PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT FOR EVERYDAYLIFE
– AUTHORITY AND FELLOWSHIP –
The Old Testament Psalmist wrote long ago, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) In the previous seven lessons we have spent considerable time searching the ideas surrounding “authority” as it relates to God’s word. We have endeavored to find the truth and show how it is necessary in our everyday affairs. Church government is essential in our being faithful children of God.
We must be willing to put the Scriptures to practical use in all the things we do in a days’ time. We have set forth principles that should cause us to give serious consideration to our souls’ well-being. These principles can help us understand better what God, the Father expects of us.
Authority in religion is necessary for us to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. The Father-in-heaven has delegated all authority to the Son in heaven and on earth. He in turn has delegated that authority to the Apostles who have been led by the Holy Spirit to write down all things that are necessary to our salvation here and in the life to come. The written word of God, the Bible, is our only source book for the authority to do the things that we do and teach in the name of religion. Those men today who would lead God’s people as Elders and as an Evangelist must be faithful to the text of God. These men are not inspired as were the Apostles (13 counting Paul). These men must remain within the teachings of the Bible. They cannot add to it nor take from it. They must be willing to lead others to a better understanding of God’s will. They, too, must obey that word!
The Psalmist spoke of the benefit of the communion of the saints. We always say that things go better when we follow the directions. The directions God has given us are there for our spiritual well-being. Certain safeguards have been enacted to insure the purity of the Lord’s people. If we fail to abide in the teachings of Jesus Christ, then we allow the door to be open to anything and everything that man may dream up. Anything not in harmony with the will of God is sinful. Sin will prevent us from being with God in eternity. When we decide that we know better than God and start putting our own ideas in place of His, we are in serious trouble.
We are authorized by God’s word to have fellowship with those of like precious faith.
We are also authorized not to have fellowship with anyone who engages in sinful practices, whether they are within or without the body of Christ, the Church. Paul’s first letter to the Church at Corinth shows us how far reaching our influence can be. If we overlook sin, it destroys our influence in the community in which we live. If we overlook sin within the body of Christ the leavening influence can undermine the whole congregation. If we overlook sin, then we have in fact condoned it.
Unity is such a precious thing to have. Fellowship allows you and me to be in complete agreement with one another, because our unity is based upon the truth of God’s message.
Unity must be maintained, but not at the cost of compromise. God has made a statement on this subject. We believe that truth. That truth settles the matter once and for all! No one, no Elder, no Evangelist, absolutely no one has the right to change what God has said on the subject of fellowship or any other matter, that God has spoken on.
Larry R. Scott, minister
Serving the Churches of Christ
PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT FOR EVERYDAYLIFE
– AUTHORITY AND FELLOWSHIP –
1. Give a definition of what the world says “fellowship” is. ______________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. Give a definition of “fellowship” according to the word of God. _________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Is unity based upon diversity or upon the basis of teaching the same things?
(Ephesians 4:1-7) _______________________________________________________
4. Are Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit in agreement? ________________________
(Gives Scripture references) ______________________________________________
5. Is it possible to believe and teach the same things in the name of religion according to
God’s word? ________ What does Paul mean in Ephesians 4:13? ________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. If we speak the same things in religion will there be any division? ______________
(I Corinthians 1:10)
7. What kind of contentions did Paul say were occurring in Corinth? (I Corinthians 1:11-
17) __________________________________________________________________
8. Is our Christianity suppose to confuse the world or bring it to Christ? _____________
_________________ Can we bring the world to Christ if we are religiously divided?
___________ Why not? _________________________________________________
9. Are all of us important to the Lord? (Speaking of those who are New Testament
Christians. Those who have been baptized into Christ for the remission of their past
sins.) (I Corinthians 3) ________________________________
10. If we are a divided people, are we really following Christ? (I Corinthians 3:1-3)
_______
11. Are there limits to our fellowship? (Ephesians 5:11) _________________
12. In the context of I Corinthians 5 how are we to keep ourselves from fellowship with
the sin in the world? __________________________________________________
Student____________________ Date_______________
Grade______________
Instructor: Larry R. Scott