Sunday, December 3, 2017 am
The New Testament Church 2017
The work of the church (5) – Benevolence (2)
In our last lesson
we examined how churches engaged in benevolence.
We looked at examples both of local benevolence, as well as
examining how churches helped others when they struggled.
We noted 7 passages of scripture that deal with churches helping
the needy. We discussed the
church in Jerusalem at the infancy of the kingdom (Acts 2, 4, 6:1-4),
several churches in need in Judea (Acts 11), and later, troubles in
Jerusalem and how brethren throughout the empire sent relief to these
brethren; .and 1 Timothy 5:8-16 which deals with standards for relieving
needy widows.
In our lesson today,
we want to make some observations about that pattern.
NOTE: Be reminded,
we are not questioning the need to be benevolent and help others.
Nor are we saying that benevolent works are evil or do not need
to be addressed. In fact, my
intent is to emphasize our need for compassion toward others, including
those who are not Christians.
BUT, we ARE concerned about God’s pattern for what the church is
and HOW it is to carry out its work, in every area of work.
That is our goal in this study.
a.
It was
always for brethren – “poor
saints”.
And even then, there are limitations (when family efforts are exhausted,
etc.), per 1 Timothy 5:3-16.
Paul lists “qualifications” demonstrating the proven character of those
to be helped and supported by the church.
b.
It was
always when all other efforts had been exhausted.
-Within a congregation – see 1 Tim. 5:16, “If any believing man or
woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be
burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.”
- In the case of the churches of Judea (Acts 11), there was famine.
And when we consider that these brethren had already been helping
each other and exhausted their resources, it is clear they would need
additional help.
- In the case of Jerusalem, several years later, again you would be
dealing with devastating circumstances there.
c.
It was
always temporary and for a specific need.
Needs were not created and then funds sought.
No church decided to sponsor an ongoing relief effort, or create an
organization to address its need.
E.g. They didn’t build a hospital, or retirement home, to take
care of the sick and needy, either present or anticipated.
Such organizations are always intended to be permanent!
d.
As with
every other work, churches maintained their independence and autonomy.
They sent directly to the need, choosing their own messenger (1
Corinthians 16:2-4).
At no time, did a congregation surrender its funds to another
congregation (except the receiving church with the need) and thereby
surrender its autonomy in helping with the need.
e.
No
organizations were created or used (including sponsoring churches) to
relieve needy saints.
No church sent its needy to another congregation to be cared for.
a.
In the
Bible, the work of the church in this area is NOT about “general
benevolence” to the world.
By “general benevolence” I mean, relieving the benevolent needs
of society, as opposed to exclusive benevolence directed toward
Christians only.
i.
The church
is not about meeting all the physical needs of humanity.
NOR is there authority for a church to use its funds to help
those who are not Christians.
Jesus even noted: The poor you have with you always (Matthew
26:11)
ii.
As we have
noted, the church is about supporting the truth (1 Tim. 3:15), by
proclaiming the Gospel and by spiritually building up its saints. The
more important need of souls is the gospel.
That is what the church is about.
Romans 14:17,
“for the kingdom of God is not
eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit.”
Acts 6:2-4 makes this clear when the apostles distinguish between
benevolent works and ministering the word of God.
iii.
Congregational (corporate) benevolence is about relieving physical
burdens of the saints (2 Corinthians 9:12), that they are no longer able
to relieve by themselves or by other means, so that they might be better
equipped to grow spiritually. Physical
burdens are wearisome, both physically and mentally.
God has provided the means AND pattern to help one another with
these things – both as individuals and as the church (when other means
are exhausted).
iv.
When we
study the examples of benevolence we do find some things that happen:
1.
There is a
sharing of physical and spiritual blessings (Romans 15:27).
It SHOWS our fellowship with those we are helping and an
understanding of TRUE fellowship.
2.
It is a
matter of equality – 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 – we are reminded that our
lives are NOT about obtaining material gain, NOR about us being better
than others. We are willing
to help one another materially leading toward spiritual equality.
3.
God is
glorified (2 Corinthians 9:13)
4.
There are
prayers and warmness toward one another (2 Corinthians 9:14)
5.
IN all
these, we can see the spiritual strengthening that takes place!
b.
General
benevolence is addressed by other means:
i.
The home –
1 Timothy 5:8. Taking care of its own is the priority.
ii.
Government
can address these things – the purpose of government is supposed to be
to protect its citizens. We pay
taxes to support their efforts.
We ought to support good works that they are engaged in.
