Pattern For The Church
Categories: Audio Sermons, Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesListen
Date written: October 12th, 2001
Scripture ref: Matthew 16:13-19
SUBJECT: Gospel Meeting: Back to the Bible Pattern
TITLE: Pattern for the Church
PROPOSITION: The New Testament provides a pattern for the church. There is a pattern for its 1) Establishment, 2) Organization, 3) Name, and 4) Mission. Those “churches” that do not conform to this pattern are not the church about which we read in the New Testament.
OBJECTIVES: Each listener should be able to explain how the New Testament contains a pattern for the church in its establishment, organization, name, and mission.
AIM: I hope to help everyone see the importance of understanding the pattern for the New Testament Church, that we must follow this pattern as it is divine and authoritative in nature.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Matthew 16:13-19 “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
2. About the Text:
1) Jesus said that he would “build” his church.
2) Every building that I have ever seen has a blueprint or pattern for construction.
3) The church that Jesus built is no different.
4) The Father is the Great Architect of the church. Ephesians 3:9-11 “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:”
5) The Holy Spirit is the Chief Engineer. John 16:13-14: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”
6) Jesus is the solid foundation; the Apostles were the “Masterbuilders” and we are God’s laborers. 1 Corinthians 3:9-10 “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
3. The church is HIS church. It is said that if you were asked to pick out a specific man’s bride from a room full of women, that you could accomplish this by looking at the features of identification on each of those women based upon the description given by the husband. We have the description of the beautiful bride of Christ contained within the New Testament. We can identify that bride today by looking at the description of her within the scriptures.
4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: The New Testament provides a pattern for the…
I. Establishment of the Church
1. Who Established the Church?
1) It was established in the mind of God from times eternal. Ephesians 3:10 “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:”
2) It was established by the authority of the Christ. Matthew 16:18-19 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
3) It was established in practice upon the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:46-47 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
4) The church that does not claim to be established in the mind of God, by the authority of Christ, and in practice by the Apostles of Jesus Christ, is not the church of the New Testament.
2. When was the church Established? — A.D. 30 Upon the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.
1) Jesus said to Peter that he would give him the keys of the kingdom.
2) The kingdom was to be established in the lifetime of the apostles with power. “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.”
3) Jesus told the apostles in Acts 1:8 that they would receive the power when the Holy Ghost comes upon them. Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
4) In Acts 2:1-4 The Spirit came. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” We must conclude that the power came and the church came.
5) If any church claims to be originally established at some other time, it is not the church of the New Testament.
3. Where was the church established?: In the city of Jerusalem.
1) It was prophesied that this is where the church would begin. Isaiah 2:1-4 “The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
2) Psalm 110:1-3 “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.”
3) Luke 24:47-49 “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
4) Acts 1:4 “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.”
5) If any church claims to be originally established in another location, it is not the New Testament church.
II. Organization of the Church (Ephesians 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”)
1. The church universal (Matthew 16:18-19).
1) Christ – The Head of the church.
a. Ephesians 1:22 “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
b. Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”
c. Colossians 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence”
2) Apostles – The Ambassadors of Christ in the church.
a. Eye witnesses for Christ. (Acts 1:8)
b. Practically established the church (Acts 2:47).
c. Responsible for the original communication of heaven’s doctrine in the church (Matthew 16:19).
d. Were responsible for confirming the word with signs and miracles (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:4).
e. Responsible for conveying miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17).
f. Commissioned to preach the gospel to the whole world in their generation (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:23).
3) Prophets – Inspired servants of God (Ephesians 3:5).
2. The church local (Romans 16:16).
1) Elders – The rulers of the local body (Hebrews 13:17).
2) Deacons – Men assigned specific areas of service (1 Tim. 3:8-13).
3) Evangelists – Those dedicated to teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 4:5).
4) Members – All other Christians (1 Corinthians 12:27).
3. Notice that there are no organizations in between. Any organization that has something other than what we find in the New Testament is not the church of the New Testament.
III. Name of the Church
1. The name should honor its founder, purchaser, and owner.
1) We recognize this in matters of secular business. Sears tower example.
2) Christ is the founder and owner of the church (Matthew 16:18-19).
3) He is the one who purchased the church with his blood (Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”).
4) He is the one who redeemed the church with his blood (Rev. 5:9-10 “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”).
2. The name should reflect its ultimate authority and allegiance.
1) Christ as the authority of the church. Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
2) Christ as the head of the church.
a. Ephesians 1:19-23 “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
b. Colossians 1:16-18 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
3) Christ as the bride-groom of the church. Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”
3. The name should reflect that of God’s designation. In the scriptures we find.
1) “Church of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:2 “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”
2) “Churches of Christ.” Romans 16:16 “Salute one another… .”
4. In order for a church to be a New Testament church, it must reflect the proper name that respects its founder, purchaser, owner; that reflects the proper authority and allegience, and that reflects an appropriate, Godly designation. If a church does not reflect these things, it is not a New Testament church.
IV. Mission of the Church – Save Souls
1. Evangelizing the Lost
1) Our Lord Evangelized the Lost — Luke 19:9-10 “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
2) The Apostles Evangelized the Lost
a. Jesus taught them to evangelize- Matthew 9:37-38 “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest..”
b. The apostles evangelized the lost – Acts 3:17-20, 26 “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you… . Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”
3) The church must evangelize the lost – Acts 11:19-26 “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”.
2. Exhorting the Faithful
1) Our Lord Exhorted the Faithful – John 14:1-4 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”
2) The Apostles Exhorted the Faithful – Acts 2:41-47 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
3) The church must exhort the faithful – Hebrews 3:12-13 “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
3. Helping those in Need
1) Our Lord Helped Those in Need – Matthew 15:32 “Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”
2) The Apostles Helped those in Need – Acts 4:32-35 “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”
3) The church must help those in need.
a. Gal. 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
b. Acts 20:35 “In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
CONCLUSION:
1. Other items we have already touched on in this meeting but not in this lesson.
1) The pattern of worship of the church.
2) The pattern of the entrance into the church.
3) The pattern of church growth.
2. Invitation
1) If you are a Christian
a. Continue to live faithfully in serving and working with the church.
b. Be restored to faithful service in the church.
2) If you are not a Christian this morning…
a. All spiritual blessings are located in the church.
b. Salvation is located in the church. Will you be saved today?
a) Hear the word; Romans 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing…”
b) Believe with all your heart; Hebrews 11:6 “For without faith it is impossible… .”
c) Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30).
d) Confess Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 16:16).
e) Be Baptized for the remission of your sins (Mark 16:15-16).