Teamwork
2000064
Subject: evangelism; goals; fellowship
Introduction:
A. 2000 approaching end. Time to b/g thinking about work of congregation & where we wish to be at some point in future.
1. Year ago we talked of ideas for future. Progress? Satisfied with where we are? Need to do better?
2. Going to start talking about this again today.
a) Congregational meeting; plans for evangelism; financial planning
3. Need to decide exactly what it is we wish to accomplish - & then set out to do just that. Will involve teamwork. A working & sharing together.
B. American culture know for it’s spirit of independence & individualism
1. Individualism & self-reliance have led us to be able to form the greatest nation on face of Earth.
2. we have championed freedom from regulation/rules – even to our own detriment. Especially where morality/rule of law concerned.
C. In the church, we also see a spirit of individualism. Can be both good & bad.
1. must realize – in order to more effectively carry out God’s work – brethren w/in local congregation must unite as a team. I believe this concept to be biblical.
2. We’re not – or should not be – a bunch of individuals running around – doing our own thing. If this the case – not much will be accomplished.
3. independent action is NOT ALWAYS the best & highest form of action.
I. What do the following have in common?
A. Before we get into the heart of the lesson – we wish to note the idea of teamwork as illustrated in the Scriptures.
1. consider David’s mighty men – who aided in his protection as king of Israel in 1 Sam.
2. think of the 12 spies – who went into assess the land of Canaan.
3. what do these have in common w/the 70 who were sent out in the limited commission in Lk. 10?
4. or the 12 apostles who spent 3 yrs training under Jesus learning about His kingdom?
B. They were all groups of individuals who were commissioned w/a task – partnering/working together for a common goal. They did not/could not achieve greatness by themselves.
C. In the NT – in the effort of spreading the gospel – we see this concept exemplified.
1. Paul/Barnabas (later Silas)
2. Barnabas & John Mark
3. Aquila/Priscilla
4. Again,…these teams coming together to accomplish a common goal.
D. American Heritage Dictionary: cooperative effort by members of a team/group to achieve a common goal.
1. Another dictionary: # of persons associated in joint action; the work of a team in coordination of effort & collective efficiency.
2. A well known concept – esp. in bus world. BH fibercom
3. As a country: Manhattan project; Rushmore/C H.
4. one thing to go about something by self – but a totally different dimension can be added when we partner up w/someone!
E. Teamwork requires certain type of work & requires a certain type of effort!
1. it requires a change in skills – to learn to bend; give & take – so overall task accomplished.
2. doesn’t mean compromise or the end justifies the means.
II. Teamwork defined Biblically by the word “Fellowship.”
A. Broad definitions: partnership; communion; contribution; joint participation; companionship; sharing; partakers.
B. WE Vine: sharing in common.
C. Thayer: association; community; joint participation.
1. definition continues: the share which one has in anything.
2. think about this. What share do we have in the work of this congregation?
3. quick to think fellowship simply being at services/drop check in plate.
a) much more than this! Involves something deeper.
b) What kind of fellowship do I have w/this congregation in:
1) teaching program?
2) Evangelistic outreach?
3) Overall work/actions of this church?
c) fellowship NOT just being at church!
4. must ask: Am I watcher/spectator or a participant?
III. Teamwork is demonstrated in:
A. Eccl. 4:9-13 – Solomon speaks of companions/cords.
1. principle here: when 2/more join together – more accomplished. HARDER to DETER efforts! More support/encouragement.
2. 2 persons joined together can do the work of 3 men! So on so forth.
B. We must recognize this principle & join in God’s work!
IV. Team work is illustrated in:
A. The picture of a soldier. Eph. 6:11-17
1. Christians encouraged to be strong/brave like soldier:
2. but note: Paul referred to himself as a solider – as well as his fellow brethren:
a) Phil. 2:25- Epaphroditus – my brother & fellow worker & fellow soldier.
b) 2 Tim. 2:3-4 – Timothy – a good solider in Christ.
c) Philemon 2 – Archippus – a fellow soldier.
3. in this we have picture of army of soldiers uniting together to accomplish 1 mission under 1 commander – a team that works together!
4. Paul wanted it made clear that we all are part of a greater effort than ourselves!
5. We must remember this today w/in the local congregation.
B. A building – Eph. 2:20-22
1. note: the terminology used: a “building”
a) a team made up of a variety of parts.
2. Note terms used in 1 Cor. 3:9-10
a) we individually make up the foundation. Take out one – rest suffer – ALL PARTS NECESSARY!
b) 1 Pet. 2:4-5 – we are living stones!
3. Takes all of us working together to make the building what it needs to be.
C. A body – Rom. 12:4-5
1. The parts in our body work together to accomplish a common task.
2. feet important to get me out back door to lunch. But:
a) knees just as important to my mobility.
b) Bones/Ligaments/muscles all work together to accomplish task of getting me from pt A to B.
3. 1 Cor. 12:15-17 – hand, eye, ear working together.
a) Have you ever heard someone say something like this?
b) I can’t do what he does….so they don’t need me.
c) What saying: “If I’m not an ear, eye, hand – I don’t have a part.” Just b/c not an ear, eye, hand does not mean any less important to body!
d) Takes all of us! We’re all of use to the Lord’s service!
V. Teamwork Must Be Demonstrated Here by:
A. Worship:
1. corporate activity. We, together, are directing reverence/awe God-ward.
a) worship together; through our partaking of the LS; giving; studying; singing
b) thanks for being here.
2. Christians have responsibility to do this – Heb. 10:24-25
B. Prayer: part of worship but what to put special emphasis on this.
1. as a body – appreciate those who thoughtfully offer prayers.
2. by lists – prayer list in bulletin – consider many answered prayers we have.
3. prayer will bring us closer to each other!
C. Setting goals concerning Biblical organization of leadership.
1. Goals/plans for appt of elders?
2. may not have qualified men now – but what are men doing NOW to prepare?
3. must strive to adhere closely to NT pattern in this area.
D. Placing membership – Acts 9:26-28
1. Trend: roving Christians w/no allegiance/responsibility to any congregation.
a) Drift in here for awhile; there for awhile – never committing to work of congregation.
b) Not according to pattern – read Acts account.
2. Must be effort made to get individuals to become part of the family!
E. Home Studies:
1. Home study beg first of year
2. Participate! Make time!
F. Work groups to get specific areas of work accomplished.
1. c courses
2. Visitation
3. Tasks around bldg.
4. Evangelistic efforts
5. Teaching program
G. Don’t delay – get involved starting today!
Conclusion:
A. Are you part of the team? Are you in fellowship w/the work here?
1. Don’t pursue your Christian life alone! God wants Christians to come together & work together.
2. Not a Christian? God is NOT on your team. Indeed you stand alone.
B. Where is your partnership?
C. B/c partners w/God through obedience in Him
D. I N V I T A T I O N
