The Work of the Church: Edification and Benevolence

Evangelism

The church has been given the responsibility of spreading the gospel
and proclaiming the truth of God’s word to the world.

• 1 Thessalonians 1:8
• 1 Timothy 3:15
• 1 Corinthians 9:14
• Philippians 4:15-16
• 2 Corinthians 11:7-9

Edification

The church is also responsible for strengthening and building up its
members spiritually through teaching, worship, encouragement, and correction.

• One reason the church assembles for worship is to strengthen
  (edify) the members of a church — 1 Corinthians 14:26
• The duty within the church is to build its members into the
  likeness of Christ — Ephesians 4:11-13
• Edification is not just making each other feel good. It is not
  entertainment. It is learning to be obedient to God —
  Hebrews 5:8-9
• It is accomplished through the word of God. This is why we
  have classes and teach lessons from God’s word —
  Acts 20:32

Additional Ways the Church Edifies

• We teach and admonish one another through singing:
  
  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
  teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
  spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”
  (Colossians 3:16)
  
• The church also administers corrective discipline when needed
  (1 Corinthians 5:4-5).

Benevolence

The church is to help Christians who are truly in need.
In the New Testament, this benevolence was limited to needy saints.

• Acts 11:27-30
• Romans 15:25-26
• 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
• 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; 9:1
• 1 Timothy 5:3-16

Limitations to the Work of the Local Church

• The local church is not authorized to engage in whatever work
  it deems as good.
• The local church is not to “hire out” its responsibilities
  (Ephesians 4:11-16).
• There is a difference between what the local church can do and
  what individual Christians can do
  (James 1:27; Galatians 6:10).

We Must Abide Within the Doctrine of Christ

2 John 9

Authorized

• Evangelism
• Edification
• Limited Benevolence

NOT Unauthorized

• Church sponsoring arrangements
• Church-funded recreation or social activities
• Church benevolence directed toward non-Christians
  and human institutions

What Is the Authorized Work of the Church?

1. The church is to sound forth the word of God
   (Evangelism)
2. The church is to strengthen its members in the word
   (Edification)
3. The church is to aid Christians who are in need
   (Benevolence)

Obey the Gospel of Christ

• Hear —
  “Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17)
• Believe —
  “Believe on the Lord Jesus” (Acts 17:31)
• Repent —
  “Repent or perish” (Luke 13:3)
• Confess —
  “Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus”
  (Romans 10:9)
• Be Baptized —
  “Baptism now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21)
• Remain Faithful —
  “He who endures to the end will be saved”
  (Matthew 10:22)

Obey the Gospel of Christ

Follow God’s pattern revealed in His word and remain faithful to Him.