How can we ensure our church follows God's commands as in Numbers 1:54? The Call to Obedience “ So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; they did so.” (Numbers 1:54) God praised Israel’s complete obedience. That same wholehearted submission is the model for every local church today. Recognizing God’s Ultimate Authority • Scripture is God-breathed, final, and absolutely trustworthy (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Jesus affirmed the smallest stroke of Scripture (Matthew 5:17-18). • Therefore, commands are neither suggestions nor cultural relics; they remain binding. Cultivating Hearts Ready to Obey • Hide the word in our hearts to keep from sin (Psalm 119:11). • Let Christ’s peace rule inwardly so obedience flows outwardly (Colossians 3:15-16). • Corporate repentance and humility keep the congregation sensitive to God’s voice (James 4:6-10). Establishing Clear, Faithful Teaching • Devote the church to “the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). • Expository preaching reveals the full counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Regular Bible classes and small groups reinforce doctrine (Ephesians 4:11-14). Maintaining Qualified, Accountable Leaders • Elders and deacons must meet biblical standards (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). • Leaders model obedience and guard sound doctrine (1 Peter 5:2-3). • Mutual accountability among leaders prevents drift (Galatians 2:11-14). Practicing Congregational Accountability • Spur one another on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Speak the truth in love to restore the wandering (Galatians 6:1-2). • Joyfully submit to leaders who watch over souls (Hebrews 13:17). Administering Biblical Church Discipline • Follow Jesus’ step-by-step process (Matthew 18:15-17). • Remove open, unrepentant sin to preserve purity (1 Corinthians 5:1-7). • Aim always for repentance and restoration (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). Ordering Worship According to Scripture • Devote gatherings to reading Scripture, exhortation, and teaching (1 Timothy 4:13). • Celebrate baptism and the Lord’s Supper as Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). • Let everything be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Testing Everything by the Word • Imitate Berean diligence: “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). • “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Reject traditions, philosophies, or cultural pressures that contradict Scripture (Colossians 2:8). Depending on the Holy Spirit • Obedience is empowered “not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). • The Spirit guides into all truth (John 16:13) and enables believers to walk in step with God’s commands (Galatians 5:16-18). Persevering in Continuous Reformation • Keep reforming every ministry in light of Scripture (Psalm 119:33-37). • Celebrate testimonies of obedience to encourage the body (Philemon 1:6). • Look forward to Christ’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). By grounding every aspect of church life in God’s inerrant Word and relying on His Spirit, we can echo Israel’s testimony: “they did everything the LORD commanded.” |
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