The Obligations of a Christian
Introduction:
Becoming a Christian involves not only receiving God's grace but also embracing certain obligations within the context of His church. This study will explore these responsibilities, focusing on our connection to the universal and local church and the specific duties associated with congregational membership.
A. The Lord Adds the Saved to His Church (Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 1 Corinthians 12:13):
• These verses highlight that salvation is intrinsically linked to being added to the body of Christ, His church. It's not a solitary endeavor but an incorporation into a spiritual community.
• Ephesians 4:4-6: Emphasizes the unity of the Spirit in one body, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.
• Colossians 1:18: Christ is the head of the body, the church.
• Ephesians 1:22-23: God placed all things under Christ's feet and appointed Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
• Acts 2:38, 41, 47: Following Peter's sermon, those who believed were baptized and added to their number, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
• 1 Corinthians 12:13: We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
• Discussion: What does it mean to be part of the "body of Christ"? How does this understanding shape our individual faith and our relationship with other believers?
B. The One Body is Composed of Local Congregations (Acts 2:42-47; Romans 16:16):
• While the church is universally one body, it manifests itself in local assemblies of believers. These local congregations are vital expressions of the larger spiritual reality.
• Acts 2:42-47: Describes the early church in Jerusalem, a local congregation devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, characterized by unity, sharing, and regular gatherings.
• Romans 16:16: Paul encourages believers to greet one another with a holy kiss, indicating the presence and importance of local congregations to whom he is writing.
• Discussion: Why is it important for the universal church to be expressed through local congregations? What are the benefits of being part of a local body of believers here in Rio de Janeiro?
C. There are problems associated with the failure to understand and appreciate both the universal and local nature of the Lord’s church:
• Neglecting the universal aspect can lead to isolationism and a lack of connection with the broader body of Christ.
• Disregarding the local aspect can result in a disembodied faith, lacking the practical support, accountability, and opportunities for service found in a local congregation.
• Discussion: Have you observed any of these problems in yourself or others? How can a balanced understanding of both the universal and local church contribute to a healthier Christian life?
D. Obligations Associated with Congregational Membership:
This section outlines specific responsibilities that arise from being part of a local church.
I. Attending Worship:
• Gathering together for worship is a fundamental obligation and privilege for Christians.
• A. A familiar passage (Hebrews 10:24-25): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
◦ This passage explicitly exhorts believers not to neglect meeting together, emphasizing the importance of mutual encouragement and the anticipation of Christ's return as motivations for regular assembly.
◦ Discussion: Why is it important to "stir up one another to love and good works"? How does regularly meeting together facilitate this? What are some practical ways we can encourage one another during our gatherings?
• B. An apostolic example (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2):
◦ Acts 20:7: "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to go away on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight." This illustrates the early church's practice of meeting on the first day of the week (Sunday) for worship, specifically mentioning the breaking of bread (communion).
◦ 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: Paul gives instructions regarding the collection for the saints, indicating a regular and organized financial contribution within the local congregation, typically done on the first day of the week.
◦ Discussion: What do these apostolic examples teach us about the priority and nature of congregational worship? How should these examples inform our own practice of gathering for worship in our local churches in Rio de Janeiro?
• C. We should give high priority to local congregational worship: Regular and committed attendance demonstrates our love for God and our commitment to the body of Christ.
◦ Discussion: What are some common reasons why Christians might neglect attending worship? How can we cultivate a greater desire and commitment to prioritizing this vital aspect of our faith?
II. SUBMISSION TO LOCAL ELDERS:
• Respecting and submitting to the spiritual leadership of the local church is another key obligation.
• A. Subjection (Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:2):
◦ Hebrews 13:17: "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." This verse clearly commands obedience and submission to church leaders (elders/overseers).
◦ Ephesians 5:21: "submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." While this speaks to mutual submission among believers, it includes the specific submission to those in leadership.
◦ 1 Peter 5:2: "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly..." This verse describes the role of elders as shepherds and overseers, implying a responsibility for the flock to follow their guidance.
◦ Discussion: Why is submission to godly leadership important for the health and unity of the local church? What are the responsibilities of elders that warrant our respect and submission?
