The Church of Christ: Responsibilities of Its Members
In Romans 16:16 it says, “Greet one another with a
holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.” The “church of
Christ” existed in the first century and still exists today. It is a
group of people who join together in worship and service to our King,
Jesus Christ.
Occasionally, some member of the Lord’s church are confused concerning
their responsibilities. We can get a pretty good idea of them by simply
looking at the context of Romans 12-16.
First, we must be willing to be open-minded and willing to sacrifice and
change to line our lives and even our thoughts to be in accordance with
God’s will (Romans 12:1,2).
Then, we must do whatever we can and are able to do to be working
members in His body while respecting the work and abilities of others
(Romans 12:3-8).
Of course, working together requires we have the right attitude towards
our brethren. We should sacrificially love them, show hospitality
towards them, prefer them above others and make peace with them if it is
possible (Romans 12:9-21).
The first seven verses of chapter 13 also indicate that a good member of
the church will submit themselves to the righteous laws of the land. It
can be embarrassing when fellow members of the body of Christ land
themselves in jail.
The latter part of chapter 13 shows us we need to give up sin and even
situations that would tempt us to sin and start serving others instead
of ourselves.
Romans 14 shows us how we should deal with others in matters of opinion
and our need to be sensitive to our own conscience in the decisions we
make.
In Romans 15 and 16 Paul finishes with some closing thoughts and
personal greetings to Christians he knows.
Yet, in Romans 16:17,18 he makes it clear that those Christians who do
not fulfill their responsibilities and teach otherwise should be
avoided.
Those with faith in Christ must show an “obedience to the faith” they
have in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Romans 16:26).
Are you fulfilling your role in Christ’s church?
August 2005