Luke 20:25, Rom. 13:1-7, etc.
iii.
Individual
Christians can and should be involved in such.
This cannot be emphasized
greatly enough.
James 1:27, pure and undefiled religion involves relieving the needy.
(Visit is more than the casual greeting)
Galatians 6:10, as we have opportunity, we do good to all, but
ESPECIALLY our brethren. It
is worthy of note that much of this context is addressing spiritual
“good” that needs to be done, though it could include the physical as
well.
NOTE: Contextually
Matthew 25:31-46, when we stand before our God in judgment, He will look
at what we did as Christians. In fact, be reminded that judgment IS an
individual thing (Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation
20:11-15, Hebrews 9:27, etc.)
1 John 3:17-18 – whoever has this world’s goods and sees a brother in
need and shuts up his heart to him, how does God’s love abide in him?
Love in deed and in truth.
1 Timothy 6:17-18 – the rich are commanded to be humble and to do good,
being rich in good works, ready to give, and willing to share, etc…
JUST following the example of Jesus who “went about doing good.” (Acts
10:38)
Included in this could be contributing to (or if you have the means,
creating) charitable organizations that specialize in helping the needy
in given areas (and times), or giving of your time to such worthwhile
endeavors (i.e. volunteering).
c.
Benevolence was never used as a means to introduce the gospel to the
world.
i.
There are
many who believe that we can use social activities and benevolence (good
will) to reach the lost.
They think that by doing some charitable work, it will open doors to
hearing the gospel.
ii.
There may
be occasions where benevolent acts causes one to further investigate the
truth, but does the end justify the means?
That is a dangerous path because it is subjective and without ANY
authority whatsoever.
Consider: Can we lie for what we think is a good cause?
IF God’s grace abounds where there is sin, can we sin more? (see Romans
6:1ff)
We KNOW we cannot base our faith on emotions or “I think”.
iii.
The
pattern of scripture is clear.
Whatever benevolence the church provided was for needy SAINTS
only! We CANNOT set aside
God’s pattern because we PERCEIVE something to be a good work.
iv.
IF it
takes benevolence to introduce the gospel, it will take more of the same
to keep those who it reaches. Consider
John 6:26-27, where Jesus rebuked them for following Him for the food.
And more often than not, that is what those receiving physical
aid think about.
v.
Consider
also Acts 3:1-9 where Peter healed a lame man.
He was asking for alms at the temple.
Peter said to him, “Silver
and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.” (3:6) Peter
healed him that day. NOTE:
There was already funds available in the city for the church
(Acts 2:44-45) but it was NOT available to distribute to this needy man.
d.
There
is a difference between the responsibilities of the church and
individuals.
i.
We have
addressed this distinction earlier this year.
We have also addressed the responsibility of Individuals in the
area of benevolence in this lesson.
Be reminded of several verses that make this distinction:
1.
1 Timothy
5:16 – do not let the church be burdened
2.
Matthew
18:15 – go to a brother, only after he refuses to repent do you “tell it
to the church” (17)
3.
Acts 5:2-4
– concerning Ananias and Sapphira, their money was theirs until they
gave it to the apostles.
4.
1
Corinthians 11:22, 34 – do you not have houses to eat in.
Paul distinguished between a typical meal and the Lord’s Supper
when they came together.
ii.
Sometimes,
justification for general works of benevolence by the church are made by
misapplying passages which contextually are addressed to individuals.
Such as Galatians 1:10, James 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 9:13 where
Paul speaks of the liberal sharing of the brethren in need “and all
men.” Some contend this
verse is saying, “All men” means we can give benevolently to anyone
(with caution or wisdom).
1.
But again,
contextually, Paul is dealing with a gift to saints.
These brethren pray (vs. 14 which unbelievers cannot do), it
supplied the needs of the saint (vs. 12), “they glorify God for the
obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ.” (vs. 13).
These are all associated with the saints.
2. Secondly, the original only says, “all” (men is not in the text). WHO these “all” were needs to be determined BY the text. Paul could be commending their willingness to help brethren in other places as well.
These are some
thoughts to consider as we think about the work of benevolence in the
local church.
LET it be known that we are in
no way questioning the good intentions or the need for acts of
benevolence.
As Christians we ought to be known for our generosity and care for
others. And as the Lord’s church,
we ought to demonstrate that we genuinely care about others, especially
their souls. But as with
everything else we have discussed, where God’s pattern places
limitations, we must respect that.
That includes this work as well.
Are we willing to do that?