The Social Gospel A Series distinguish things

The Social Gospel A Series

“distinguish things that differ” (fn: KJV; ASV) “The margin here more correctly expresses the sense of the Greek word. The idea is, that he wished them to be able to distinguish between things that differed from each other; to have an intelligent apprehension of what was right and wrong-of what was good and evil. ” (Barnes)

“The word used here denotes the kind of trial to which metals are exposed in order to test their nature. ” (Barnes)

Marriage Faith Sin Individual Bond Opinion Bad Judgment Church Weak Unruly Social Spiritual Committing Sin Continuing in it

Work Role Money Liberties Individual Church

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same Individual Church

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same Individual Church Member Many Members

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same Individual Church

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same Individuals Church

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same Individual Church Get Money Buy & Sell (Jas. 4: 13) Freewill Contribution (1 Cor. 16: 1 -2)

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same Individual Church Name Christian (Acts 11: 26 1 Pet. 4: 16) Church of God (1 Cor. 1: 2) Church of Christ (Rom. 16: 16)

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same Individual Church

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same Individual Church Member Care of Own Individ. Kept Private Buy & Sell Christian Diotrephes Many Members Church Not Burdened Individ. Matters to Church Contribution “church of Christ” Church = Them

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same II. Blurring The Lines

II. Blurring The Lines A. Personal / private Matters – Spread through the church (Matt. 18: 15 -17) B. Expect church relieve individual responsibility (1 Tim. 5: 16) C. “Church can do what individual can do” (cf. Jas. 1: 27; Gal. 6: 10) D. Social gospel (1 Cor. 11: 22, 34) 1. 2. 3. 4. Social Meals (fellowship halls) Recreation (Games, entertainment, family life centers) Ball teams (Gyms) Making social activities essential to spiritual growth

II. Blurring The Lines A. Personal / private Matters – Spread through the church (Matt. 18: 15 -17) B. Expect church relieve individual responsibility (1 Tim. 5: 16) C. “Church can do what individual can do” (cf. Jas. 1: 27; Gal. 6: 10) D. Social gospel (1 Cor. 11: 22, 34) E. Calling individual matters – “church function” F. Treating individual functions – as essential G. Speak of social matters – as spiritual (“Fellowship”)

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I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same II. Blurring The Lines III. Maintaining The Distinction

III. Maintaining The Distinction A. If we don’t keep a clear distinction: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Lines become blurred – in our own mind Lines will be gone – to world & next generation Confused on what is “Church matters” – “Individual” Give birth to social gospel & youth ministries Think individual function – equal to assembling (essential)

III. Maintaining The Distinction A. If we don’t keep a clear distinction: B. How to keep the distinction clear: 1. Keep Biblical teaching on distinction before us (1 Pet. 1: 12) 2. Don’t refer to individual & social matters as “church functions” 3. Don’t make people feel they have neglected the Lord if they don’t make every individual / social function. 4. Don’t equate social matters with spiritual matters 5. Don’t talk about “church group” when speaking of social & recreational matters

I. Individual & Church Are Not The Same II. Blurring The Lines III. Maintaining The Distinction