The New Testament Church 2017 The Work of the Church - Benevolence (2)

Benevolence Examples The church CAN be involved in benevolence! It is a legitimate work of the church BUT, there are limits! This is an emotional issue!

Benevolence Examples Acts 6:1-4 Acts 11:27-30 Romans 15:25-26 Passages about the church and benevolence Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37 Acts 6:1-4 Acts 11:27-30 Romans 15:25-26 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 2 Corinthians 8-9 (8:1-4, 9:6-13) 1 Timothy 5:3-16

Benevolence Examples Benevolence within a local church Brethren in Jerusalem – Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37 Acts 6 – 7 men appointed 1 Timothy 5:16

Church at Antioch of Syria Benevolence Examples Brethren of Judea Antioch sends to Judea Acts 11:27-30 Jerusalem Church at Antioch of Syria $ Joppa Lydda

Needy saints in Jerusalem Benevolence Examples Brethren of Jerusalem Relief to Jerusalem Rom. 15, 1 Cor. 16, 2 Cor. 8-9 Corinth Needy saints in Jerusalem $ Thess. Philippi

The Pattern of Benevolence It was always to brethren – “poor saints” (2 Corinthians 9:12, Romans 15:25, 1 Timothy 5:3-16) Always when other efforts exhausted (1 Timothy 5:16, Acts 11:29 – famine) Jerusalem later, many factors would contribute to their needful state

The Pattern of Benevolence It was always temporary – needs were not created and then funds sought. Churches maintained their autonomy and independence (1 Corinthians 16:2-4) No organizations created or sponsoring churches to do the work

The Pattern of Benevolence Churches in NT NEVER engaged in general benevolence General benevolence – relieving the benevolent needs of society (cf. Matthew 26:11) benevolence to all, both non- Christians and Christians alike

The Pattern of Benevolence The church is not about meeting the physical needs of humanity. NO authority for churches to use funds for those not Christians. The church is about supporting the truth (1 Timothy 3:15, Romans 14:17). Acts 6:2-4 – a distinction made

The Pattern of Benevolence Congregational benevolence helps relieve the physical burdens of needy saints (when all other means have been exhausted, including personal responsibility and accountability), so they are better equipped to grow spiritually. Physical burdens are a distraction and wearisome. They consume one’s resources – physical and mental.

The Pattern of Benevolence When we as the church help our needy: We share physical and spiritual blessings – Romans 15:27 There is an equality – 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 God is glorified – 2 Cor. 9:13 Prayers and warmness toward one another – 2 Cor. 9:14 IT IS a spiritual strengthening

The Pattern of Benevolence God has provided means to address to help others – both brethren and the world. General benevolence addressed: The home, 1 Timothy 5:8 Government, Romans 13:1-7, Luke 20:25

The Pattern of Benevolence General benevolence addressed: Individuals, we can help others and should! James 1:27, pure and undefiled religion Galatians 6:10, do good to all Matthew 25:31-46 – judged by such (cf. Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:10)

The Pattern of Benevolence General benevolence addressed: Individuals, we can help others and should! 1 John 3:17-18 – a brother in need 1 Timothy 6:17-18 – the rich, to do good and share Jesus did good – Acts 10:38 Individuals can do many things – charitable organizations, helping anyone with needs, volunteering, etc.

The Pattern of Benevolence Many justify general benevolence as a means to reach the lost. While goodwill may provoke some to investigate the truth, does the end justify the means? Can we lie? Sin so that grace may abound (Romans 6:1-2)

The Pattern of Benevolence Many justify general benevolence as a means to reach the lost. Is this an objective or subjective argument? What of all who abuse this? Ignorance? If it takes benevolence to bring one, it will take more to keep them. WHERE’S THE AUTHORITY?

The Pattern of Benevolence Benevolence was never used as a means to evangelize! John 6:26-27 Acts 3:1-9 (Acts 2:44-45 – there were funds to help – but they were used only for brethren)

The Pattern of Benevolence There IS a difference between the work of the individual and the church! Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 5:2-4; 1 Corinthians 11:22, 34; 1 Timothy 5:16

The Pattern of Benevolence Sometimes justification for churches in general benevolence is taking passages like Galatians 6:10, James 1:27, etc. and applying it to the church. Context to individuals

The Pattern of Benevolence 2 Corinthians 9:13, …For your liberal sharing with them and all men Used to say the benevolence was for more than just saints. 1) Contextually – Paul is dealing with brethren who a) provides needs of saint (12), b) they glorify God for the obedience and sharing of brethren (13), c) they pray for you and long for you (14) – all associated with saints! “Men” not in original text. “All” not specified

The good intentions of these works are not questioned The PATTERN in scripture is! Where is the authority?

Are we seeking to be the church of Christ found in scripture?