How the Church Should Function.

• In a study such as this, we need to remind ourselves that we are the church.

• As we think about how the church should function, we are considering how we should work together for the common good.

• The church locally is a collective that brings us together for the common good.

• Therefore the attitude of loving and serving one another is paramount (Matt. 20:20-28).

• Service is a duty (John 13).

• But it should be an outgrowth of love (Matt. 7:12).

• The expression of love is the imitation of God (1 John 4:8).

• To get along we need attitudes of lowliness, meekness, and forbearance (Eph. 4:1-3; Phil. 2:1-4; Gal. 5:13-15).

Contribution of all.

• The local church is like a body; we the members are the body (1 Cor. 12).

• Diversity of function (vss. 4-11).

• Harmony among the different members (vss. 12-20).

• Appreciation for all (vss. 21-26).

The body requires the functions of all its members (Eph. 4:11-16).

• The gifts of Jesus (4:11).

–Apostles.

–Prophets.

–Evangelists.

–Pastors and teachers.

The work (vs. 12):

• For the complete outfitting of the saints,

• For the work of serving and helping one another,

• For the work of building up the body of Christ.

• Therefore the body should want to involve everyone in its functioning.

Goal (vss. 13).

• Till we attain:

–Unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

–Unto a full grown man,

–Unto the measure of the stature of Christ.

Purpose (vss. 14-15).

• That we may be no longer children.

• But may grow up in all things in connection with Christ.

• Total functioning of all the members brings this about.

• "All the body"; "every joint"; "working in due measure"; "of each several part."

• If I do not like the way the body functions, I may be a big part of the problem.

• If I do not feel included, it may be because I am scarcely present; I may be doing nothing.

Practical principles.

• We need to be sure to go all out to make new members feel welcome and a part of the work.

• As a new member, one must realize that he must make an effort to be regular in attendance.

• He needs to manifest some desire to be involved.

• We must work to be dependable.

• A person who is at one church one week, and another the next, and somewhere else the next is like an arm that is not attached to one certain body.

• That member can never be counted on.

• Plans cannot be made to involve you.

• That's why regular attendance at one place is important.

• Otherwise no one knows enough about you to keep up with you, and there are times we all need to be kept up with.

• As someone upon whom the local work depends, it is important to see that contribution is given where you are committed as a member.

• Let it be known what you will do and that you want to be used.

• Then do it; be dependable.

• Develop love for one another (1 Pet. 1:22; Rom. 12:10; Gal. 6:2; John 15:12-14).

• The church is made up of the people who are its members.

• It is no better, nor any worse than its members.

• Its problems and its successes are the problems and successes of its members.