The New Testament Church 2017 Is there a difference between the individual and the church? The New Testament Church 2017

A Christian at all times! Always a disciple! Acts 11:26 More than mere belief or being part of a “sound” congregation. More than simply obeying the gospel

A Christian at all times! It is a way of life, “24/7”. It is about submission, obedience and conformity 1 Peter 1:13-16, James 1:21-25 Being a Christian will influence every area of your life.

Spiritual Eph. 4:1-16 Based on chart, Walking by Faith, pg. 30. Roy E. Cogdill © 1967

A Christian at all times! Family relationships 1 Peter 3:1-7, Ephesians 6:1-4 Civil relationship – obey your government Romans 13:1-7, Luke 20:25, 1 Timothy 2:1-4 - pray

A Christian at all times! Social relationships – within your community - good citizens 1 Peter 2:12, Colossians 4:5 Includes social media & benevolence – James 1:27

A Christian at all times! Economic relationships – the need to work 1 Timothy 5:8 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Colossians 3:22-4:1 (Employer, employee) Spiritual relationships – the church is a part of our life Ephesians 4:1-16

Spiritual Eph. 4:1-16 Based on chart, Walking by Faith, pg. 30. Roy E. Cogdill © 1967

A Christian at all times! In each of these areas, one must follow God’s instructions We cannot pass on our responsibilities to the government OR the church!

A Christian at all times! What you do as a Christian IS a reflection upon Christ AND His church! Cf. Romans 2:21 While the individual CAN, the church CANNOT: Provide secular education Provide recreation and entertainment Tell us how to vote (though Biblical teaching is done) Provide us with job training Seek to reform society

There is a difference: Dealing with sinning brethren Matthew 18:15-17 Individual, Go to him, take 2-3 with you Church, vs. 17 only at “step 3” does the church become involved.

There is a difference: Separate treasuries Acts 4:32-5:11 Brethren helping each other - Individual, 5:4 “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?...”

There is a difference: Separate places to eat 1 Corinthians 11:20-34 Church, vs. 20, 33 - they came together to partake of the Lord’s Supper Individual, vs. 22, 34

There is a difference: Helping needy widows 1 Timothy 5:3-16 Church, vs. 5, 9-10, 16 the church CAN help “widows indeed” Individual, vs. 4, 8, 11-15 (young widows to seek husbands) 16 “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened.”

What is the point? There is confusion by some between the church and the individual. Some reason that if the individual can do something so can the church. Why this confusion?

What is the point? 1) Because the church is made up of individuals (Christians) 2) Because we are called upon to be examples at all times 3) Because there are areas where both the individual and the church act 4) Some have used these points to expand the work of the church beyond its Biblical boundaries.

Some duties to both church and individuals Teaching - Acts 8:4, Acts 11:19-26 Individuals took and preached the gospel in Antioch (11:19- 20) Church sent Barnabas to Antioch (11:22-24) Barnabas and Saul (11:25-26)

Some duties to both church and individuals Benevolence – yes, the church can do benevolent works! (Acts 11:29, 1 Cor. 16:1-2) The individual can and should do much more – James 1:27, cf. Matthew 25:31-46

Some duties to both church and individuals Discipline – 1 Corinthians 5 Church publicly withdraws (4-7) Individual must act properly (5:9-13) And do what he can to win them back, including strengthened relationships in the first place cf. James 5:19-20

Some duties to both church and individuals Growth – Church grow (cf. Acts 2:41, 4:4, 5:14, 6:1, etc.) Ephesians 4:16es Individual need to grow, 2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 5:12-14

Some duties to both church and individuals In these examples we see: While working together the church collectively and individuals maintained their distinctive roles There is no conflict as they carry out their roles The church did NOT take over individual responsibilities (How far do we take this?

There is a distinction between the church and the individual. Let us respect God’s boundaries even in this!

Are you serving God faithfully in every aspect of your life?