Being the Church:Called to Care.

A Greek writer named Lucian, who lived from about A.D. 120-200, said of the early Christians, “It is incredible to see the fervor with which the people of that religion help each other in their wants. They spare nothing. Their first legislator [Jesus] has put it into their heads that they are all brethren.” (Cited by Irving L. Jensen, 1 & 2 Thessalonians [Moody Press], p. 52.)

Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines “care” as “a burden, worry, or anxiety.”

In the New Testament, “care” is the English translation of the Greek noun merimna, which means “drawn in different directions,” therefore, division, distraction, worry, anxiety.

In English, the word care has two nearly opposite meanings. If someone cares, they are interested and concerned. If someone has a care, they perhaps have an anxiety or worry. Having someone care for us can alleviate our cares.

The gospels use this word in Jesus’ parable of the sower; Jesus speaks of the cares of the world that choke the word of the kingdom of God (Matt. 13:22; Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14).

God cares for His people and asks them to cast all their cares on Him. (1 Peter 5:7).

Linking the Learning:

This is the sixth in our series of studies Being the Church. Previously we have considered that we are:

Called to be Together

Called to be Witnesses

Called to be in the Spirit

Called to be Disciples

Called to be Worshippers!

The God we serve cares for us” “Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you”(1 Peter 5:7).

Question 1 - In what ways have you discovered the truth of 1 Peter 5:7?

We are to CARE for GOD”S CREATION.

In describing the promised land, Moses reports: “But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” (Dt 11:12).

The Lord cares for what He has created, even though it is a fallen world. In appointing Adam to look after and take care of the earth’s resources, God confirmed His care for the world and man’s responsibility to look after the envrionment and its resources. We are stewards of all that God has made!

“STEWARDSHIP is the responsibility to manage all the resources of life for the glory of God, acknowledging God as provider.” (Holman’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary).

The Greek term for a steward is οἰκονόμος (oikonomos). In Hebrew, the concept of a steward was expressed with variants of the phrase “who (אֲשֶׁר, ʾǎšer) is over (עַל, ʿal) the household (בַּיִת, bayit).” The noun פָּקִיד (pāqîd, “overseer”) is related to pāqad and indicates a person entrusted with authority over other people. The Septuagint usually translates pāqîd with ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos, “overseer”), which in the NT is taken up as a term for a church leader; Titus 1:7 so likewise the overseer (episkopos) is “God’s steward (oikonomos).”

Stewardship makes good sense - “He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit and he who looks after his master will be honored. “(Prov 27:18).

The biblical texts indicate that God is the overseer, head of family, and provider for all creation. However, God placed others in positions of leadership to provide for the family/community and those vulnerable in society. This was the OT pattern (see Gen 39:4; Gen 41:34; 2 Sam 9:9;16:1) In the New Testament Epitropos is the first of two primary Greek terms translated “steward” in the NT (Matt. 20:8; Luke 8:3). Oikonomos, the second Greek term(see Luke 12:42) wich deals with the person, task, or place of “stewardship.” Matthew reference is to a “lord” who speaks to his “steward.” told parables of servants who were given authority to care for their master’s possessions, business dealings, and banquets (Matt 22:4–13; Luke 16:1–15). Paul refers several times to his ministry as a stewardship (oikonomia) “of God’s grace” (Eph 3:2), “from God” (Col 1:25), and with which he is entrusted (πιστεύω, pisteuō; 1 Cor 9:17). In other cases, it refers to God’s plan for administration (oikonomia) of the world (Eph 1:10; 3:9

As servants of God, we ackowledge His ultimate ownership fo all that exists (Psa 24:1) and we have the moral responsibility and duty to be accountable to Him for our actions in regard to our use of our money and household resources, but also including our care of the earth’s resources which God has gifted to us.

Question 2 - In what different ways can we act as God’s responsible stewards on earth?

2. We are to CARE for ONE ANOTHER in the Church.

Caring, godly relationships among believers are at the heart of God’s purpose for the church.

Jesus gave His disciples “a new commandment…that you love one another, as I have loved you. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”(Jn 13:35).

Part of caring is keeping each other informed about how we’re doing. For example, in Ephesians 6:21,22 tells us that Tychicus will let the Ephesians know how he and those with him are doing. Sending Tychicus meant that Paul would be deprived of this dear brother’s presence but in return he would “encourage your hearts.” However Paul’s words about Tychicus show how much he appreciated this dear man of God. Both the words about Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21-22) and Paul’s benediction (Ephesians 6:23-24) show us how to be caring, godly brothers and sisters in Christ. (see Col 4:7-8)

Speaking to the Thessalonians, Paul reminds them of how he and his companions cared for them: “As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thes 2:6-12).

Some specific characreristics of a caring Church:

a. It has a caring leadership - 1 Peter 5:2

Elders have to focus on caring for the the spiritual health and wellbeing of our people for Jesus - “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care.” Their responsibilities are laid out variously in the Scriptures in Acts 20:28; Jer 3:15; Eph 4:11,12:Heb 13:17 and it is not always easy and nice work but it should always be beneficial!

Deacons likewise occupy a caring ministry - 1 Tim 3:1-12; Acts 6:1-7.

b. It has a caring membership - Gal 5:13; Rom 15:1

In Hebrews 10:24-25, the writer exhorts the Church to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” and part of the reason for not giving up “meeting together” is so that we might be together to do this! Before people need our financial gifts or anything of material benefit from us, they need our companionship! In the Church, as in the world, “it is not good..to be alone.”(Genesis 2:18).

We are called to care for one another and express this in practical, loving service such as giving hospitality; giving of our financial resources, caring for widows and orphans, etc.

Notice the phrase “one another”! If we want to know what the characteristics of a caring church we need to apply the 59 “one anothers” in the NT.

