THE BENEVOLENT WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

Acts 4:32-35

THE BENEVOLENT WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

We must avoid two extremes: acting without scriptural authority - 2

John 9 failing to do what we ought -

Revelation 3:15-16 What is the scriptural work of the local

church in giving material aid to the needy?

BACKGROUND PRINCIPLES

The local church is more limited than the individual Christian in its authorized benevolent work. - 1 Timothy 5:16

The work of the local church reflects the nature of the relationship. - Ephesians 1:3,22-23

When a local church uses its funds, it is an expression of fellowship in Christ. - 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

THE LORD TEACHES THE CHURCH TO ENGAGE IN LIMITED MUSIC.

Acts 16:25 Romans 15:9 1 Corinthians

14:15 Ephesians 5:18-

19 Colossians 3:16 Hebrews 2:12 James 5:13

Shall we add instrumental music, another kind of music? - 2 Timothy 1:13

What happens if we go beyond the divine pattern? - 2 John 9

THE LORD TEACHES THE CHURCH TO ENGAGE IN LIMITED BENEVOLENCE.

Acts 2:44-45 Acts 4:32-35 Acts 6:1-4 Acts 11:27-30 Romans 15:25-26 1 Corinthians 16:1-

2 2 Corinthians 8:4 2 Corinthians

9:1,12-13 1 Timothy 5:16

Shall we add sinners, another kind of people? - 2 Timothy 1:13

What happens if we go beyond the divine pattern? - 2 John 9

MISUSED PASSAGES

Galatians 6:10, cf. Verses 1-9

James 1:27, cf. Verses 19-26

THE PATTERN APPLIED

The widow indeed was the only permanent charge of the church. - 1 Timothy 5:16

The local church is limited in its work of benevolence to the relief of needy saints.. - Acts 4:34-35

It is not the work of the church to eliminate poverty, provide the world’s medical needs, or eliminate the world’s social ills. - Romans 14:17; 1 Timothy 3:14-15

THE BENEVOLENT WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

This pattern establishes a responsibility which the local church must not shirk. - 2 Corinthians 8:24.

But it is also an exclusive pattern we must neither change nor violate. - 2 John 9

Let us abound in the work of the Lord. - 1 Corinthians 15:58