3. The Responsibilities of Members of the Church“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:4-5) Introduction: The past two lessons have been titled, –“Why Be a Member of the Body of Christ” –“How to Become a Member of the Body of Christ” This week, we want to consider the responsibilities of membership. Once I am added to the church of Christ by obedience to the gospel, what is my duty? Being a member of worldly organizations comes with responsibilities like… –Attendance. –Involvement. –Yearly or monthly fees. It should come as no surprise that being a member of the church also includes duties. Yet, they are not based on the whims of man, but the dictates of Scripture. God’s Word dictates our responsibilities as Christians in the body of Christ. Being a responsible member of my family requires a proper concept of the family. My role as a husband and father is different than the role of my wife and children. When these roles are confused, reversed or deemed unimportant the family struggles. The church is similar—a spiritual family. So, to fulfill our roles begins with a proper concept of this family or body of Christ. I. A Proper Concept of the Body A. God has a use for each member (Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 12:18). B. Yet, each member’s role differs (Romans 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:14-22). C. Differences in function should not cause jealousy, pride or division (1 Corinthians 12:23-27; Romans 12:5). D. We should be keenly aware of our unique role in the church while maintaining unity (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28-30). II. Our Duties to Fellow Christians A. Sincere love (Romans 12:9). 1. By clinging to a good life, example (12:9). 2. By kind affection (12:10). 3. By preferring the friendship of Christians (12:10). B. A positive attitude (Romans 12:11-13). 1. Excited and active in the Lord’s work (12:11). 2. Optimistic about the church (12:12). 3. Not despairing in a time of trouble (12:12). 4. Continuance in prayer (12:12). 5. Shown by helping Christians in need and offering hospitality (12:13). C. Learn to get along with one another. 1. Sharing each other’s joys and sorrows (12:15). 2. Not showing partiality (12:16). 3. Not forcing our opinions on others (12:16). D. Be peacemakers, not troublemakers. 1. Avoid vengeance (12:17-19). 2. Turn your enemies into friends by treating them well (12:20,21). III. Our Duties to Non-Christians A. Romans 12:14-21 can apply to both Christians and non-Christians. 1. We should… 2. See the value in one who persecutes us (12:14). 3. Avoid seeking vengeance (12:17). 4. Overcome evil with good (12:21). B. Yet, there are other duties we should fulfill in setting an example for the world. C. Obey the laws of government (13:1-3). D. Pay your taxes (13:6,7). E. Stay out of debt (13:8). F. Do not harm your neighbor (13:9,10). 1. Do not steal from them. 2. Do not covet their possessions. 3. Do not commit adultery with them. 4. Do not lie about them. 5. Love your neighbor as yourself (13:9). G. As a member of the body of Christ, it is very important we “walk properly” (13:13). 1. This includes… i. Avoiding sinful parties and drunkenness (v. 13). ii. Not promoting lewdness and seeking or inciting lust (13:13). iii. Not being at war or in competition with others (13:13). iv. Not giving ourselves the opportunity to fulfill our lusts (13:14). 2. By being a part of these actions, we ruin our influence and condemn ourselves! IV. The Consequences of Obedience A. Accepted by God, approved by men (Romans 14:18). B. Strengthens our neighbor (Romans 15:2). C. Unifies the church (Romans 15:5,6). D. Glorifies God (Romans 15:6,7). E. Destroys Satan’s influence (Romans 16:17-20). Conclusion: Are you fulfilling your role in the church? Avoid being the appendix of the church…get involved today!
by Joshua R. Welch |
Last Updated: 02/09/08
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