4. The Church and Membership - A Case StudyText: Acts 9:1-31 Introduction: For the past three Sunday mornings we have engaged ourselves in a series on membership. The lessons have included… –Why be a member of the body of Christ? –How to become a member of the body of Christ –Roles and Responsibilities of Members We find all three of these lessons condensed into one chapter of the Bible in the conversion of Saul. In addition to these lessons, we can learn more about the church’s role in membership. I. Why Did Saul Become a Member of the Body of Christ? A. Was it… 1. For the sake of tradition (Philippians 3:5,6)? 2. For money or business reasons (Phil. 3:7,8)? 3. For social reasons (3:9-11)? 4. To satisfy his material appetite (3:9-11)? 5. If not these, then why did he convert? B. He was convinced Jesus was the Christ (Acts 9:1-7)! 1. Any other means but Jesus Christ would have been useless in converting Saul to Christianity. 2. If the methods employed by churches today would have been used, he would have never converted! II. How Did Saul Become a Member of Christ’s Body? A. Was it “faith only” or “just believe?” 1. He seems to believe (Acts 9:5). i. He calls Jesus “Lord.” ii. He asks Him what he should do? iii. Yet, it is obvious there is no joy (Acts 9:9). 2. Was Saul saved on the mere basis of religious sincerity (Acts 22:3-5; 1 Timothy 1:13)? 3. Did the “family religion” save Saul (Acts 22:16)? 4. What about “confirmation?” 5. If not these things, then how? B. God sent Saul a preacher (Acts 9:8-17). 1. Our faith comes through the preaching of God’s Word today too (Romans 10:17). C. Saul believed because he did what the gospel instructed and was baptized (Acts 9:18; 22:16). 1. Belief, repentance and baptism are commanded by all men by Jesus today too (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:16). D. Saul enjoyed the peace of forgiveness and the fellowship of brethren after obedience (Acts 9:19). 1. Walking in union with God and His people brings a peace and joy that can rest the burdened soul (Matt. 11:28-30). III. What Did Saul Do After He Was Added to Christ? A. Did he… 1. keep it silent (Acts 9:20)? 2. keep living the same way as before (9:21,22)? 3. give up at the first sign of trouble (Acts 9:23-25)? 4. practice a “personal” religion that did not include his brethren (Acts 9:26)? 5. quit the church saying “they’re just a bunch of hypocrites” (Acts 9:27)? 6. think attendance was unimportant (v. 28)? 7. Ignore the requests of his brethren (v. 29,30)? B. No, No, No, No, No, No, No. He got involved in the work of the church even though he could have easily found excuses not to do so. IV. What was the Church’s Role in Membership A. After Saul’s conversion, he had the right to identify himself with a local church (Acts 9:26). B. The church had the right to make a decision whether or not to fellowship (Acts 9:26,27). 1. If a member lives an unfaithful life, the church still maintains the right to reject fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:11,13; Romans 16:17; 2 John 9). 2. Yet, the church was capable of making the wrong decision in this judgment (Acts 9:27). 3. Paul wrote Philemon to avoid a wrong decision about Onesimus (Philemon 8,12) C. Faithful members should commend those who are deserving (Acts 9:27). 1. A letter of recommendation was a practice of the early church (2 Corinthians 3:1). 2. We should be careful of those who only recommend themselves (2 Corinthians 10:12). 3. We should also be careful we are not being pulled into their error (Galatians 6:1). D. A faithful member will prove it by their fruits (Acts 9:28-31). 1. A disciple that causes division, unrest and turns people away should be turned away himself (Titus 3:10,11). Conclusion: Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose so you could be raised again! That’s why you need Him in your life! He commands you to believe in Him, turn from your sins and be baptized (Acts 2:38). That’s how you can become a part of the church He died to save (Acts 20:28). This is a message Jesus wants you to share with others by your life and words. That’s your role as His follower (Acts 11:26). By your faithful service the church will be strengthened and will grow. Become A Part of the Church of Christ Today. Turn from the world of sin to the kingdom of righteousness!
by Joshua R. Welch |
Last Updated: 02/09/08
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