The All Sufficiency of the church

Introduction

Today, we will begin a new series today on institutionalism. This important series needs to be preached on. It is important to realize that Almighty God designed the church, and has executed the plan for the church. It is up to man to accept the design, purpose, and work of the church. Those who are part of His church need to be content with following the plan that God has set forth by inspired scripture.

I.  The Church Must Be Sufficient to Accomplish God’s Purpose

A.      The church is part of God’s eternal purpose for the salvation of man.

A.     To deny the sufficiency of the church is to question the wisdom of God.  See Rom. 11:33-36

B.      Consider Romans 9:20-21 - the creation has no right to question God.

C.     Let us all strive to put our faith and trust in God’s plan.

II. The Church Revealed in the Scriptures Must Be Sufficient

A.      God has revealed all of his will through divine inspiration of the Bible.

1.     2 Pet. 1:2-4 - all things which pertain to life and godliness.

2.     2 Tim. 3:14-17 - all together profitable for man’s every need.

3.     1 Cor. 2:9-10 – We can know God’s will through the word.

4.     Col. 2:9-10 - The man of God can be made complete the word.

B.      The Bible reveals to mankind God’s ways.

1.  Christ outlined this principle in Matthew. 28:20...

2.     Galatians in 1:6-12 - Preaches another gospel? Accursed.

3.     2 Tim. 2:2, Timothy was to teach what he had learned to other men.

C.     We are not to go beyond what is written!

1.     1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Cor. 4:13; 1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:6-14

D.     The revelation to man from God is perfect.

III. Christ’s church is to Function under Divine Authority and Supervision

A.     Eph. 1:20-23 identifies Christ as the head of the church.

1.     Christians are directed by Christ - the head.  See Romans 12:4-5.

2.     God has arranged the body to please Him.  1 Cor. 12:24-28

B.     The church today is still under the authority set forth by the apostles.

IV. God’s Way is best!

A.     Isa. 55:8-9 The Scriptures show the supremacy of God’s way!

1.      Jer. 10:23 - it is not within man who walks to direct his own steps.

2.      Pro. 16:25 - man’s way leads to death.

3.      Deut. 8:6 - Walk in the ways of the Lord.

4.      Deut. 26:17 - obey the voice of the Lord.

B.      Shouldn’t Christians do the same today?

Conclusion

A.     We have talked about the importance of following God’s pattern. 

B.      Have you followed God’s pattern of salvation?