• B. What subjection is NOT (Hebrews 13:20): "Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
◦ This verse, while a benediction, reminds us that the ultimate Shepherd is Jesus Christ. Submission to local elders is not absolute or blind obedience but is within the framework of their shepherding according to God's Word and their accountability to Christ, the Chief Shepherd.
◦ Discussion: What are the limits of submission to local elders? When might a believer have a legitimate concern or question regarding the leadership's direction? How should such concerns be addressed biblically?
• C. Attitude toward elders and the church (Acts 5:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:13):
◦ Acts 5:29: "But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’" This highlights that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Submission to elders should never lead to disobedience to God's clear commands.
◦ 1 Thessalonians 5:13: "...and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves." Believers are called to respect and love their elders for the work they do in serving the church.
◦ Discussion: How can we cultivate an attitude of respect, love, and cooperation with our church leaders? What does it mean to "esteem them very highly in love because of their work"?
III. Contributing to the Work:
• Supporting the ministry of the local church financially is a biblical obligation and a way to participate in its work.
• A. Biblical teaching (1 Corinthians 16:2; 9:7; Acts 20:35):
◦ 1 Corinthians 16:2: "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside, storing up as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." This indicates a regular, systematic, and proportional giving.
◦ 1 Corinthians 9:7: Paul uses the analogy of soldiers, farmers, and shepherds to illustrate that those who work should receive support. This principle applies to those who dedicate themselves to the ministry of the church.
◦ Acts 20:35: "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" This emphasizes the principle of generosity and supporting those in need through our giving.
◦ Discussion: What principles of giving can we glean from these verses? How should our giving reflect our gratitude to God and our commitment to His work through the local church?
• B. Considerations regarding giving to the local congregation: Giving should be:
◦ Regular: Consistent, not sporadic.
◦ Proportional: According to our ability to prosper.
◦ Voluntary: From a willing and generous heart.
◦ For the work: Supporting the ministries, outreach, and needs of the congregation.
◦ Discussion: How can we ensure our giving aligns with these considerations? What are some practical ways to plan and prioritize our financial contributions to the church in Rio de Janeiro?
IV. Caring for Others:
• Christians have a responsibility to care for and support one another within the church family.
• A. We are responsible for one another (Titus 2:2-6; Galatians 6:1-2):
◦ Titus 2:2-6: Paul gives specific instructions on how different groups within the church (older men, older women, younger men, younger women) should care for and mentor one another.
◦ Galatians 6:1-2: "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." This emphasizes the responsibility to restore those who have fallen and to support each other in times of difficulty.
◦ Discussion: What does it mean to be "responsible for one another" within the church? What are some practical ways we can care for and support fellow believers in our local congregation?
• B. Mark of true discipleship (John 13:34-35; Romans 13:8):
◦ John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Loving one another is a defining characteristic of a follower of Jesus.
◦ Romans 13:8: "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." Love is presented as the fulfillment of God's law in our relationships with one another.
◦ Discussion: How does our love for fellow believers serve as a witness to the world? What are some practical ways we can demonstrate this love within our local church in Rio?
• C. The proper functioning of each individual part (Ephesians 4:16): "from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
◦ This verse highlights the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the importance of each member fulfilling their role for the overall growth and health of the church. Caring for others is part of this proper functioning.
◦ Discussion: What are your spiritual gifts and how are you using them to care for and build up the body of Christ in your local church?
V. Evangelize:
• Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet believe is a vital obligation for all Christians.
• Go into all the world and preach the gospel: This is the Great Commission, given by Jesus to all His followers (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8).
• Discussion: Why is evangelism an obligation for every Christian? What are some practical ways we can share the gospel in our daily lives and within the context of our local church in Rio de Janeiro? How can we overcome fear and effectively communicate the good news?
- How to listen to the good shepherd?
- The Proper Focus of a Christian
- What Happens When God Appears to Man?
Conclusion:
The obligations of a Christian are rooted in our incorporation into the body of Christ, both universally and locally. These responsibilities, including attending worship, submitting to godly leadership, contributing to the work, caring for others, and evangelizing, are not burdens but privileges and opportunities to express our love for God and our commitment to His church. By faithfully fulfilling these obligations, we contribute to the health, unity, and growth of the body of Christ and bring glory to God. How will you more intentionally embrace these obligations in your life and within your local church this week?
