Week 17: June 5-11
How We Behave in Church
I Timothy 3:15
If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
This year in 2016 we are focusing on prayer and sharing the gospel. When we think of sharing the gospel, we often think of what we do outside of the walls of the church. But in his book, “The Gospel,” Ray Ortlund reminds us that the gospel is on display in our church relationships.
A common objection to the gospel is this: “Look at your churches.” No more needs to be said. A doubter can find a reason to disregard the truth claims of the gospel just by looking at the relational tone of our churches. And why not? It’s in our churches that the gospel is field-tested for real life. If people want to know what the gospel creates, are they being unfair to look to a church? I don’t think so.[1]
Ray is pointing out a very serious issue. The gospel produces a new life in Christ. The gospel produces a new community of believers. How we behave in our churches displays for the entire world what the gospel of Jesus produces. It is the equivalent of reading reviews online about a product I am about to purchase. “How does this product really hold up after 5-10 years?”
Paul is telling Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:15 that how we behave in our church matters. Our churches are the pillar and buttress of truth. Our churches display to the world the real fruit of this gospel. We can go out on the street and tell people about the saving work of the gospel, but at some point they (and us) will understand what this gospel creates.
If people observe our church and our relationships in our church, will they be drawn to the gospel because of this community of loving people? Or will they see the same petty fighting and bickering they see in their own work and family life? Will they see people treating their brothers and sisters in Christ with love, care, and forgiveness? Will they see people that enjoy being in their church?
Pray Together
- Pray that God helps you identify areas that you are not displaying the gospel well.
- Pray that God will create an opportunity for a Gospel conversation this week.
- Pray that God will develop in you a heart of prayer and dependence on Him.
Further Reading
- The Gospel by Ray Ortlund
[1] Ortlund, Ray. The Gospel. Wheaton: Crossway, 2014. Print.