Defining the Work of the Church 1 Timothy 3: These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

The New Testament Church Standard for authority: Apostolic Doctrine Standard for authority: Apostolic Doctrine  Matthew 16: :18  Matthew 28:18-20  Acts 2:42  2 Timothy 3:16-17  2 Timothy 1: :2 “Apostles doctrine” = “commands of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37; 4:17) “Apostles doctrine” = “commands of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37; 4:17) Word taught by apostles is only source to determine acceptable faith & practice Word taught by apostles is only source to determine acceptable faith & practice

Worship of the Church Teaching & study of God’s Word  Acts 2:42; 3:12-4:2; 4:7-12, 18-20; 5:17-20, 28-29; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:12 Lord’s Supper  1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 10:16-17; Acts 20:7 Prayer  Acts 2:42; 4:24-30; 12:5,12; James 5:16-18 Singing  1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 Giving or Contribution  Acts 4:35; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Divinely Authorized Work of the Church Evangelism Edification Benevolence

Edification The church must help its members grow & develop spiritually  Ephesians 4:11-16  Hebrews 10:23-25  1 Peter 2:1-2 Examples of churches seeking edification  Acts 9:31  Acts 20:31-32 Worship & study of word is means to edification  Not done through recreation, social meals...  Done by church providing for corporate worship  Classes, training, meetings & efforts to grow in truth Church today has corporate responsibility to edify

Evangelism Church must preach the Gospel to lost world  1 Timothy 3:15  Acts 8:3-4  Acts 5:42  Acts 13:1-3  Philippians 1:3-5 Preaching of Gospel necessary for salvation  Mark 16:15-16  1 Peter 1:22-25 Church today must provide for evangelism  Through preaching in assembly (1 Cor. 14:23)  Provision for classes, meeting & other teaching  By supporting those preaching message elsewhere

Benevolence to Needy Saints The church must provide for some needy saints in emergency cases of deprivation  Acts 4:34-35  Acts 11:27-30  1 Timothy 5:3-16  Romans 15:25-27  2 Corinthians 8 & 9 Church is not charged with…  Responsibility for benevolent relief to alien sinners  Responsibility to provide for all needy saints  Responsibility to provide for the desires of saints  Funding of benevolent societies & institutions Church today must meet some benevolent needs that arise from time to time among saints

For That Work To Be Done, This Church Must... Understand the pattern of proper work Desire to do the work commanded by God Personally commit ourselves to meet the responsibility incumbent on each of us Give generously & joyfully of our… TIME MONEY ABILITY If we fail to do so, the work will not get done