Article III: The Church Covenant - 101226AM@TBC - by Phil Martin for God’s glory

·        First requirement of church membership is à salvation.  (explain)

·        What does it mean to be part of the body of Christ?

·        Local church membership is a concrete expression of a believer’s commitment to function together with other saints as part of Christ’s body.

·        Definition of a Covenant

Introduction

Covenant:  an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified. --Dictionary.com Unabridged. Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.

We, the Members of this Church, do affectionately welcome you into the fellowship with us in the blessings of the Gospel, and covenant together, God helping us,

·        that as strangers and pilgrims we will refrain from fleshly lusts (I Peter 2: 11).

·        That we will put away from us all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us (Eph. 4:31-32).

·        That as we have opportunity, we will do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Gal. 6: 10).

·        That we will remember them who have the rule over us who speak unto us the Word of God (Heb. 13:7). That we submit to the loving oversight and discipline of the Members and officers of this Church of Christ, and

·        that we will give as God has prospered us (I Cor. 16:2), not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver (II Cor. 9:7).

Today we will review the five commitmenst of the TBC Church Covennat.  However these are also Scritural imperatives for all blielievers.

1) Strangers who have a heavenly home. 

1 Peter 2.9-12 (esp. 11)

⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

¹¹ Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, ¹² having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

A. Context:

1) Before  because of these …  He exhorts us

We are a race, priesthood, nation, and God’s people why?

2. 9 to proclaim His excellencies

2.10 (because) we are now His people

2. 10 (because) you have received mercy

2) After

1. Honorable conduct

2. Description of the lives of those who are subject to God’s rule.

2.13 Be subject to every human institution...

2.18 Servants, be subject...

3.1 Wives, be subject…

B. Key Ideas:

1. “ Strangers and pilgrims” describes our attitude.

Strangers  πάροικος   Strong’s G3941 – paroikos—in the NT, a stranger, a foreigner, one who lives in a place without the right of citizenship

ylt, kjv—strangers; nasb, niv, wet—aliens; nkjv, esv—sojourners

Pilgrims  παρεπίδημος  Strong’s G3927 – parepidēmos -  one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives

ylt—sojourners; kjv, nkjv—pilgrims; nasb, niv—strangers; esv—exiles; nlt—foreigners

Hebrews 11

¹³ These [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ¹⁴ For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. ¹⁵ And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

• We should not get too comfortable here on earth.
• We should not see retirement as our final destination.
• We are to look beyond this world.

2.  Fleshly lusts should be resisted.

Abstain  ἀπέχομαι  Strong’s G567 – apechomai  - 1) to hold one’s self off, refrain, abstain

ylt, kjv, nasb, nkjv, esv, niv—abstain; wet—holding yourselves back; ylt—keep away from

 fleshly lusts

ylt,niv, ylt—desires; kjv, nasb, nkjv—lusts;  esv—passions; wet—cravings

3. The fleshly desires will destroy the soul.

War 4754 στρατεύομαι [strateuomai /strat·yoo·om·ahee/] — 1) to make a military expedition, to lead soldiers to war or to battle, (spoken of a commander)  2) to do military duty, be a soldier 3) to fight

war

C. Motivation:

·        Honorable conduct so that the gentiles will glorify God. (see verse 9—to proclaim)

·        We as God’s race, priesthood, nation, and people are not part of this world’s system and should not participate in its games or “buy its wares.”

D. Application:

Pilgrims Progress—Vanity Fair

·        Resisting the attitudes, actions, and values of this world.

·        Say focused on the Heavenly country.

TE: Since Christians are citizens of heaven,

they should put off the former life

and embrace the values and life of the new man.

Some of these values are discussed in our next passage.

2) Forgivers who have a tender heart.

