Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
c. Meeting the needs of the saints as problems arise (benevolence) - Ro 15:25-26; 1 Co
16:1-4; 2 Co 8:1-9:15
4. Their organization as a congregation will seek to be like that found in the New Testament
- cf. Ph 1:1
a. With elders (also known as bishops, pastors, presbyters, shepherds) qualified to
oversee and tend to the local congregation - Ac 14:23; 20:28; 1 Ti 3:1-7; Ti 1:5-9;
1 Pe 5:1-4
b. With deacons qualified to minister to the local congregation - 1 Ti 3:8-13
c. With saints (members) who sojourn in this world with conduct that is honorable and
which gives glory to God - 1 Pe 2:9-12
-- A church seeking to please Christ will let the apostles’ doctrine guide its worship,
work and organization, and not be based on traditions of uninspired men
C. WHERE RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, AND JOY IS FOUND...
1. Such is to be the focus of those in the kingdom of God - Ro 14:17
a. Not social entertainment and food, but matters of grace - He 13:9
b. Not social programs, for such can hinder the church - 1 Ti 5:16
2. A place where brethren are focused on peace and edification - Ro 14:18-20
a. Pursuing things that make for peace, like love and unity - Jn 13:34-35; 17:20-23
b. Pursuing things that make for building up (edifying) brethren - 1 Co 14:26
c. Avoiding those who cause divisions and occasions to stumble - Ro 16:17-18
-- A church should be conducive to spiritual growth, where people are encouraged to
live holy lives in peace and joy
[Such are the things to look for in a church, if one is serious about following Jesus. As one considers
what to look for in a church, I have some other thoughts on...]
II. WHAT MAY BE NICE, BUT NOT NECESSARY
A. MANY PROGRAMS...
1. Some measure a church by its programs
a. E.g., the Bible classes they offer all ages
b. E.g., the evangelism efforts supported by the congregation
c. E.g., the benevolence being done
2. Not that such is wrong, but one should strive to be strong with or without such programs
a. Spiritual maturity is gained mostly by individual effort, through one’s own personal
devotions, Bible study, service - cf. 1 Ti 4:13-16
b. One will not always be where there is a large congregation with many programs; will he
or she be able to remain strong without them? - e.g., Ac 16:25
3. The majority of Christian duties takes place apart from the local church
a. How we live, work, and play - cf. 1 Pe 2:11-17
b. What kind of workers we are, what kind of families we have - cf. Co 3:18-25
4. It can be easy to be caught up in “church overload”
a. Where one becomes busy in church meetings, activities, etc.
b. That they neglect their God-given duties to family, self and others
-- The true measure of a strong church is not how many programs they have; nor is
the measure of true spirituality how many church activities one is involved in
B. MANY YOUNG PEOPLE...
Topical Sermons 389