1. Work of The Church 1 Peter 2:1-10

2. Review So far… Establishment Undenominational nature Spiritual nature Intolerance of evil Exclusive nature Loyalty and devotion

3. Introduction Practical considerations What does “work of the church” mean to us? How does it affect each individual Christian?

4. Misconceptions About the Church Work to do Created unto good works (Ephesians 2:10) Zealous (Titus 2:14) Challenging one another (Hebrews 10:24) Know what to do (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

5. Misconceptions About the Church Misconceptions Daily work, not once a week (Luke 9:23) Not just eliminating wrongdoing (Luke 11:24-26; James 1:22)

6. Misconceptions About the Church Two realms of activity Some is done individually Other activities are congregational in nature (2 Corinthians 5:10)

7. Individual Responsibility Begins with a new birth (John 3:3-5) Now a new creature (Romans 6:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 5:17) Then we are to grow (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18) Lay aside former ways (1 Peter 4:3, 4)

8. Individual Responsibility Add to our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8) Must develop these qualities Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)

9. Individual Responsibility Be an example (1 Timothy 4:12) Remember Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20) Let this be seen in the home, society, at work, etc. (1 Corinthians 7:1-5; Ephesians 6:4)

10. Individual Responsibility Help others (Romans 12:12) As we have opportunity (Galatians 6:10) Consider Dorcas, or Onesiphorus (Acts 9:39; 2 Timothy 1:16-18)

11. Individual Responsibility Teach others (2 Timothy 2:2) Early Christians (Acts 8:4) What is different today?

12. Individual Responsibility Be a member of a local church (Acts 9:19, 26; 11:26; 12:31) Submit to the elders (Hebrews 13:17) Assemble faithfully (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24, 25)

13. Individual Responsibility Continued Lord’s supper and giving (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2) Singing (Colossians 3:16) Supply your part (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) Benefit the whole church (Ephesians 4:16)

14. Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody were all neighbors in a community. These four fellows worshiped at the same congregation. Yet, they were unlike you and me for they were more mature in their judgments.

15. Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody Everybody was out of town most Sundays visiting relatives and Somebody usually went fishing. Anybody could have gone, but he thought he wouldn’t really be missed since Everybody would be there. So Nobody went to church.

16. Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody Not long ago, the elders needed a teacher for one of the Bible classes. Everybody thought Somebody would teach the class and Somebody thought Anybody could do the teaching. So they wound up with Nobody teaching the class.

17. Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody It seems that Nobody was the only decent chap among them. Nobody did the work when Everybody didn’t, when Somebody wouldn’t, and Anybody couldn’t.

18. Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody One day an unbeliever moved into the community. Everybody honestly believed Somebody would teach him. Somebody thought Anybody could, while Anybody thought Everybody had already talked to this man. Guess who finally won this man to Christ. That’s right–- Nobody!

19. Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody The years went by and these four fellows (Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody) died and went to meet their maker. Guess who went to heaven. That’s right— Nobody! ( Selected)

20. Conclusion There is work to do Let’s be busy working for the Master