Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 3:14-16
The Mission of the Church
Intro.
1. The church fulfills the eternal purpose accomplished in Christ, to show God’s wisdom to the world, Eph. 3:10-11.
2. How we conduct ourselves in the church (members of it) is revealed in the inspired word of God, 1 Tim. 3:14-15 (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
3. The result of proper conduct: God is glorified, Eph. 3:21.
I. THE CHURCH IS THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH, 1 Tim. 3:15.
A. The Church Supports God’s Revealed Truth.
1. Pillar: As a column supports the weight of a building, so the (local) church bears the responsibility “to maintain the doctrines of the faith by teaching and practice” (Vine, III:184).
a. Preach gospel (Eph. 4:11); Contend for the faith (Jude 3-4); Oppose error (Gal. 2:5).
b. By godly, righteous living in harmony with the truth, Jno. 8:31-32; Phil. 3:14-16; 2 Pet. 1:5-7.
2. Ground: “A support, bulwark, stay” (Vine). Idea of stability, protection and defense; Strengthen, stabilize.
a. By continuing in the faith, cf. Col. 1:23, “settled” (KJV).
b. The (local) church is a protector of truth; Overseers (Acts 20:28-31; Rom. 16:17-18; Gal. 6:1-2).
3. Truth: NOT convenience, self-esteem, social reform, community improvement, youth activities, social contacts, etc. The church supports God’s word of truth.
II. WHY THE CHURCH MUST SUPPORT AND DEFEND TRUTH.
-Because of what Truth is and what it Accomplishes.
1. The nature of truth:
a. From God, 1 Thess. 2:13 (Jno. 17:17).
b. Inspired and profitable, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
c. Truth is powerful:
1) Penetrates the heart, Acts 2:37 (Heb. 4:12).
2) Creates faith, Rom. 10:17.
3) Saves, Rom. 1:16 (Jno. 8:32).
d. Establishes the course of our daily lives, Col. 2:6-7.
e. Enlivens our hope of eternal glory in heaven, Col. 1:3-5.
f. Protects us against sin, Psa. 119:11; Eph. 6:14-17.
2. When a church fails to support and defend the truth it will, without fail, move into unauthorized areas of work and lose its identity as the NT church, 1 Tim. 4:1-3; Rev. 2:14-16; 2:4-5.
III. LOCAL CHURCHES OF CHRIST DO THE WORK GOD GIVES THEM (REVEALED IN THE WORD OF TRUTH, 1 Tim. 3:15).
-”The church occupies herself confidently in the work God designed for his people.” (Jerry Fite, GT:12, May 1994).
A. Preach the Gospel, Phil. 1:5; 1 Thess. 1:8.
B. Edify the Saints, Acts 2:42.
1. Assembles, 1 Cor. 14:26.
2. Worship, Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:18, 20, 34; 14:23.
3. Teach the gospel as the only doctrine and the sole measurement of spiritual action and spiritual growth, Gal. 1:8-9; Eph. 4:15-16, 20-21; 2 Tim. 3:17.
C. Relieve Needy Saints, Acts 4:34-35; 11:27-30.
D. Any Work that is Added or Taken Away is Accursed, Gal. 1:6-12. (Social gospel, medical missions, general benevolence)
Conclusion
1. Once we change the mission of the church to secular pursuits, we forfeit the claim of being the “house of God” (1 Tim. 3:15).
2. Our behavior either reflects reverent honor for the church, or selfish disdain.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: April 6, 2017