Text: 1 Peter 4:1-4
In the previous lesson, we talked about how we, as individual Christians, stand out from the world. However, this is also true for churches. There are things that we do or don’t do that people are “surprised” by. We’re going to talk about some of these in this lesson.
We Don’t Use Instrumental Music
- This is one of the most obvious differences that is noticed when someone visits an assembly – the vast majority of churches have this
- We are to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24) – the type of music described in the New Testament is singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16); does it have to be singing only? … we need authority for all we do (Colossians 3:17); silence is not permission (Hebrews 7:12-14)
- Many cite the Old Testament as authority for instruments – but that law has been replaced (Hebrews 7:12; Colossians 2:14)
We Don’t Have Women Preach or Lead in Worship
- Our society continues to try to blur the distinctions between men and women – not a question of capability; women may be capable, but we need to respect the roles that God gave
- Women may teach (Titus 2:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15) – but not in the assembly (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 14:34)
- Women may sing in the assembly (Ephesians 5:19) – but not to exercise authority (1 Timothy 2:12); leading
We Don’t Host Social Events
- This is expected in the religious world today – churches host events all the time in which they provide food, games, entertainment, and more
- Clearly, this is something good for individual Christians and families to do (Acts 2:46; cf. 1 Corinthians 5:11)
- But this is a function of the home, not the church (1 Corinthians 11:22, 34)
We Don’t Help the Needy in the Community
- Our society has come to expect that churches exist to help the needy – religious and non-religious people believe this; they’re shocked to find out that we don’t do this
- Again, this is something good for us to do as individuals (Galatians 6:10; James 1:27)
- The church is only authorized to help needy saints (Acts 4:32-35; 11:29-30; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1) – even then, it is limited and temporary (1 Timothy 5:16; 2 Corinthians 8:14)
Conclusion
- As individuals, we have been called to be like Christ – as churches, we are to be “of Christ” (Romans 16:16)
- This means we follow His instructions and do what we can know is pleasing to Him – this will make us look very different in certain ways from the churches around us
- In all things, we need to look to His word rather than to the world to see what we are to be doing
