Daily devotion – Define what a Church is?
The Role of the Church
“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
1 Corinthians 2:2
Just what is the business of the Church of Jesus Christ? What defines a true church?
The Apostle Paul understood clearly his role and responsibility within the Church:
“If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.” (1 Corinthians 9:17)
Paul recognized that a sacred trust had been committed to him—the proclamation of the Gospel.
Likewise, he wrote:
“Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets.” (Ephesians 3:5)
The role of the Church is then defined in Ephesians 3:
“And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 3:9-10)
It is the Church alone that has been entrusted with this divine responsibility. The Church is God’s instrument for proclaiming His truth to a lost and dying world.
Preaching and teaching the Word of God remain the primary calling of the Church. Through the faithful declaration of Scripture, men and women are confronted with their need for Christ, believers are strengthened in their faith, and God is glorified.
There is, however, a great danger facing the Church in these last days before Christ’s return. Jesus warned what can happen when a church leaves its first love. Works, programs, and numerical growth can begin to dominate its focus, while the preaching and teaching of God’s Word gradually lose their central place.
To the church at Laodicea, Jesus said:
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot… because you are lukewarm… I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)
Laodicea was a popular church with a high opinion of itself. It believed its prosperity and accomplishments were evidence of success. Yet in the eyes of Christ, it was spiritually bankrupt.
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:17)
No repentance. No humility. No awareness of their true condition.
This was a church in name only. Most alarming of all, Jesus was outside the church rather than at its center.
They were blind and unable to see reality. They were living in a fool’s paradise—proud of their church while being rejected by the Lord of the Church.
Diet affects the condition of our eyes, both physically and spiritually. A steady diet of God’s Word enables us to see ourselves as we truly are before God.
Scripture declares:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Only God’s Word can expose the true condition of the human heart.
As Paul neared the end of his life, he gave Timothy—and every pastor who would follow—the Church’s enduring mandate in three simple words:
“Preach the Word!” (2 Timothy 4:2)
Paul also warned of the perilous days that would characterize the last days:
“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:2-5)
The danger is not merely that the world will become increasingly ungodly, but that many will maintain an outward form of religion while abandoning the truth and power of God’s Word.
May we never lose sight of the Church’s God-given purpose. The central calling of the Church—is to faithfully preach and teach the Word of God and to proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[ and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
See you Wednesday as we open God’s precious Word once again!