They are in the NT for the purpose of building up the community of the Church! Here are just a few...

Note the ones to which we have already referred - “love one another”(John 13:34-35;1 Thes 4:9;1 Pet 3:8;1 John 3:14,17;4:7,11; 2Joh 5) and Hebrews 10:24-25 “spur one another on to love and good deeds.”

Now for some more...

Galatians 5:13 “serve one another in love.” which means to wait on them and minister to their needs (see 1 Pet 4:10). This is not forced on us, it is a calling to follow the example of Jesus who tells us that He “did not come to be served but to serve.”(Mark 10:45). However without deliberately doing this we are in danger in contrast to sow destructive seeds into the congregation (see Gal 5:15).

“…Be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)

“…Wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…” (Romans 12:10)

“…Honour one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)

“Live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 12:16;1 Pet 3:8).

“…Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13).

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you…” (Romans 15:7)

“…Instruct one another…teach one another…admonish one another.” (Romans 15:14; Col 3:16).

“Greet one another with a holy kiss…” (Romans 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12;1 Pet 5:14).

“…When you come together to eat, wait for each other.” (I Cor. 11:33)

“…Have equal concern for each other.” (I Corinthians 12:25)

“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:26)

“Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2)

“…Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)

“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32)

“…Forgiving each other…” (Ephesians 4:32; Col 3:13).

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19)

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

“…In humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3; 1 Pet 5:5).

“Do not lie to each other…” (Colossians 3:9)

“Bear with each other…” (Colossians 3:13)

“…Make your love increase and overflow for each other.” (I Thessalonians 3:12)

“…Encourage each other…daily”(Heb 3:13; I Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11).

“…Build each other up…” (I Thessalonians 5:11)

“…Do not slander one another.” (James 4:11)

“Don’t grumble against each other…” (James 5:9)

“Confess your sins to each other…” (James 5:16)

“…Pray for each other.” (James 5:16)

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (I Peter 4:9)

Question 3. Which of the one another verses particularly challenges you and what do you intend to try to do about it?

At a meeting of the American Psychological Association, Jack Lipton, a psychologist at Union College, and R. Scott Builione, a graduate student at Columbia University, presented their findings on how members of the various sections of 11 major symphony orchestra perceived each other. The percussionists were viewed as insensitive, unintelligent, and hard-of-hearing, yet fun-loving. String players were seen as arrogant, stuffy, and unathletic. The orchestra members overwhelmingly chose “loud” as the primary adjective to describe the brass players. Woodwind players seemed to be held in the highest esteem, described as quiet and meticulous, though a bit egotistical. Interesting findings, to say the least! With such widely divergent personalities and perceptions, how could an orchestra ever come together to make such wonderful music? The answer is simple: regardless of how those musicians view each other, they subordinate their feelings and biases to the leadership of the conductor. Under his guidance, they play beautiful music. (Today in the Word, June 22, 1992).

“The primary activity of the church was one-anothering one another.” Andy Stanley

One anothering will save us from selfishness! We will learn to give of our resources, whether people resources; material; intellectual and financial resources to support those ministries thagt build the Kingdom of God and relieve the suffering of God’s people - First Corinthians 16:2 says, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.”

Vulnerable groups like widows and orphans; children, slaves, the hungry, the diseased and disabled are all to be cared for by the Church - 1 Timothy 5:13-16; Acts 6:1-4

In Psalm 142:4, the Psalmist complains that “no one cares for my soul”. Let this never be said by anyone in this Church!

Oh, my soul Oh, how you worry Oh, how you're weary, from fearing you lost control This was the one thing, you didn't see coming And no one would blame you, though If you cried in private If you tried to hide it away, so no one knows No one will see, if you stop believing

Oh, my soul You are not alone There's a place where fear has to face the God you know One more day, He will make a way Let Him show you how, you can lay this down 'Cause you're not alone

Here and now You can be honest I won't try to promise that someday it all works out 'Cause this is the valley And even now, He is breathing on your dry bones And there will be dancing There will be beauty where beauty was ash and stone This much I know

Oh, my soul You are not alone There's a place where fear has to face the God you know

One more day, He will make a way

Let Him show you how, you can lay this down

'Cause you're not alone.”

Question 4. How can we collectively improve our ministry of care for one another? What specifically can we do?

3. We are to CARE for UNBELIEVERS in the World.

Who cares for your soul? - Jesus does!

He looked over Jerusalem and wept because “they were harrassed and helpless, like sheep without a Shepherd” and He said “O Jerusalem O Jerusalem..how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers he chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”(Luk 13:34).

Jesus laments that “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out workers to his harvest field.”(Matt 9:35-38).

That’s why He went out and preached the gospel and taught people about the Kingdom of God and how they should “repent” and turn to God in faith, seeking to walk with Him and pelase Him in their lives of discipleship.

He warned people not to reject God and the Gospel because to do so would mean that “they perish and will not see life, because the wrath of God remains on them.”(John 3:16-19; John 3:36).

Paul says that “the wrath of God” is coming “upon the sons of disobedience”(Eph 5:6) and our job is to provide people with the good news that because Christ has died, we can have peace with God, being “justified by His blood” and “saved by Him from the wrath of God.”(Rom 5:9).

But here’s the deal - Rom 10:1 “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” How is that going to happen? Not by just praying! - Her’s what Paul says: “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Rom 10:8-15).

We simply must preach the gospel for without it men have no hope and will die without God!

“I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.” ― Richard Baxter

We must care, because God cares for us!

We care for His World; for His family and for those who are not yet members of His family, that perhaps by the grace of God, they will turn to Him as a result of our witness and be saved!

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 2937 Do All the Good You Can

John Wesley had this for his rule of life:

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

Question 5. How should our care and concerns for lost souls influence our every day living?