“The Sufficiency of the church”

Full Definition of “Sufficient”  adjective: having or providing as much as is needed a :  enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end <sufficient provisions for a month> b :  being a sufficient condition (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) Examples of “sufficient” A brisk walk is sufficient to raise your heart rate. There must be sufficient funds in your bank account to cover the check.

The church is the result of a divine plan fulfilled… It is the true tabernacle which the Lord has erected, and not man (Heb. 8:1-5). The church is the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose (Eph. 3:8-11; Col 1:19-28). This was foretold by the prophets “Therefore thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.” (Isa. 28:16) (Eph. 2:19-22; 1Pet. 2:4-10)

The church is the result of a divine plan fulfilled… Prepared for by John the Baptist and during the Jesus’ earthly ministry (Isa. 40:3-5; Mt. 3:1-3; 10:5-7). Jesus Christ promised to build it (Mt. 16:13-20). It was brought into existence within the 1st century (Acts 2:47; 5:11; 11:26; Col. 1:13-18). There can be no change from the divine pattern without condemnation “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:10-11)

The church indeed was designed by Godly wisdom for a divine purpose. To reject the sufficiency of the church is to call into question the wisdom of God in His divine plan. (1Cor. 1:25-31) "Known to God from eternity are all His works” (Acts 15:18) To reject the sufficiency of the church is to call into question the wisdom of God in His divine instruction (Rom. 11:33-36) … “to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen” (Rom. 16:27)

To improve upon God’s divine arrangement man would have to be wiser than God… “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jer 10:23) “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Gal 1:6-8) “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness" (1 Cor 3:19)

The church revealed by the Holy Spirit in God’s perfect revelation must be sufficient! “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26) God’s righteousness was revealed in the truth made known to the apostles (Rom 1:16-17). By the testimony of the Holy Spirit only can man know the mind of God (1Cor. 2:10-12).

Divine revelation makes known all of God’s will concerning man’s redemption … “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Col. 2:10) The Bible itself declares that the Scriptures are altogether profitable for every need (1Tim 3:14-17). … “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Pet 1:3)

Divine revelation sets forth divine ways …“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.” (Matt 28:20) Paul wrote of how the things taught by him were to be committed to faithful men who would teach others also (2Tim. 2:2). He declared that the gospel preached by him was a revelation of the Lord and wrote of the judgment to come should anyone pervert it in any way (Gal.1:6-12). One is not to go beyond the things written (1Cor. 4:6; 1Thess. 1:6; 2Thess. 3:6-14). God’s ways revealed in God’s word are sufficient to accomplish God’s purposes (Rom. 11:33-36).

The purpose and work of the church is under divine authority and supervision… “…And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Eph 1:22-23) As His body, its members are so related that their every function is directed by Him. No member of the human body can normally perform its function without the direction of the head (Rom 12:3-6). In the 1st century, the apostles were given authority to settle matters in the church. The church was therefore bound by their decisions made while under direction of the Holy Spirit (Mt 18:18; Acts 15; Gal 2).

The church as the Holy Spirit revealed it represents God’s ways… “Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.” (Deut 8:6) “Today you have proclaimed the Lord to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice.” (Deut 26:17) “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways.” (Deut 28:9)

The church as the Holy Spirit revealed it represents God’s ways… “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jer 10:23) “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Prov 16:25) "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa 55:8-9)

In Closing… The church as God designed it, as Christ built it, and as the Holy Spirit has revealed it -- represents God’s ways, and they are always not only sufficient, but they are best!! God’s ways are best because… God is always guided by His love for us and our good in choosing them for us. They honor Him and are an indication of our faith and trust in Him. They always serve His purpose.