Let the Church Be the Church

Introduction:

It has been said, Some of the greatest acts of patience are acts that take a lifetime to achieve results. We should be deeply grateful that God is patient. But yet, could God sometimes look down on us in frustration? We can refuse to let God do what He planned to do. We can refuse to let God be Himself. We can expect God to accomplish things when we will not permit Him to do the many things that will produce the accomplishments.

I. A look at John 11.

A.     John 11 – Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

B.     11:41 – they removed the stone from the entrance to the cave where Lazarus buried.

1.     11:43 – with a loud voice, Jesus called Lazarus from the dead.

2.     11:44 – Lazarus makes his way out of the tomb.

3.     11:44 – Jesus told the witnesses to unbind Lazarus. (Wrapped in burial clothes).

C.     Let us make an application. God through Jesus made us the church, the people of God.

1.     Romans 6:5-7 – we have been freed from slavery to Satan.

2.     Colossians 1:13 – rescued from condemnation.

3.     Eph. 4:32 – forgiven in Christ; Eph. 1- adopted as family & made us His people.

D.     As the church, God’s people, we have the responsibility of spiritually maturing.

1.     God will not make us to do anything.

II. We must let the church be the church.

A.     Church will become what God intended it to be when we begin to let faith in God become more important than our fears.

1.     Have we/do we do more out of fear than faith?

2.     Fear & faith do not mix. Fearfulness destroys the spirit of faith.

B.     It is not biblical to prevent the church from being the church.

III. A look at Acts – the early church.

A.     Acts 2:46-47; 5:11; 8:1; 8:3

B.     The church is a group of forgiven people who have been made alive in Christ who God adds to the church.  The Church is a “who” not a “what.”

C.     How do we let the church be the church?

1.     Church is not about our priorities – it is about God’s priorities.

IV. The Church at Ephesus – The Church Busy with God’s Purposes.

A.     Eph. 1:1-14 – marvelous things God accomplished for Christians through Jesus.

1.     1:19b-23 - While Paul mentions the church, where is the focus?  Jesus.

B.     2:11-22 – Church needed to recognize and accept the unity found in Jesus.

C.     3:8-12 – The church helps the world understand the mystery of Christ & the wisdom of God.  We reflect the image of God.

1.     Who we are and what we do should cause people to see God.

                                              a.     3:8-11 – offensive – take Jesus to the world.

                                              b.     Paul wasn’t held back by fear.  Moving by faith!

D.     Eph. 4 – Church should be filled with people committed to unity.

1.     As we do this, the church, our congregation, will become a place of healing, a sanctuary from the world, a place of encouragement, and growth!

                                              a.     4:14-16 – as we grow – we grow into Jesus – becoming more like Him.

Conclusion:

A.     When we let the church be the church

1.     We must let Jesus have practical impact in our lives and relationships.

B.     God is patient. One day His patience will end.  Are you prepared?