My Responsibility as Part of His Church NT Church 2017-18

What are my responsibilities as part of His church? As part of God’s church, we are part of God’s eternal plan and manifold wisdom. We are part of the body that Christ purchased with His blood and of which He is head. We function as a body, work in His vineyard, are living stones in His building (a temple), citizens in His kingdom, children in His family and the bride of Christ. God wants me to be a part of His church, a joined to a group of brethren! What are my responsibilities as part of His church?

As part of His church: I worship with my brethren Worship is a work of the local church We come together – 1 Corinthians 11:18, 20, 14:23, Acts 20:7, 11:26 Together we sing (Colossians 3:16), partake of the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7), teach and learn, pray & even give (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). We need to be here to participate – Hebrews 10:24-25

As part of His church: I should promote unity We are not to be divided – 1 Corinthians 1:10 We function as a body – 1 Corinthians 12:14, Romans 12:4-5 We are to be of one mind – Philippians 2:2, Romans 15:5-6, Philippians 1:27 We mark those who cause divisions – Romans 16:17

As part of His church: I must do my share Every work of the church calls for me to do my part Ephesians 4:16 We function as a body – Colossians 2:19, nourished and knit together. I need to do what I can do – I CAN assemble, participate in worship, encourage brethren, contribute, be a light, bear fruit, etc.

As part of His church: I must support the elders Elders are part of God’s leadership structure for a congregation They shepherd the flock – Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4:11-12 We are to remember and obey them – Hebrews 13:7, 17 We recognize and esteem the highly – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

As part of His church: I must care about my brethren Bible love calls for caring – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 “One another” passages – John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 12:25, Romans 12:10, Hebrews 10:24 Even with differences – Ephesians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Consider their conscience – 1 Corinthians 8:8-12, 10:24

As part of His church: I must ensure she is true We strive to keep her true to God’s pattern in everything we do Maintain purity of God’s word – 2 Timothy 4:2-4, cf. Acts 20:28-31, Titus 1:9-11 We must all challenge error Maintain purity of character – cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6

As part of His church: I represent her with purity in my life At all times, all we do reflects upon Christ and His church We must live holy lives – 1 Peter 1:15-16. Christianity is a lifestyle, not just a hobby or compartment in my life. The best thing I can do is be an example – Philippians 2:15

As part of His church: I should make her appealing to others The world is cynical about the church (NOT the true church) – seeing hypocrisy, corruption, greed, division, compromise,etc. What are we doing to make the church appealing to others? How do we speak about the church to others? How important do others see the church is to me? Do we defend Christ and His church? Let us help others understand the importance of the church in helping you get to heaven

As part of His church: I must be willing to sacrifice for her Our actions demonstrate just how important the church is. Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice for the church How much are we willing to sacrifice? Giving – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 8-9. Financial obligations are only the beginning – our time and talents too. What if everyone was like me?

Are you doing your part in His church?