What is the Work of the Church?

Introduction:
 I. A very important and needed study because there is much 
    error being taught on this subject.
    A. Most denominationalists have no idea of the Scriptural 
       work God designed the church to do.
    B. Many Christians are ignorant of the work or mission of 
       the church.
       1. This is evidenced by what many churches are doing.
       2. This is evidenced by what many Christians say.
II. As always, God’s Word is our standard. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Body:
 I. It is not the work of the church:
    A. To glory in vain pride (Material things).
       1. An elaborate, expensive building and fine furnishings.
       2. Large crowds and big financial contributions.
       3. Popular preacher, eloquence, etc. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
       4. The socially “elite” attends. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
       5. “Professional singing, etc.
    B. To engage in Secular Businesses.
       1. God’s plan of finance for church is very simple.
          a. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
          b. 2 Corinthians 9:7
          c. “consider a needy church.” 2 Corinthians 8:12-15
       2. No authority for any other schemes.
          a. 2 John 9
          b. 2 Peter 1:3
          c. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
    C. To control or govern in Civil Affairs.
       1. God has ordained Civil Government. Romans 13:1-7
       2. Yet, we have no authority for the church to get 
          involved with the government.
          a. 2 John 9
          b. Colossians 3:17
    D. To engage in “social reform.”
       1. No authority for such.
          a. Colossians 3:17
          b. 2 John 9
       2. The gospel will have its effect on people socially. 
          Social barriers overcome by the gospel.  This is a 
          secondary effect.  Primary effect is to save the soul. 
          Romans 1:16
    E. To entertain or provide facilities for such!
       1. No authority for such.
          a. Colossians 3:17
          b. 2 John 9
       2. Romans 14:17 – Why then church kitchens and banquet 
          rooms?
       3. The church opera, the pool room, the banquet room, the 
          pulpit clown, and ever other fun-making devices are an 
          abomination to God when provided by the church to 
          entertain and draw crowds! (Madison church)
    F. To provide or sponsor social activities (Parties, 
       Picnics…)
       1. Proper in their place but no authority for the church 
          to engage in such.
          a. Colossians 3:17
          b. 2 John 9
       2. Paul said:
          a. 1 Corinthians 11:22
          b. 1 Corinthians 11:34
    G. To become like the “nations” (Denominations) about us!
       1. Cf. Israel desiring a King. Cf. 1 Samuel 8:1-22
       2. Floyd A. Decker in 1944: “Why I Left the Christian 
          Church” He said one of the reasons he left was: “The 
          Christian Church emphasizes society or the physical 
          man by appealing to the carnal nature, with church 
          carnivals, bands, plays, choruses, dramatics, church 
          kitchens, church camps, and elaborate fellowship 
          halls; the church of Christ does not. (1 Corinthians 
          10:7; Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 11:22, 34).”  - 
          Churches of Christ did not have kitchens and 
          fellowship halls then, but many of them do now!

II. It is the work of the church:
    A. To engage in edification (Worship included).
       1. Ephesians 4:12-16
       2. 1 Corinthians 14:3-5, 12, 19, 26.
       3. The local Church is sufficient in organization to do 
          this.
          a. The church provides the funds, personnel and 
             oversight.
          b. No authority for the church to build or support 
             another organizations!
    B. To engage in evangelism.
       1. 1 Timothy 3:15
       2. 1 Thessalonians 1:8
       3. 2 Corinthians 11:8; Philippians 4:15-16
       4. The local church is sufficient in organization to do 
          this.
          a. The local church provides the funds, personnel, and 
             oversight.
          b. No authority for church to build or support another 
             organization.
    C. To relieve needy saints.
       1. 1 Timothy 5:16
       2. Acts 6:1-6
       3. Acts 11:27-30
       4. Relief of needy saints in Jerusalem.
          a. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
          b. 2 Corinthians 8 and 9
          c. Romans 15:25-31
       5. The local church is sufficient in organization to do 
          this.
          a. The church provides the funds, personnel, and 
             oversight.
          b. No authority for the church to build or support 
             another organization.

Conclusion:
 I. It is not the work of the church to (1) glory in vain pride; 
    (2) engage in secular businesses; (3) govern in civil 
    affairs; (4) engage in “social reform”; (5) entertain or 
    provide facilities for such; (6) provide or sponsor social 
    activities; and (7) become like the “nations” about us.
II. It is the work of the church to engage in: (1) evangelism; 
    (2) edification; and (3) relief of needy saints.