The Bible Pattern for Benevolence and Evangelism

The NT Is the Pattern 1 Timothy 3:14-15 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. Ephesians 4:3, 1 Cor. 1:10, Col. 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Benevolence in the NT After Pentecost, Acts 2:44-45 Those who stayed in Jerusalem, Acts 4:32-37 Not communal property but generosity, Acts 5:4 Benevolence – an act of kindness, a generous gift (Merriam-Webster)

Benevolence in the NT Regular care for widows, Acts 6:1-6 Qualifications, 1 Timothy 5:3-16 Relief from one church to needy saints in another church, Acts 11:27-30, Rom. 15:25- 27, 1 Cor. 16:1-4

Principles Regarding Collective Benevolence For the saints, 1 Corinthians 16:1 Individuals have a different principle, Galatians 6:10 The church is not to be burdened so it might do what it should, 1 Timothy 5:16 One church sending relief directly to another church, Acts 11:30 Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. 1 Timothy 5:16 If any believing man or[a] woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

Departures from the Pattern Support of orphan homes Support of hospitals Soup kitchens and food banks Homeless shelters

Evangelism in the NT Christians spread the word, Acts 6:7 Didn’t always involve a preacher, Acts 8:1, 4 Sometimes it did, Acts 8:5 To “evangelize” is to tell the “good news” of the message of the gospel.  The noun form of this word is the word translated “gospel.”  The verb form is usually translated “preach” or “preach good news” (or “preach the gospel”).  1 Timothy 3:15 teaches that the church is the “pillar and ground of the truth.”  There is no question that evangelism was an important work of the early church.

Evangelism in the NT Preachers earned support in different ways. Paul on occasion supported himself, 2 Thess. 3:7-9, Acts 18:1-2 Sometimes accepted support from other churches, 2 Cor. 11:7-9

Evangelism in the NT The church is authorized to support the preaching of the gospel, 1 Cor. 9:4-14 One church may send support to a preacher working in another area, Phil. 4:15-16

Principles Regarding Collective Evangelism Teaching may be directed toward unbelievers, Mark 16:15 Benevolence was never used as a lure, John 6:26 One church may send to a preacher laboring elsewhere, Phil. 4:15-16 No example of one church sending to another church in general or to a separate organization., Phil. 3:17 John 6:26 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.

Departures from the Pattern Missionary societies Organization with a board and officers from different churches Christian Churches, Disciples of Christ Sponsoring church The missionary society in one church Missionary societies directed evangelistic efforts Sponsoring churches control other congregations, direct evangelism, collect money for projects, etc.

We must follow the pattern 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Isaiah 55:10-11 Colossians 3:17, Matthew 7:21-23