Their work -- Make known the will of God (1 Cor. 2:11-13).

      b.  Their work is preserved -- NT / Complete.

    2.  Evangelists: T heir work -- Preach the gospel (2 Tim. 4:2, 5).

    3.  Pastors & teachers: Their work -- Congregational.

      a.  Pastors: Shepherds - Overseer - Feed flock (Acts 20:28).

      b.  Teachers: Instruct in the word.

  B.  The Objectives Of This Divine Plan - 4:12.

    1.  Perfecting of the saints - "To render fit, complete" to perform tasks & bare responsibilities (Education, training). Edification

    2.  Work of ministry - To render service. Includes, but not limited to Benevolence.

    3.  Building up of the body of Christ - (same word "build" - Matt. 16:18.  Enlarge, growth).  Evangelism

  C.  The Results Of This Work - 4:13-16.

    1.  v. 13 - Completeness of revelation (apostles &prophets).

      -A standard (pattern) given by which to measure ourselves.

    2.  v. 14-15 - Spiritual growth & stability (evangelists, pastors, teachers).

    3.  v. 16 - Mission (work) will be accomplished.

 

III.  WHAT THE DIVINE MISSION OF THE CHURCH IS NOT.

  A.  Not A Social Mission (Not a social organization).

  B.  Not An Economic Mission (Not a business).

  C.  Not A Domestic Mission (Not a home).

  D.  Not A Political Mission (Not a "theocracy").

  E.  A Spiritual Mission! - 1 Pet. 2:5.

    -The church of Christ is a relationship of saved people to God, to each other & to the world.

 

Conclusion

1.  Any intrusion of another kind of work into church’s divinely planned work violates the pattern God's word establishes for its work.

2.  Church of Christ - Divinely planned, built & organized - Heb. 8:5!