Topical Sermon: The Church of Christ: Divinely Planned (Part 1)

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!