What is the Work of the Church?

Introduction

We do not have to look far to see that many around us do not understand the purpose of the church. God created the church for a unique and special purpose. Christians have been purchased with the precious blood of Christ. The mission of the church must therefore be directly related to the purpose for which His blood was shed. 

I. What is the Church and what is its Purpose?

A.     It is not the physical building.

1.     1 Cor. 3:9 – it is a spiritual building made up of Christians.

B.      The church is a spiritual institution, its mission is spiritual. Its work is spiritual.

C.     1 Peter 2:5 - The specific function of the church is to offer up spiritual sacrifices.

1.      Heb. 10:23-25 - Through assembling for worship…

2.     1 Cor. 11:23; 30; Acts 20:7 – Through the Lord’s Supper…

3.     Christians are to give as prospered, study, sing, and pray. 

II. The Work of Evangelism

A.     Evangelism is an integral function of the church.

1.     It has been God's plan from eternity to save the world by preaching the gospel.

B.     When we “evangelize” we announce good news, especially the gospel

1.     All mankind is in need of salvation.  Rom 3:23; 6:23.  The gospel of Christ is God's power to save - Rom. 1:16

C.    Col. 1:23-27: God has chosen preaching as a means of saving the lost, 1:25.

1.     2 Cor. 11:7-8 – Paul could have taken support from the church in Corinth.

2.     Phil. 4:14-20 - Congregations may support other evangelists

III. The Work of Edification.

A.     Individual congregations have responsibility to edify or build up members. 

1.     Eph. 4:15-16 - We must all be striving to build one another up in the Lord.  Rom. 14:19 - This is the purpose of every Christian.

B.     Col. 2:6-7 - The local congregation must produce an atmosphere that is conducive to becoming well rooted in the Lord.

C.    Heb. 5:12-14 - Christians are to go past the point of being babes in Christ.

D.   The work of edification is an essential part of the work of the church.

IV. The Work of Benevolence

A.       Truth cannot be determined by sentiment or emotion. 

B.       Many congregations now render general benevolence to all who are in need, whether saints or not.

1.     John 6:66 - Multitudes that followed Jesus because He provided them with food and drink as they followed Him. Many fall away.

2.     People who are attracted by benevolence will turn away when the benevolence is discontinued.

a)     Paul stated in Rom. 1:16 that the gospel is God's power to save - not the attraction of benevolence.

C.      Acts 11:27-30 - The church of the New Testament did not render benevolence to the world in general.

1.     11:29-30 funds sent to the brethren in Judea.

D.      This does not prohibit the individual from helping anyone whom he sees fit.

1.     Individual Christians can should render aid to anyone.

2.     See Gal. 6:10; James 1:27; Mt. 25:31-46; and Lk. 10:25-37.

Conclusion

A.  Let us keep in mind what the true mission of the church is. 

B.     It involves ONLY evangelism, edification, and benevolence to needy saints.