352 – The Church Covenant and Inter-personal Conduct

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY IV LESSON # 52

CHURCH COVENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH – REGARDING INTER-PERSONAL CONDUCT

INTRODUCTION:

1. Previously I have dealt with (1. Solemnity and obligation. (2. Church conduct. (3. Family conduct.
2. Now we consider the Christian’s inter-personal conduct.

I. THE COVENANT OF MUTUAL WATCH CARE (TO WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER IN BROTHERLY LOVE)

1. This is a basic of Christianity. (1Th 4:9

)
2. Watching over? It means observing in case of need.
3. Not as a critic nor an intruder, but a ready helper in need.

II. TO PRAY FOR EACH OTHER (JAM 5:16 )

III: What if every time a member missed Church every other member prayed for them?

1. God’s gracious intervention would be invoked.
2. Our love for each other would be stimulated.
3. Our restoring action toward them would be improved.

III. TO AID IN SICKNESS AND DISTRESS (1CO 12:26 )

1. Good and accessible medical attention may blind us.
2. But duties go on when we are sick. With ALL members.
3. Mowing a lawn or cooking a meal can help greatly!
4. Caring for the aged can be a great Christian duty.

IV. THE CULTIVATION OF PROPER FEELING AND SPEECH (SYMPATHY IN FEELING AND COURTESY IN SPEECH)

1. Lack of sympathy or unkindness is sinful. (Eph 4:29-32

)
2. Whether it involves sin or affliction, kindness is right.
3. Kindness and sympathy are unnatural thus they need cultivation.

V. PROPER CONDUCT IN OFFENCE AND RECONCILIATION (LUK 17:1-4 )

1. Unforgiven offenses destroy churches, homes, and lives.
2. There is a Bible order of seeking reconciliation.

i. Rebuke (Not railing or yelling) but rebuke humbly.
ii. If he says, “I repent,” forgive him and forget it.
iii. If not, continue to pursue it. (Do not say “I have tried.”)

3. Be ready to hear other’s rebuke and consider it.
4. Our Lord says we cannot be right with God other wise.

Berean Baptist Church