Being the Body - the Church

On Men’s Sunday, Pastor Hinegardner spoke on what was commonly called “The Church Covenant.”

We then saw the movie “Courageous” in which they spoke about another covenant – one for men to be the men God wants them to be.

Also, back in January, I found another church covenant that Dr. Thom S. Rainer, President and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources wrote. That covenant ties in with being a church member, which we spoke about last week - being a member of a local church.

So, what are some things we can do as individual church members to help the church?

Don’t Gossip; Set aside our own preferences; Pray for the Pastor and each other; Be the body of Christ; and Be involved in the church with your family.

1.       First, Don’t Gossip

Romans 1:28-32, And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting… they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Gossip is idle talk, it’s usually negative, and it’s usually about someone who’s not present

Slanderers, or backbiters, hurt people by spreading half-truths or by taking things out of context.

The Bible says that the main cause of gossiping, slandering and minding other folk’s business is idleness

Proverbs 26:20 reminds us, Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

2.       Second, Set aside our own preferences

Let’s look to the example of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22: For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Paul also reminds us in Romans 14:19-21, Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.  Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

What did Paul write? let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another

3.       Third, Pray for the Pastor and each other

James 5:16 says, Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Ephesians 6:18 tells us that we should be praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 says, Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

What about us?

Do we pray for each other?

Do you pick up the prayer list and pray for those on it?

Do we pray for the pastor and the deacons?

Be encouraged that we are praying for you.

4.       Fourth, Be the body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:14-27

For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Each member of the church has a function

Are we using the spiritual gifts God has given us?

Are we serving God in the church?

Are we helping?

5.       Finally, God wants us to be involved in the church with our family

Deuteronomy 6:7 says, You shall teach them [God’s commandments] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

We need to come to church as a family – worship as a family – and support the church as a family.

Sometimes people ask why teens leave the church after they graduate High School

By going as a whole family – children and youth see the importance of church

What changes do we need to make in our family’s church attendance?

6.       Church membership

Ideally, once you are saved you should join a local church. You should also get active in that church by attending it regularly, giving to it regularly (time, talents, and tithe), and serving where you can.

Conclusion

In what areas do you need to stop spreading gossip and disunity?

What personal preferences do you need to set aside so that God’s work can be done?

Do you need to pray more for the pastor, deacons, and church family?

How can you better serve God in the part of the Body of Christ that God has called you to be?

How can you be more actively involved in the church?

When I preached the sermon on the above points, I interspersed Dr. Thom Rainer’s church covenant. Since I believe it is such a blessing, I would encourage you to click on the link below for it.

I am a Church Member

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