Ephesians 4.17-24; 31-32

^17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 

^20 But you have not so learned Christ, ^21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 

^24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ lying – truth

²⁶  Anger

²⁸ stealling—giving

²⁹ corrupt communication--edification

³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

5. ¹ Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

A. Context:

1) Before

not walking as the Gentiles walk

you have heard...been taught by Him

put on the new man

grieve not the Spirit who seals

2) After

walk in love like Christ

B. Key Ideas:

bitterness  πικρία   Strong's G4088 - pikria - (lit.) bitter gall (metaph.) bitterness, bitter hatred.

wrath  2372 θυμός [thumos /thoo·mos/]   outbursts of anger

ylt, kjv, nasb, nkjv, esv—wrath;

niv, ylt—rage;  wet—violent outbreaks of wrath

anger    3709 ὀργή [orge /or·gay/] any "natural impulse, or desire, or disposition," came to signify "anger," as the strongest of all passions.

clamour  2906 κραυγή [krauge /krow·gay/]   

niv, wet—brawling

evil speaking  988 βλασφημία [blasphemia /blas·fay·me·ah/]   blasphemy

ylt, kjv, nkjv—evil speaking;

nasb, esv, niv, wet, nlt—slander

malice  2549 κακία [kakia /kak·ee·ah/]    

——————-

1. kind—χρηστός  Strong's G5543 - chrēstos - useful, pleasant

-When our kids are bickering we tell them to be … nice.

-It is interesting that the Greek word kind looks a lot like the Greek Christ.

2. (adj) tenderhearted—εὔσπλαγχνος  Strong's G2155 - eusplagchnos  (lit.) having strong bowels; (fig.) compassionate, tender hearted  

1 Peter 3.8 having compassion for one another; love as brothers

Strong enough to feel the joys and hurts of others.

3. (v) forgiving—χαρίζομαι   Strong's G5483 - charizomai (root word is grace) - a) to show one's self gracious, kind, benevolent  b) to grant forgiveness, to pardon  

C. Motivation:

for Christ’s sake...

·        Cling to Christ. (not a moral system or culture)

·        Act like you have learned about Christ.  We act this way for Him and to be like Him.

D. Application:

·        Focus on Christ, not “the storm.” We forget so easily.

·        We force out the old man by intentionally putting on and wearing the new.

·        Be nice.  Then, have compassionate toward.  Don’t hold it against them.

TE:  The change our attitude will naturally move us from a self-focus toward an outward look.

3) Do Gooders who have an outward look.

Galatians 6:8-13 esp.11

⁸ For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. ⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

¹³ For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.

A. Context:

1) Before

3.2  restoring a fallen brother

3.3 humility

3.8-9 sowing and reaping

2) After

warning of those

B. Key Ideas:

1. do 2038 ἐργάζομαι [ergazomai /er·gad·zom·ahee/]  has the same meaning as the English “work”

good  18 ἀγαθός [agathos /ag·ath·os/]  expresses the significance or excellence of a thing or person.

2. to all 

To someone. It is intentional. 

Generous and liberal.  To all kinds of people.

3. especially to the household of faith

-The purpose of doing good is not primarily evangelism.  Evangelism is often a byproduct.

-Our priority is to take care believers first, and then also to everybody else.

C. Application:

·        This is more than a random act of kindness on a whim.  This is intentional, generous, frequent work. 

·        Just as God hates a heart that devises evil, He loves a heart that devises good.

Proverbs 6

¹⁶ These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

¹⁷ A proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood,

¹⁸ A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil,

¹⁹ A false witness who speaks lies,

And one who sows discord among brethren.

D. Motivation:

·        to fulfill the law of Christ  v.2

The legalist is not interested in bearing burdens. Instead, he adds to the burdens of others (Acts 15:10). This was one of the sins of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day: “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers” (Matt. 23:4).     —-Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Ga 6:1

·        to reap in due season

since God so loved us, we should…

·        to follow Christ’s example “who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,” Peter to Cornelius and others in Acts 10.38

TE:  As we follow Christ doing good, we should follow the church leaders that He has put into our lives.

4) Followers who have a submissive spirit.

Hebrews 13.5-9  esp. v.7

⁵ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." ⁶ So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" 7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. ⁹ Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

A1. Context: of verse 7

1) Before

13.5 covetousness condemned “I will never leave you…”

2) After

13.9 warning about following “various and strange doctrines”.

