Author : Keith Sharp
Introduction
The apostle Paul was always thankful for the church in Thessalonica because of their “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4). The Lord wants His people, collectively and individually, to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
But we must do only those things that please the Lord. The Master warned:
Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?, And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! (Matthew 7:22-23)
The Scriptures equip us “for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), thus, regardless of how good an activity may seem to us, if it is unauthorized by the word of God, it is not a good work. What is the scriptural work of the local church?
The Nature of the Church
The local church is the only organized relationship within the realm composed peculiarly of God’s people, the universal church. As such, it is spiritual in its nature (John 18:36; Romans 14:17; Ephesians 1:3,22-23). Thus, we should expect its work to be spiritual.
Individual Christian and Local Church
Sometimes brethren argue, “The church is just Christians. Whatever Christians may do, the church may do.” This argument sounds plausible, since the church is indeed composed of individual Christians, but the contention is nonetheless false. Individually, I would be obligated to support my widowed mother (1 Timothy 5:16), but the church is forbidden to do so (Ibid). I may go into business to provide a living for my family (1 Timothy 5:8), but the only way the local church is to raise money is by a free will offering of its own members each first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The local church is more than just individual Christians; it is disciples functioning collectively in a spiritual relationship.
Authorized Work
What is the divinely authorized work of the local church?
The primary responsibility of each congregation is to be “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15). A “pillar” is a column that upholds a roof or other structure. The word “ground” refers to a foundation. The basic function of the church is to uphold and support the truth, the word of God (John 17:17).
This means the congregation must be actively, zealously, steadfastly engaged in the work of evangelism, taking the gospel to the lost. As the church in Thessalonica, we should preach the gospel everywhere to everyone (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8; cf. Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19).
But we also must be diligent as a congregation in the work of edification, building up one another by preaching and teaching the word of God (Ephesians 4:11-16; cf. Matthew 28:20).
But each local church should see that the material needs of all its own members are met (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-4; 1 Timothy 5:3-10) and that needy Christians in other places are also helped (Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-28; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9). Since a contribution from the church treasury is an expression of fellowship in Christ (2 Corinthians 8:1-4), this benevolence is also spiritual work.
Thus the divinely authorized work of the local church is limited to evangelism, edification, and benevolence to needy Christians. As the local church is a spiritual relationship, its authorized activities are uniformly spiritual.
The Work Corrupted
Although the New Testament plainly reveals a pattern for the work of the church, a blueprint of activities that will cause the congregation to grow and prosper spiritually, many churches, including many churches of Christ, have completely or at least partially abandoned this divine plan for humanly devised schemes of church functions. What are some unauthorized activities that have been introduced by modern churches?
Probably the most universally prevalent corruption of the work of the local church is general benevolence, giving material help to the lost from the church treasury. Not only is this a corruption of the divine pattern of congregational benevolence, it amounts to using carnal attractions to bribe people to hear the gospel. The Lord refused to feed people who came to Him for food for the belly (John 6:26-27). The church of Christ is not a glorified Salvation Army.
Many churches of Christ have blindly blundered toward the Social Gospel by sponsoring recreational activities. How many buildings owned by churches of Christ contain kitchens and “fellowship halls” to be used for the entertainment and social activities of the members and others? Most new church buildings contain “family life centers,” which are simply sanctified gymnasiums. Many churches sponsor camps, ball games, skating parties, retreats, etc. “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). God appeals to the spirit, Satan to the flesh (Romans 8:5-8). The Lord did not die for a glorified YMCA!
Many congregations now provide schools for secular education and support colleges. The Lord’s church has the responsibility of teaching people the Bible and Bible-related subjects, such as singing, which help us to be better Christians (cf. 1 Timothy 3:14-15; John 17:17). Colleges as separate, service organizations have the right to exist and to teach the Bible. But where is the Bible authority for the church to teach a child art or a college student mathematics? The church Jesus built is not a sanctified school for secular education.
We have seen many churches and preachers in recent years fighting to obtain political, social, and economic rights for minorities. The causes may be good in the social sphere, but are they part of the God-ordained work of the church? Paul urged the Corinthians, whether slave or free, to “abide in the same calling” they were in (1 Corinthians 7:20-21). In a society of gross injustice and even slavery, the inspired apostle made no attempt to change the social or economic orders. Such change is no part of the work of the church. Christ did not suffer on the cross to establish social, political, and economic justice. The gospel is spiritual not social, and the church is not a civil rights organization.
Finally, some churches enter the arena of partisan politics, trying to influence political affairs. Protestant churches as well as the Roman Catholic Church, have long acted as special interest groups in politics, trying to sway candidates and voters to their political views. It is tragic to see bulletins put out by churches of Christ trying to influence voters on political issues. When shall we learn that the kingdom of Christ is a spiritual government, not a political state (John 18:36)? The Lord’s church has absolutely no place in politics. The church of the Lord is not a glorified political action organization!
Conclusion
What kind of congregation do you want to be a member of: a nice, comfortable church that does little and expects little of you, a “live-wire” church that engages in all sorts of fun activities, or a faithful church that diligently does the Lord’s work and expects you to pull your share of the load? Your choice reflects what you want to be (l Corinthians 15:58). Be zealous in the Lord’s work and be a member of a local church that diligently does what He directs.
