Topical Sermons - Challenges For A Growing Congregation

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                "CHALLENGES FOR A GROWING CONGREGATION"


INTRODUCTION

1. As a congregation grows, it is likely to face various challenges...
   a. The devil would certainly love to hinder us in our work - e.g.,
      1Th 2:18
   b. How he does this may not always be evident, as he is a great
      deceiver - 2Co 11:3
   -- Through simple and seemingly harmless diversions, the devil can
      lead us astray

2. We must therefore take up the admonition to "Hold fast..." - Re 3:11
   a. Accepting any challenges the devil might throw our way
   b. Knowing that our efforts to be "steadfast" are not for naught
      - 1Co 15:58

[In this study we will look at some challenges that any congregation
must meet to serve the Lord faithfully...]

I. WE MUST REMEMBER WHAT OUR WORK IS

   A. TO EQUIP THE SAINTS FOR MINISTRY (EDIFICATION)...
      1. We are to provide for the spiritual growth of each member
         - Ep 4:11-12
      2. This is how the body continues to grow - Ep 4:15-16
      3  Thus we are to provoke one another to love and good works, the
         very reason we are to assemble together - He 10:24-25
      -- Is each one of us doing what we can to help other Christians
         to grow?

   B. TO SOUND FORTH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST (EVANGELISM)...
      1. Like the church at Thessalonica - 1Th 1:8
      2. Through individual and collective efforts, we must "sow the
         seed"
      3. As our building fills, it becomes tempting to slack off, but
         we must either expand or swarm (have some leave to start
         another congregation)
      -- Is each one of us doing what we can to spread the gospel?

   C. TO PROVIDE FOR NEEDY SAINTS (BENEVOLENCE)...
      1. The original purpose behind the collection - 1Co 16:1-2
      2. Even if there is no need locally, there may be needy saints in
         other places
      -- Is each one of us doing what we can to see that needs are
         being met?

[The work of the local church goes far beyond providing a place where
people can simply worship from week to week.  We should be preparing
ourselves to work!  Will we meet the challenge?  Another challenge we
must face...]

II. WE MUST LIVE ABOVE PETTINESS

   A. EVEN GOOD CHURCHES CAN BE HINDERED BY PETTINESS...
      1. Notice Paul's concern for the church at Philippi - Php 4:2-3
      2. When churches loose sight of their primary purpose, they are
         ripe for being torn apart by selfishness, gossip, and
         factionalism

   B. WE MUST KEEP A PROPER SENSE OF PROPORTION...
      1. It is disastrous if we begin to "major in minors", to blow
         problems all out of proportion
      2. We must see the largeness and importance of our work in
         comparison to our own personal problems
         a. Every church has its problems, for we are imperfect people
         b. Remembering Paul's exhortations in Php 2:1-5 will certainly
            help

[What a sad thing it would be to have a congregation hindered by
pettiness.  Yet so many congregations do allow it to keep them from
growing.  Will we accept the challenge never to allow pettiness to so
affect us?  It will be easy to meet that challenge, if at the same time
we meet another one...]

III. WE MUST MAINTAIN GRATITUDE FOR OUR BLESSINGS

   A. WE HAVE MUCH FOR WHICH TO BE THANKFUL...
      1. As individuals:
         a. We have many physical blessings
            1) Our families, friends, homes, health
            2) Our freedoms, jobs
         b. We have many spiritual blessings
            1) Salvation in Christ, the forgiveness of sins, peace of
               mind
            2) The love of God, the strength of the Holy Spirit, the
               hope of heaven
      2. As a congregation:
         a. Free from turmoil, free to worship
         b. Filled with love and unity
         c. Blessed with good facilities, signs of numerical and
            spiritual growth
         d. Great potential for both individual and congregational
            growth

   B. WE SHOULD BE NOTED FOR OUR "ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE"...
      1. Note how often Paul exhorted the Colossians to be thankful
         a. Giving thanks to the Father - Col 1:12
         b. Abounding with thanksgiving - Col 2:7
         c. As the peace of God rules in your heart, be thankful
            - Col 3:15
         d. Giving thanks to God - Col 3:17
         e. Be vigilant in prayer with thanksgiving - Col 4:2
      2. As individuals, and as a congregation, let us never become
         "unthankful"
         a. It is a step toward depravity - Ro 1:21
         b. It is a sign of perilous times - 2Ti 3:1-5

CONCLUSION

1. There are many other challenges that congregations may face...
   a. Such as persecution for the cause of Christ
   b. Or natural calamities that may devastate our community

2. But in most cases, even those challenges can be met and overcome if
   we...
   a. Remember what our work is
   b. Live above pettiness
   c. Maintain gratitude for our blessings

With a will to do what the Lord desires of us, and with the "attitude
of gratitude" lifting us above any sense of pettiness that might drag
us down, let us do our part to answer the prayer of Paul:

   "...to Him (God) be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all
   generations, forever and ever. Amen."  (Ep 3:21)

Note:  The main idea and several thoughts from this lesson were taken
from a lesson by Gary Henry.  The URL for his web site containing many
excellent articles and sermon outlines is:  http://www.brasstacks.org
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