Text:II Peter 3:1-7

Today we pick back up in II Peter with our study of the church. Peter spends a lot of time discussing false teachers and heresy that creeps into the church. In this passage we are reminded that the church has a job to do. Now, does this job change? Is the church supposed to do something different as the end of time approaches? We will not get into if we live in end times or not but the answer to the question is no. Our job as the church of God does not and never will change. It is actually pretty simple and it does to involve our feelings or desires. It has nothing to do with entertainment or anything like that. The job if the church is simple and it involve edifying the body for service, benevolence and providing for the saints, and evangelism.

First, we are told to edify the body of Christ, Eph 4:11-16; Col 3:16. We are to put the needs of the other member of the boy before our own needs. This is to build up the church of God. When the church is healthy and functioning properly, it is better equipped to do the work of the ministry and follow out God’s commands.

We are also told to be benevolent to the body, John 13:34; Eph 4:32; Phil 2:3. We are to love and take care of the body of Christ. We are to put the needs of others before ourselves and lift the body up.

Third, we are to do the work of an evangelist, Mat 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15. We are the proclaim the whole gospel. Christ died for our sins giving us the only way to heaven and he alone, purchased our citizenship into His Kingdom. This kingdom is present as well as eternal. If we are wise, the Bible says we will win souls.

Notice, these job or roles are giving to the church not just pastor, bishops, leaders, teachers etc. Every one of us are to carry out these roles. So, what did you do today to edify the body? What did you do today to be benevolent to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? What did you do today to proclaim the while gospel message? May we be the church actively for Christ!