What Drives Our Congregation?

 

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Topic # 1535

 

Introduction:

A.       Interesting to look at several NT congregations as they worked/labored during bible times.

1.     Corinth – plagued by division; strife; growing pains.  But also Christians who strived to serve God – 1 Cor. 1:12

2.     Rome – large # of Jews/Gentiles.  Plagued by division over the old law.  Reminded of need to serve by faith/obedience.  Chapter 16 tells us of good brethren who served God faithfully.

3.     Thessalonica – received the faith earnestly.

B.      Perhaps clearest picture painted is that of Ephesus.  Look briefly at primary focus of this group.  What was the motivating force behind their work?  What drove them? Let’s look first to Acts.

1.     Acts 19:8-10 – seems that they were driven by a sincere desire to save lost souls.  Evangelism drove them. 

2.     See also 19:17-20; 24-42 – word of Lord grew mightily & prevailed.  See the ruckus over Christianity.  Consider the effects of 1st century teaching – 19:26…

C.      At this point – seems that they driven by a boldness/zeal/tremendous love for the Lord.  Had a tremendous effect!

1.     In book of Ephesians also see they driven by a love for fellow saints.  Uplifting atmosphere – 1:15

D.      Later, however, get different picture of Ephesian congregation:

1.     Rev. 2:4-5 – left first love.  Needed to do again deeds that they did at first.

2.     conclusion:  their religion had become lifeless; mechanical; ritualistic; going through the motions.

a)     zeal was decimated.  Slacked off; gave less attention to their Christianity.

b)     Still working/persevering but needed to get excited about their Christianity again!  Excitement is contagious!

3.     Would seem by this time – they driven by status quo.

E.      What drives this congregation? 

1.     Every church is driven by something.  There is a guiding force – a controlling assumption; a directing conviction behind everything that happens.

2.     Usually – this force influences every aspect of a congregations life.

F.       What drives our congregation? 

 

I.  What Should NOT Drive Us:

A.    Tradition or status quo. 

1.     Been said: the 7 last words of the church are: “We’ve never done it this way before.”

2.     in tradition driven church – change almost always seen as a negative.

a)      in tradition driven church – stagnation is often interpreted as stability!

3.     Consider Heb. 5:11-14 – brethren had become lazy in spiritual growth.  Lazy attitude here – will lead to laziness elsewhere!

a)     all faced w/this problem!  We = creatures of habit.  Must guard against religion becoming mere habit!

b)     Our worship/spiritual growth should result from a sincere desire to serve God.

4.     Instead of being bound by we’ve always done it this way or this person did it like this we MUST be open to different, more expedient methods in our work in the church!  (as long as scriptural)

B.    Finances.

1.      question at forefront of this kind of church: ”How much will everything cost?”

a)     finances become the primary concern – everything else secondary.

a)    Seen in congregations w/plenty (didn’t want to turn loose) & in congregations not as blessed. 

b)    Lord will supply our every need – including our congregations need – if we will act in faith!

c)    look @ “can-do” attitude of Paul – Phil 4:13.

2.      Yes…we must be good stewards w/the Lord’s money.

a)    it’s not ours – it’s His!  Can’t be frivolous/wasteful!  Must exercise caution in how it spent!

b)    Need to pursue best way to use this resource – in efforts of evangelism, edification, & benevolence.

3.      Money in Lord’s treasury is a tool.  A resource – and we will be held accountable for how we use it!

a)    Mt. 25:16-30 – how are we using the resources the Lord has given us?

4.      Finally – a flip side to this to which we must give careful attention to:

a)    Each family must ask: how consistent is our giving?  Are we giving enough?  Are we sacrificing?  How interested are we in the work here?

b)    We do what we want to do – priorities.  See also 2 Cor. 9:6-7

C.   Seekers

1.      trend in many places:  allow needs of unbelievers to b/c driving force.

a)    primary focus: “what do the unchurched want?”

b)    churches now willing to throw out Scripture & add/practice things – to make themselves more attractive to world & in some cases – more attractive than other churches.

2.      Our job – hold up gospel in simple/pure form w/o compromise.

3.      our goal must not be to see how attractive we can b/c to the world – but how can we attract them to Christ like living?  Rom. 1:16

 

II.  What must drive this church?

A.    A sincere love for Jesus Christ.

1.    He has done so much for us!  Phil 2:6-8; 2 Cor. 8:9; 1 Jhn. 3:16

a)    Rev. 1:5 – He released us from our sins by His blood!

b)    How much do we appreciate that?  What am I willing to do to demonstrate my appreciation?

2.    Look at FC churches:  1 Thess 1:3 – their love for Christ propelled them!

a)    see also Phil 1:8-11; Philemon 5

b)    See also 1 Pet. 1:6-8 – read esp. 1:8.

3.    May I suggest that the reason the church grew at exciting pace in FC was b/c of a tremendous love for Jesus?

B.    A sincere desire to take gospel to the lost!

1.    motivated to look for every effective means to share gospel w/others – no matter what!

2.    talk to friends; radio program; website; c. courses; visitation; whatever!

3.    Consider Acts 4:23-31; 5:14, 29; 8:4; 9:31; 19:10, 17, 20

C.   Driven by vision that sees past what might be considered impossible!

1.    involves attitude!  Must develop a hunger for the Lord & His work.

2.    won’t get too far if just look to ourselves & our own devices.

a)    must consider the power in which we have been vested.  We have power – if we will seek it & use it!

3.    2 Tim. 1:6-7 –Timothy discouraged.  Paul felt some of his potential for evangelism neglected.

4.    Christians today – must believe in God’s plan; ourselves; and the eventual success of God’s intention!

a)    Harold Comer:  we must have faith enough to have a spirit of power and a certainty of the good results that will come from doing what God commands.  ….when God is with us – we have great power!  (p. 17 – Biblical Evangelism)

D.   Driven by a desire to strengthen, edify, encourage Christians w/in congregation.

1.    FC examples:  Ephesians (4:15-16); Thessalonians (2 Thess 1:3-5)

2.    must provide atmosphere condusive to spiritual growth. 

 

III.  We must change our focus.

A.    From being driven by tradition/status quo to a greater love for Jesus!

1.    Hebrew brethren encouraged to do so – Heb. 12:1-5

2.    Ephesian brethren encouraged to do so – Rev. 2:5

3.    Let them serve as a warning of where not to go.

B.    From being driven by finances to acting in faith that God will provide!

1.    Phil 4:13 – must launch out in faith.

C.   From being inwardly focused – to outwardly focused.

1.    our mission is to spread the gospel & strengthen ourselves in the Lord.

 

Conclusion:

A.     What do you think?  What drives our congregation?  Do we need to make changes?  Are we willing to change?

B.     Not a Christian?

1.    Jesus died for you.  He died to take away your sin.

2.    will you love Him in return?

3.    Demonstrate your love by faith/obedience today!

C.    Already a Christian?  Need to make correction?

D.    I N V I T A T I O N