1. Concepts of Authority Individual Action VS Collective Action

2. Lesson Premise Differences that have divided brethren... Is the following a true statement? Whatever the individual Christian can do, a congregation of Christians can do. Or Whatever the individual Christian can do, as a part of his work as a Christian, a congregation of Christians can do.

3. Scenarios under Consideration An individual can use his money to support a college that teaches the Bible to students. Since that is so, is it acceptable for a church to send money to a college in support of the teaching of the Bible? An individual can (and should) be benevolent to his neighbor, even if he is not a Christian. Since that is so, is it acceptable for a church to send money to (or operate) an orphan’s home as a benevolent work?

4. The Work of Benevolence – The Pattern Individual - Unlimited –Luke 10:25-37 (Good Samaritan) –James 1:27 (Visit the Fatherless and Widows) –Galatians 6:1-10 (Do Good to All) Collective – Limited to Saints –Acts 6:1-7 (Hellenist widows in Jerusalem) –Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-26 (from Antioch to Saints in Judea) –1 Corinthians 16:1-3 (Purpose of collection)

5. The statement tested Whatever the individual Christian can do, as a part of his work as a Christian, a congregation of Christians can do. 1 Timothy 5:3-16 –Widows are to be taken care of by their family (4) –Not all widows “qualify” for the roll (9-10) –The church is not to be “charged” with the burden of caring for widows if the widow has children to care for her (16)

6. Conclusion As always, we are bound by the pattern of scripture. The Bible pattern clearly reveals the importance of benevolence in the practice of the Christian faith. However, both scripturally, and logically, the work of benevolence is limited as it pertains to the obligation of the local church. (cf. John 12:8) There is a difference between individual and collective responsibilities in scripture.