Understanding Church and Individual Responsibility in Scripture
Explore the importance of church and individual responsibility based on scriptural references, emphasizing the need to align actions with the teachings of the New Testament. Discover how the early church fulfilled its duty to help the poor while maintaining specific guidelines for assistance. Learn about balancing benevolence towards others with prioritizing responsibilities to one's own family and community.
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Presentation Transcript
Church and Individual Responsibility Examples mean something (Phil. 4:9). If Scripture is our pattern, we must not go beyond what it reveals (1 Tim. 3:14-15) This is true in matters of theological importance (2 John 9) But also in matters of conduct and functioning (cf. Lev. 10:1-2).
Church and Individual Responsibility When government expands into things not outlined in the Constitution they cannot be said to act constitutionally. When the church acts beyond what is outlined in the New Testament it cannot be said to act scripturally.
Church and Individual Responsibility The early church helped the poor... Immediate needs after Pentecost (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35) Regular support of widows (Acts 6:1-3) Relief during times of famine (Acts 11:27-30).
Church and Individual Responsibility ...Yet, this was not unrestricted. Only qualified widows were to be taken into the number (1 Tim. 5:9-11) Those unwilling to work were not to receive aid (2 Thess. 3:6-11). Church benevolence is always directed at saints (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
Church and Individual Responsibility Individuals are to do good to all, yet even this has its qualifications We are to act "as we have opportunity" (Gal. 6:9-10). No one can feed and cloth the whole world. There will always be poverty (Mark 14:7).
Church and Individual Responsibility Individuals are to do good to all, yet even this has it's qualifications Our primary responsibility is to our families (1 Tim. 5:8). Unrestricted benevolence to others would lead to neglect of our own families.
Church and Individual Responsibility At Olsen Park, when we get requests from non-Christians we have asked two of our deacons to talk to the person making the request then visit with those interested in helping as individuals in order to judge responsibly whether help should be offered.
Church and Individual Responsibility Is this church action? The church is authorized to encourage individual good deeds (just as I am teaching now), but all action in this matter is individual.
Church and Individual Responsibility The pattern of Scripture is... Church benevolence is to be directed only to Christians. There is no authority for the church to build food pantries, soup kitchens, low income housing, or establish and operate institutions to accomplish these things (cf. Luke 10:30-37).
Church and Individual Responsibility The aid we send to Africa is... 1. Given directly to bro. Scholtz. 2. To be given directly to saints in Botswana and Zimbabwe. This is not general and unrestricted benevolence.
Church and Individual Responsibility The pattern of Scripture is... Individual benevolence may be directed generally... Under the judgment of the individual regarding it's us (Acts 5:4) This might be be collective through a human institution... Or solely in one's capacity as an individual
Church and Individual Responsibility So long as... 1. We do not act in ways that share in sins (1 Tim. 5:23; 2 John 11) 2. Support false doctrine and error... 3. Or, neglect or other responsibilities in the process.
Church and Individual Responsibility Do these things matter? Yes. What the church chooses to involve itself in influences it's direction and focus (1 Tim. 5:16; 3:15). Only if our actions are grounded in Scripture can we truly be said to act scripturally."
