The Perfect Member

I. Introduction: Looking for the perfect preacher

II. Text:

III. Thankful to be a part of the body of Christ

A. 1 John 3:1 - Behold, what manner of love…

B. We must realize that we do not deserve to be members of the Lord’s church.

C. Only through his grace are we able to be His children. Sometimes we forget that being a Christian is a privilege, not a right.

D. We must realize that the Lord’s body is not a social club, business, or other social organization over which we have control.

E. In clubs and other organizations, members will vote for leaders, dues, etc. In the church, God has instructed us to appoint elders to rule over the Lord’s body; deacons to be servants of the church, and evangelists to focus on the spread of the gospel. In social organizations, membership is a name on a roll, in the church, there are no members ” at large.”

F. Cannot take membership in the Lord’s body for granted

G. When we remember that other members are also there by the grace of God, we will be more forgiving, forbearing, and encouraging. They are not part of our church, we are all part of the Lord’s church. If we are unfaithful to God, though we may attend often, we are not part of the Lord’s body. He knows who are his.

IV. Active

A. Romans 12:11

B. Very diligent to do the Lord’s work Fervent in spirit, not lifeless. Serving the Lord, not ourselves

C. We have different abilities and can do different work.

D. Some work is very public such as teaching, preaching, etc. Some work is private such as encouragement, support, etc. YET ALL ARE NECESSARY! In the Lord’s army, just like our military, there are many different types of work, but all work.

V. Peaceful

A. Matthew 12:25 - A house divided cannot stand

B. Romans 12:9-10

C. Love without hypocrisy Kind to one another in brotherly love

D. Preferring one another

E. Romans 12:13 - Helping the needy and strangers

F. Romans 14:19 - Pursuing things that lead to peace and edification

G. Submitting to the elders

H. Hebrews 13:171 Thessalonians 5:12-13

VI. Edifying

A. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 - comfort, help, and encourage

B. Consider yourself when you are in the situation, what would you want? Be humble with your brethren who are in need.

C. Galatians 6:1-2 - Help the spiritually weak and suffering

D. Sometimes we have animosity or speak ill of our brethren. We forget that we are part of a small family in the midst of many dangers.

E. 1 John 3:161 John 4:19-5:1 Some may do many things right in God’s service but lose their souls over unchristian attitudes and treatment towards their brethren.

F. Patient and forgiving as we build others up

G. Ephesians 4:1, 31-32I must realize that I am not perfect, therefore, I should not be so critical of others when they are trying to struggle through trials. We must not hinder, but edify.