1 Cor. 14:1-5, Remember, Repent, Repeat (2)

Six Signs of Building an Organization Rather than Men

1.  Assuming the pressure of jobs which should be delegated.

2.  Being so busy working for God that you are no longer able to enjoy fellowship with God.

3.  Expecting workers to build the organization rather than designing the organization to build the workers.

4.  Neglecting the needs and pressures of those closest to you, assuming that they will understand.

5.  Allowing those around you to lose the joy of the Lord under sustained pressure.

6.  Setting up numerical or financial goals rather than focusing on precise spiritual achievements.

The purpose of the local church is to be a setting where believers in Jesus Christ can be “edified” (built up) in their faith in Christ.  This purpose of the church is expressed frequently in the NT.

·       Mt. 16:18: Jesus said He would build (edify) His church and the gates of Hades would not prevail against it.  His work today is to build His church.

·       Rom. 14:19: In the Body of Christ we are to pursue the things that edify (cf. Rom. 15:2).

·       1 Cor. 8:1: “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”  We are called to love one another (John 13:34-35).

·       1 Cor. 10:23: The choice of how we use our time is not based on “what am I allowed to do” but edifies.

·       1 Cor. 14:1-5: For the Apostle Paul the issue of tongues vs. prophesying comes down to what provides most edification for the believer.  Thus, we are to excel in the things that edify (14:12).

·       1 Cor. 14:26: The command is clear: Let all things be done for edification.

·       2 Cor. 12:19: Paul’s own ministry revolved around edification.  “All things.”

·       Eph. 4:12: The ministry of the apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor/teachers is to equip believers so they can be part of what Jesus is doing: “edifying” His body!

·       Eph. 4:29: Our words should be chosen on the basis of “what is good for necessary edification.”

·       1 Th. 5:11: “Edify one another.”

It is possible, perhaps even common, for the maintenance of a program to be the point of the program in the church, rather than maintaining a program that builds people up.  We should not be “given to change” (Prov. 24:21), but, in obedience to the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, we must be ready to change that which does not build people up in their faith and walk in Christ.

We just brought into the discussion that which is most important.  “Obedience to the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.”  This is not a “mysterious” or merely “academic” matter.  There are seven letters from Christ to local churches in Rev. 2-3 where we understand that He is walking among the churches, observing their heart and their works.  It is the first of those letters, the one written to the Church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7), that will occupy our attention for the next few days.