1. THE WORK OF THE CHURCH

2. Defining terms - “The church” we are discussing is a “local congregation.” [NOTE: The “universal church” has no organization, structure or machinery by which to function, nor is any work assigned to it in scripturre.] Phil. 1:1 Phil. 1:1

3. THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Defining terms - “Work” - the activity/function authorized in the New Testament for a local group of saints who have voluntairly associated together to constitute a local church. Must have either general or specifice authority to act. Statements - commands - approved examples - necessary inferences. Col. 3:17

4. THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Note: The New Testament charges individuals (Christians) with some responsibilities that are in the same field of activity as that of the church. This is not to say, “Whatever the individual does, the church may also do.” Each church is autonomous [independent]. 1 Tim. 3:15 - “the pillar and ground of the truth.”

5. THE WORK OF THE CHURCH All work of the local church falls into one of three categories. Edification Benevolence to needy saints Evangelism Therefore: any collective work that cannot be scripturrally placed in one of these categories is not and cannot be “the work of the church!”

6. EDIFICATION Defined - “the act of building…the promotion of spiritual growth…to build up.” Giving authority - Eph. 4:8,11-16. 1 Cor. 14:4,5,12,26. It is spiritual activity!

7. EDIFICATION Giving Authority - “Coming together into one place,” for edification and worship implies a time and place. 1 Cor. 14:23,26; 11:20,33 1 Cor. 14:19,28,35; Col. 4:16; Acts 20:7. Preaching, teaching, singing and praying are all included in 1 Cor. 14 for edification and worship. Also, Lord’s supper, 1 Cor. 11:20-34; Giving, 1 Cor. 16:1,2.

8. EDIFICATION Giving Authority - Disciplining “disorderly members” - 1 Cor. 5:1-13 [v.4]; Rom. 16:17,18; 2 Thess. 3:6,14. Matt. 18:15-17 Unfortunately, this “work of the church” is one of the most neglected areas of labor in the interest of lost souls and the purity of the church. Ungodly exemptions for “family,” etc. Edification is the Lord’s plan for the church...

9. BENEVOLENCE TO NEEDY SAINTS Defined - “relief, assistance, aid to Christians.” Giving authority - Its own needy saints - Acts 4:32-37; 6:1-4. Includes “widows indeed, 1 Tim. 5:16. Directly assisting another local church so it can care for its own needy saints - Rom. 15:25,26,31. 2 Cor. 8:1-4; 9:1-5,12,13’ 1 Cor. 16:1-3. Acts 11:29,30 The local church will assist needy saints.

10. EVANGELISM Defined - “preaching the gospel.” Giving authority - A local church sounding forth the truth - 1 Thess.1:8. Acts 13:1-3 [14:26-28]; 15:3 [brought on their way”]. Gospel preachers were supported directly - Phil 4:15-17; 2 Cor. 11:8,9. No “sponsoring church.” Evangelism [preaching the gospel] is the work of the local church.

11. FUNDING THE WORK OF THE CHURCH The collection of necessary funds - Acts 4:33-37 - “at the apostles feet.” 1 Cor. 16:1,2 - a pattern for collecting funds for a scriptural work. Churches had funds for necessary work - *Phil. 4:14-17; *2 Cor. 11:8,9. How did they get these funds? 2 Cor. 9:6,7; 1 Cor. 16:1,2.

12. FUNDING THE WORK OF THE CHURCH There is no authority for hoarding the Lord’s money or investing it to make more money! Churches are involved in the work of “spending,” not “saving!” Funds collected are for authorized work - RELEASE THEM TO DO THEIR WORK!!!

13. THE CHALLENGE Edification, benevolence to needy saints and evangelism constitute the sum [whole] of the work of the local church. Let the church work in every authorized way, to the glory of God! Eph. 3:20,21