Hebrews 13.16-18 esp. v.17

¹⁶ But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. ¹⁸ Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.

A2. Context: of verse 17

1) Before

13.16  doing good and sharing as sacrifices to God

2) After

13.18  Paul’s good conscience as a leader.

B. Key Ideas:

1. v. 7  remember 3421 μνημονεύω [mnemoneuo /mnay·mon·yoo·o/]  - signifies "to call to mind, remember;" it is used absolutely in Mark_8:18; everywhere else it has an object —Vine’s

ylt—be mindful; wet—be constantly remembering

v. 7 consider 333 ἀναθεωρέω, διϊστορέω [anathaoreo /an·ath·eh·o·reh·o/]  - to look at attentively, to consider well, to observe accurately

wet—closely observe; nlt—think of

2. v. 7 follow 3628 μιμέομαι (mimeomai): imitate (mimic)

kjv, nkjv, nlt—follow; ylt, nasb, esv, niv, wet—imitate

v. 17 obey 3982 πείθομαι (πείθω [peitho /pi·tho/])  to be a disciple or follower of someone  —not the same as in Eph. 6.1  “Children”

v. 17 submissive 5226 ὑπείκω [hupeiko /hoop·i·ko/]  (lit.) to resist no longer, but to give way, yield (of combatants)  (metaph.) to yield to authority and admonition, to submit  —not the same as Eph 5.22 “wives”

C. Motivation:

·        the outcome of their conduct

·        so they will give account with joy

D. Application:

·        Leaders provide us examples.

·        They give direction as the teach and apply God’s Word.

·        They provide encouragement and accountability.

TE:  As we are motivated to do good and

follow Christ and His under shepherds in this work,

we should desire to support it with our finances, time, and other assets.

5) Givers who have a generous joy.

1 Corinthians 16.1-3  (esp. 2)

¹ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: ² On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. ³ And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.

A1. Context:

1) Before

One of the most important ministries Paul had during his third journey was the gathering of a special “relief offering” for the poor believers in Jerusalem.

2) After

Arrangements for delivery of the gift.

2 Corinthians 9.7

⁵ Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. ⁶ But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. ⁹ As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."

A2. Context:

1) Before

prepare the gift beforehand

sowing and reaping

2) After

having an abundance for every good work

fruits of righteousness

Psalm 112

¹ ...the man who fears the Lord,

⁹ He has dispersed abroad,

He has given to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever;

His horn will be exalted with honor.

B. Key Ideas:

·        “Giving is an act of worship. Each member was to come to the Lord’s Day gathering prepared to give his share for that week.”

·        “Giving should be systematic.  ...each believer was to set aside his offering at home and then bring it to the assembly on the first day.”

·        “Giving was personal and individual.

·        —Paul expected each member to share in the offering, the rich and poor alike.”

·        —Each member purposed in his heart what to give.

·        “Giving is to be proportionate.  As God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2) suggests that believers who have more should give more.”

Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. 1 Co 16:1

·        Giving is to be joyful.  They were not motivated by guilt or a painful obligation, but generous heart that was glad to be able to help.

C. Motivation:

·        The Christian life is about giving not getting.

·        Giving brings joy and increases our connection to the Lord’s work.

D. Application:

“When we think like owners, it’s a red flag.  We should be thinking like stewards or investment managers who are preparing for an evaluation. “

—Randy Alcorn in The Treasure Principle

Conclusion

Personal Application for the Unsaved:  Review salvation and appeal

Personal Application for the Saved:

We should renew our commitment to the five commitments of our church covenant.  To be…

1. STRANGERS with

a heavenly home.

2. FORGIVERS with

a tender heart.

3. DO GOODERS with

an outward look.

4. FOLLOWERS with

a submissive spirit.

5. GIVERS with

a generous joy.

TE:  Closing prayer.

Consecrate us now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let our souls look up with a steadfast hope,
And our will be lost in Thine.

Amen.

Benediction

²⁰ Now may the God of peace

who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead,

that great Shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

²¹ make you complete in every good work

to do His will,

working in you what is well pleasing in His sight,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory forever and ever.

Amen.