2. Lesson 10: The Church's Doorkeepers

3. 1. Devout people throughout history in the Bible A. Luke 2:25 - And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel and the Holy Ghost was upon him. B. Acts 8:2 - And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. C. Acts 17:4 - And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

4. 2. These people gravitate to the house of the Lord A. Psalms 122:1 - I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. B. Psalms 84:10 - For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. C. John 2:17 - And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. I. Devout people throughout Bible history

5. 3. They see the big picture of the whole church A. View the entire congregation as their family -Ephesians 3:15 - Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. B. Present when anyone is warded, bereaved etc - James 5:14 - Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord C. Prioritize church matters over themselves and recreation - 2 Corinthians 11:28 - Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches. I. Devout people throughout Bible history 2. These people gravitate to the house of the Lord

6. 4. They are fully committed A. Willingly give of their 'blood, sweat and tears' - 2 Timothy 1:12 B. Will weather through thick and thin - 1 Corinthians 15:58 C. Freely give up their lives for the church - Acts 20:24 - But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. I. Devout people throughout Bible history 2. These people gravitate to the house of the Lord 3. They see the big picture of the whole church

7. 5. Stature of devout men I. Devout people throughout Bible history 2. These people gravitate to the house of the Lord 3. They see the big picture of the whole church 4. They are fully committed A. Can grow to become spiritual mentors - Hebrews 5:14 - But solid food is for full grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. B. These are chosen to be elders and deacons -1 Peter 5:1-3 C. Also, full-time workers - Matthew 19:12 - For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom.

8. Summary A. Not for everyone - John 17:15 - I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. B. Only for those who desire it - Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. C. Small churches often struggle because there is an absence of men who will devote all their time for Kingdom work.

9. Discussion Questions 1. Have you ever desired to be at the church building every time it opened its doors? Recapture the moment. 2. Do you see yourself as a church doorkeeper? Who else do you see as such? ><