Lesson for Sunday, December 27th 2009

'Come Grow With Us”

Matthew 22:34-40 (lesson text)

This is appealing because most of us like to be associated with organizations that are growing and expanding their influence.

People seldom will support a cause that is perceived to be in decline.

But we must make sure that our goal of church growth goes far beyond mere numbers.

It is exciting to envision a building so full that we have to have extra chairs brought into the auditorium every service. Still, our vision must go far beyond such things.

Today's lessons will examine both attitudes and actions that must be developed that will lay the foundation for the kind of growth in the church that will truly please God. Our lesson text this morning from Matthew 22 emphasizes the importance of God and loving our neighbor.

Christian love must be involved as the motivation. To help us remember these things, let’s take the word GROW and break it down into a way that we can remember it.

I. True church growth comes from the proper attitude regarding GIVING.

One of the basic fundamental aspects of true Christianity is its "giving nature." People who come to God with the dominant attitude of "What's in it for me?" have failed to grasp the message of the Bible.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

It is certainly true that God is willing to give His children numerous blessings beyond our ability to measure, but He wants to instill within us a love for the Giver, not just for the gifts.

The proper attitude towards giving must be seen in our financial contributions (II Cor. 9:6-15).

Verse 8 tells us that God can and will bless us with whatever we need to accomplish His great work, but our hearts must be right.

II. True church growth comes from REACHING OUT.

The "Great Commission" must be remembered at all times and become the passion for the church out of a heart of love (Matt. 28:19-20).

We must reach out to everyone regardless of who they are (Luke 14:15-24). We must be willing to reach out to the church in love (Acts 2:40-47; 4:32-37). We must be willing to reach out to the lost and dying world in compassion (Matt. 9:35-38).

III. True church growth comes from OBEDIENCE

Obedience is one of the Bible's greatest themes (Eccl. 12:13-14). Jesus became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). According to Jesus, it is obedience that separates the “religious“ from the “saved.”(Matt. 7:21-23).

The works of obedience will help to strengthen our faith and love. The life of Abraham is a good example (James 2:21-22). Jesus made obedience one of the tests of true discipleship (John 14:15). Jesus is the perfect example of obedience (Phil. 2:5-11 ). He was humbled, but then exalted for it. The same will be true of us.

IV. True church growth comes when members are willing to WORK.

No organization can flourish when many of its members do not contribute effectively to its success.

A portion of any organization's time and talent must be spent in maintaining the organization.

This is certainly true of the church when we consider the needs of the members that must be met. But what happens when there is only enough time and talent to cover the member's needs?

The answer is that little is done in the realm of evangelism (or even Biblical fellowship).

Do good unto all men, especially those who are of the household of faith!

Once again, we must follow the example of the Master (John 4:34; 17:4). God created us to be His workmanship (Eph. 2:10). Every member is given a charge to do his part (Eph. 4:16). Notice the emphasis in this same verse to the environment of Christian love that is to abound in the church that grows.

All who are saved should work out of appreciation of salvation (Phil. 2:12).

The proper faith before God will cause us to work out of love (Gal. 5:6).

Conclusion:

Church growth that will please the Father will involve more than numbers. It will concern itself with growth in every righteous path in the context of love. As we endeavor to grow, may we keep before us key attitudes and actions that guarantee growth:

a. Give our best to God.

b. Reach out to others.

c. Obey that which God commands.

d. Work for the greatest cause in the world.

If we do these things from the motivation of love, God will bless us with true growth in this life, individually and on the congregational level.

Jonathan Burleson
Minister
Pearlington Church of Christ
Sunday, December 27th 2009