Why Does The Church Exist?

1.   EXALT God – Ephesians 3:21

      a.   Matthew 5:13-16 – accomplished by our GOOD WORKS

      b.   Romans 15:5-7 – accomplished by our UNITY

      c.   1 Peter 4:16 – accomplished by our PATIENT endurance

      d.   1 Peter 2:12 – accomplished by HOLY living

2.   EVANGELIZE the World – Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16

      a.   Luke 19:10

      b.   Acts 1:8 (cf Luke 24:47)

      c.   Acts 8:4

      d.   Acts 13-28 – the missionary journeys

      e.   Romans 10:12-18; Colossians 1:6, 23

3.   EDIFY the Believers

      a.   “Edify” - lit., build up, rebuild, repair. Practically, to promote the growth of the church.

      b.   Acts 2:46-47

      c.   Romans 14:9 – personal DENIAL (cf 1 Cor 8:13)

      d.   Romans 15:1-2

4.   EQUIP the Saints - “make fit, prepare, completely furnish, perfect”

      a.   Ephesians 4:11-16

      b.   1 Timothy 4:14

5.   EASE the Burdens of the Needy

      a.   First of all to the household of faith:

            i.   Romans 15:25-26

            ii.  Galatians 6:10

      b.   But also includes non-saints:

            i.   Galatians 6:10

            ii.  2 Corinthians 9:12-13

            iii. Acts 24:17

      c.   Individual action vs Church action argument:

            i.   Galatians 6:10

            ii.  James 1:27

            iii. Interpretive Exercise! Read Galatians 6 and James 1-2. In each verse, find a command and determine whether or not the command is given to the individual or the church.