1. Scripture Reading 1 Timothy 3:14-15

2. Introduction We want to look this evening at a lesson about the work of the church. The “religious” world sees the work of the church totally different from the way God designed the church. We want to see what the church is, what the work of the church is not, and what work, if any it has to do.

3. The church In my opinion, some Christians view the church as some entity apart from the people. The people are the church, and the church is the people (Acts 2:47; Col. 1:13-14). As the church we have been given a work to do.

4. The work of the church is not…. The work of the church is not…. Entertainment Hurricane relief Social reform Political action A welfare society To support ball teams Anything that man assigns it to do

5. The work of the church is… To preach the gospel (Mk. 16:15-16) To edify & admonish one another (Heb. 10:24) To provide benevolence to needy saints (Acts 11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-2) That is basically the work of the church. Why do we see so many in the religious world assigning so much to the “church”?

6. The way the world sees it The world’s view of the church is based on a perverted understanding of the church. To many the church is nothing more than an institution that comes to the rescue of every need of mankind. That view is because of false teaching that is done by so many “preachers”

7. Conclusion The church is not a separate entity from the people. The church is the people, and the people are the church. Let us study the word of God so that we will know what the work of the church is and what it is not.