Lesson 2 – Responsibility to a  Local Congregation

 

Do I have to be a member of a church?  What are my duties as a Christian?

 

Memory Verse:  Romans 12:10-11 – Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.

 

What are my responsibilities toward a local church?

1)      Membership

a)      Acts 9:26 – What was Paul’s intention?

b)      1 Cor. 5:1,2,13 – How hard would it be to discipline those “among us” if we do not know who is and is not a member of our church?

c)      1 Pet. 5:2-3; Acts 20:28 – What is the jurisdiction of the elders?  Can an elder rule over me if I’m not accountable to any group (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thes. 5:12-13)?

2)      Attendance

a)      We see several examples of the early churches meeting on a regular basis   (Acts 2:42,46; 20:7; 1 Cor. 14:23).

b)      Heb. 10:24-25 – Where are we to exhort and provoke each other to love and good works, according to this verse?  If I forsake opportunities to meet with Christians, am I “considering” my brethren?

3)      Participation / Involvement

a)      Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20; 1 Thes. 5:14 – What is my responsibility toward a brother who is sinning / struggling spiritually?

b)      1 Thes. 5:11,14-28 – What are some things that I can be doing for my brethren?

c)      Titus 2:2-5 – How can the older men and women participate?  Likewise what should the younger men and women be doing?

d)      1 Tim. 6:18; 1 John 3:17-18 – How can I participate with my physical goods (money, food, etc.)?

4)      Loyalty / Commitment

a)      Of what importance are loyalty and commitment in a workplace?  What happens to a business when people are not loyal and committed?

b)      Rom. 12:10-11 – What kind of spirit must I have as I serve the Lord’s church?

c)      1 Cor. 16:15-16 – To what did the household of Stephanas devote (addict – KJV) themselves?  What kind of encouragement was Stephanas to Paul (vs. 18)?

d)      Joshua 1:16-18 – What was the attitude of the Israelites that we should imitate?

 

Membership - - - Attendance - - - Participation - - - Loyalty