The Work of the
Church
I. Considered generally
A. Since the church is the body of
Christ, generally speaking the work of the church would be to do the kinds of
things which Christ did. There are limitations in this regard, since we are not
the divine Son of God himself, but rather his representatives.
B. Doing good or doing what is right and
beneficial in its effect - 2 Cor. 9:8; Eph. 2:10; Col. 1:10; 2 Thess. 2:17; 1
Tim. 5:10; 2 Tim. 2:21; 3:17; Tit. 3:1
II. Some specifics
A. Evangelism
1. The
Great Commission - Mt. 28:18-19; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47
2. Study
evangelism in the book of Acts
a. Geographically - Acts 1:8
b. Ethnically
c. Who were the participants? Were they only apostles?
d. As to opportunities - Acts 5:42
3. What
is the meaning of the following descriptive terms for the role some individuals
in the early church played: evangelists, preachers, teachers?
4. What
advantages and disadvantages did the early church have to aid or hinder them in
evangelism? By comparison to us today, what opportunities do we have which they
did not? What difficulties?
5. List
at least one event in the life of Jesus by which he is our example in
evangelism.
B. Edification and spiritual growth of
members
1. Eph.
4:11-16; 1 Cor. 14:1-40
2. Since
church members are at different levels of spiritual growth and have different
needs which need to be met, what is the best plan of action for a congregation
to edify properly such a congregation?
3. List
at least one event in the life of Jesus by which he is our example in
edification.
C. Works of mercy
1. Mt.
25:31-46; Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:10; Jas. 1:27; 2:15-17; 1 Jn. 3:16-20
2. Review
in class some works of mercy in which the church has engaged in the past few
decades. This should include acts by individual Christians, acts by para-church
organizations such as orphan homes, and acts by congregations, either
individually or united efforts by groups of congregations.
3. List
at least one event in the life of Jesus by which he is our example in works of mercy.
III. Conclusion
A. Ask yourself if you are adequately
involved in the work of the church?
B. Name at least one Christian hymn which
speaks of the work of the church and attempts to rally us to zealous service.
C. Memory verse - Gal. 6:10