We must respect God’s word in all that we do, whether we are speaking of individuals or the church!

Is there a difference between what the church and the individual can do?

The Individual and the Local Church

The Bible makes a CLEAR distinction 1 Tim. 5:16, “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them and do not let the church be burdened” The Bible makes a CLEAR distinction

The Bible makes a CLEAR distinction Matt. 18:15-17, “tell him his fault between you and him alone…if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church…” The Bible makes a CLEAR distinction

The Bible makes a CLEAR distinction Acts 5:1-4, “…While it remained, was it not your own? After it was sold, was it not in your control?...” The Bible makes a CLEAR distinction

The Bible makes a CLEAR distinction 1 Cor. 11:33,34, “…When you come together to eat, wait for one another. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home...” The Bible makes a CLEAR distinction

The Church in the life of a Christian The church is only part of the Christian’s life Home – 1 Tim. 5:8, Eph. 5:22-6:4 Work – 1 Thess. 4:11-12, Eph. 4:28 Community - 1 Pet. 2:12, Col. 4:5, Rom. 13:8

The Church in the life of a Christian The church is only part of the Christian’s life Government – Rom. 13:1-7, 1 Pet. 2:13-17 The church – Eph. 4:1-16, 1 Cor. 12:12-27, 16:1-2,…

The Church in the life of a Christian

The Church in the life of a Christian Things individuals can do that the church cannot: Responsibilities toward spouse Start a business, work for a company Go to movies, dinner, … Be involved in community events Help the needy of the community Vote, pay taxes, etc.

The Church in the life of a Christian Some actions assigned to both individual and church Evangelism – Acts 8:4, 11:20, 18:24-26; Acts 11:22-23, 13:1-3 Benevolence – Jas. 1:27, Titus 2:14; 1 Tim. 5:16

The Church in the life of a Christian Some actions assigned to both individual and church Exhortation – Heb. 3:12-13, Heb. 10:24-25 Fulfilling duties in one area does NOT conflict with others! They complement!

The Church in the life of a Christian Christian responsibilities to the church The church is comprised of individuals – Eph. 4:16, 1 Cor. 12:12, 27 Her work depends upon individuals – 1 Cor. 16:1-2 Maintain unity – Eph. 4:1-3 Maintain purity – 1 Cor. 5:6-8

The Church in the life of a Christian Is the Christian a representative of the church in all he/she does? We are ALWAYS Christians! Rom. 13:14, 6:16-18, Gal. 2:20

The Church in the life of a Christian Is the Christian a representative of the church in all he/she does? What you do REFLECTS upon the church (consistency) BUT, that doesn’t mean everything you do is in the name of the church, or the is church acting through you!

The Church in the life of a Christian Is the Christian a representative of the church in all he/she does? The church is important to you BECAUSE you are a Christian! In judgment, we will answer as individuals! 2 Cor. 5:10, Rom. 14:10-12

Why is this important? Because God has given a pattern for the work of the church Worship, evangelism, edification & benevolence! It is limited

Why is this important? Because we cannot “hire” the church to do what God commands us to do as Christians! The work of the church is limited

Why is this important? Some reason that what the individual can do the church can do! Cf. 1 Cor. 12:27 We have shown that such is not true The text (1 Cor. 12:12-27) was dealing with unity within the church!

Some take passages out of context to justify general works Why is this important? Some take passages out of context to justify general works Cf. Galatians 6:10, James 1:27 These texts dealing with individual responsibilities!

The church belongs to Christ. Let her be and do what He intended. (Eph The church belongs to Christ. Let her be and do what He intended! (Eph. 3:10-11, Matt. 28:18)

As a Christian, “Whatever YOU do, do it heartily, as to the Lord!” Col. 3:23