Responsibilities to the local church

The importance of membership in a local congregation

• The only functioning unit of the church is the local congregation. I Corinthians 1:2; I Timothy 5:16
• All Christians are to join a local congregation (idea of “free-floating” members is unknown to the New Testament). Acts 2:44-46
• All the members of a local congregation have a peculiar responsibility to it to fully support its work (not to be discharged in any other way).
  • Based on mutual agreement to work together – Acts 9:26-28
  • Based on mutual responsibilities to one another – Romans 12:4-8 (Each of us has the same amount of responsibility to do his own part.)
  • Based on mutual love for one another. Romans 12:9-18
  • Based on mutual need for one another. Ephesians 4:16

The importance of each member – I Corinthians 12:14-27

• Each member of the congregation has his own function to perform. I Corinthians 12:14-19
• Each member is important. I Corinthians 12:20-24
• Each member should have the same care for one another. I Corinthians 12:25-27

The responsibilities of each member

• Assemble faithfully with the saints. Hebrews 10:24-25
• Give liberally to help the church discharge its work. II Corinthians 9:6-7
• Fully support all scriptural functions of the church. James 4:17 (Galatians 5:13)
• Diligently do whatever work he can do. Romans 12:4-8
• Demonstrate love and concern for each other. Romans 12:9-10
• Pray for one another. James 5:16

Conclusion

• Each member of the congregation must fulfill his obligations for the local congregation to be successful in doing its work. I Corinthians 12:14
• Are you doing your share? Romans 12:11