AM Scripture Reading: Romans 12.1-8

Sermon Series: Keeping The Church Strong & Growing

Brent T. Willey

Lesson #4:

UNITY & ENTHUSIASM!

Introduction:

1. There are two spiritual malignancies that face many local congregations today: Division & Apathy!
2. While these are not the only problems a local church can encounter, like cancer, division & apathy can destroy the body from the inside out.
3. The obvious answers to these two insidious spiritual maladies are Unity & Enthusiasm!

UNITY: LOVING INTEGRATION

1. Jesus prayed for unity! (John 17.20-21)
2. We are to be “One in Christ” (Gal. 3.26-28; 1 Cor. 12.12-27).
3. We must remove divisive barriers!
4. Contentions, divisions, cliques… (1 Cor. 1.10-13)
5. Neglecting members… (Acts 6.1-7

ENTHUSIASM: ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

1. The “death” of a local congregation…
   1. Ephesus: “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev. 2.4).
   2. Sardis: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Rev. 3.1).
   3. Laodicea: “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3.16).
2. “Every part doing its share…” (Eph. 4.16)
   1. Consistent attendance (Heb. 10.24-25)
   2. Visiting and caring for others (James 1.27)
   3. Encouraging others regularly (1 Thess. 5.11; Heb. 3.13)
   4. Practicing hospitality (Rom. 12.13; 1 Pet. 4.9)
   5. Evangelistic mind-set (Prov. 11.30; 1 Thess. 1.5-8)

Conclusion: If we are going to be strong and keep growing, we must eradicate divisive and apathetic attitudes!

Next Week

Lesson #5: Lessons From Ephesus