Christian Men & Their Role In Local Church Matters
TOPIC: “Christian Men & Their Role In The Local Church Matters”
BIBLE TEXT: 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Matthew 16:17-19; Ephesians 5:22-33
INTRODUCTION (Preamble): The Christian men have a lot to do and contribute in the affairs of the local church. The local church is an extension of the family. Just as the man play a very major part in the family decision, he also need to know that the kingdom of God is no exceptional. The ideal that men should come to the church and watch the women and children only doing the services hinders the full purpose of God for a local Church. I trust that this study will enhance the effective and effectual working of Men in the body ministries of the local church.
The Church is a local and universal Body of Born Again & Spirit-filled believers (i.e. called out people) located in a place of worship, having a shepherd (an overseer).
DISCUSSION (Study Analysis)
1) The Church Defined:
a) Is a called out people of God. 1Peter 2:5, 9; Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 2:1
b) A local church (A community of believers, irrespective of sex, colour or race) geographically located in a place of worship. Revelation 2:1; 1Thessalonians 1:1; Acts 8:1.
c) The Body of Christ (The universal church). Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23
d) A building (A place of worship)
2) Origin of church:
- The vision of the church was born by Christ before his death – Matthew 16:18
- The Beginning of the New Testament Church – Acts 2:1-3, 41 (Born on the day of Pentecost).
3) Our Conduct towards the Church: Acts 20:17, 28 (17-38)
It is one thing to belong to the Church, it is another thing to remain or abide inside. Hence our conduct makes us a living epistles of God’s WORD.
1 Timothy 3:12-15; Titus 1:5
- Take heed to ourselves and to the flocks
- Services should be rather render with fear & reverences. Philippians 2:12
4) Who then is man: Proverbs 20:6
- Dictionary – An Adult Human Male
- Spiritually:
a) The called men, matured folks, grown up in the Lord, not necessary in age (though valuable) but in experience with God.
b) Biblically matured folks with godly experience (i.e. grows up in the Lord)
Note: Differences in classification – A young man, an elderly man, an old Man
5) Men’s Characteristics and Role in the Affairs of the Church:
a) God does call Men not child – Hebrews 5:1, Acts 6:3
b) Men prays – Luke 18:1 – the Church was born by prayers and men ought always to pray and not to faint – Isaiah 40:28-31
c) They are available for the work of God in their local church according to the directives of the leadership – Acts 6:1-7
d) They go for solid food and not milk. Hebrews 5:13-14; Hebrews 6:1
e) They are recipient of God’s spiritual gift and they use this gift as the Spirit will to the glory of God. Acts 19:2, 7, 6; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:11
f) They are to serve as a model in character and in Spirit, in the Church -2 Corinthians 3:2-3
g) They are instrument for effective administration and sponsorship in the Church – Acts 6:1-7
h) Men should be lifters and not breakers to the pastorate and the Church at large – Exodus 17:11-13
i) Men don’t RETIRE but REFIRE. Hebrew 10:35-39; 2 Timothy 2:1-5
6) Non-Essentials/Hindrances against Men’s Role in the Church:
a) Self-egotism – 1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10; Luke. 12:15-21
b) Excuses – Luke 14:16-24
c) Irrelevances – Romans 14:1, James 3:14, 16; Philippians 1:15-18
d) Destruction criticism and sectionalism – 1 Corinthians 12:25
Note: Destructive criticism gives birth to sectionalism – Galatians 3:28-29
e) Division (schism) and offences – 1 Corinthians 12:25
f) Uncontrollable use of tongue – James 3:1.
g) Uncontrollable wrath – James 1:20; Ephesians 4:26.
CONCLUSION: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” 2 Cor. 5:17
Compiled By Revd Chukie MORSI