Taking Advantage of the Church

“His body, that is the Church” (Col 1:24)
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The Church is the body of Christ, universally made up of all true believers and made visible locally by members of local churches. The Church ministers to its own and represents Christ to the world, both in Christ’s humility and authority.

As such, there are those who take advantage of the Church.

There are two ways that phrase could be used. The first is positive, seizing hold of the blessing which is the Church of Jesus Christ. The second is negative, abusing or one-way benefits from the Church. In the examples and questions below, which best characterizes you? Are you taking advantage of the Church?

Positive

Negative Here an illustration could be made of a tumour, the first malevolent and the other benign. Tumours take but don’t give or receive.*

-You are an unbeliever seeking truth and are attending a church to find out more about Jesus. You are asking questions, gathering on the Lord’s Day, sitting under the sound of the Gospel, attending evangelistic events such as Bible studies to learn more about Jesus and how to be saved from your sin.   -Having believed in Jesus, you seek out the ordinance of Baptism and join the church. You are open to spiritual counsel and want to do the right thing in following Jesus. You seek out ways to grow in your commitment to Christ and His Church, including by serving others.   Characteristic: GIVING/RECEIVING

A malevolent tumour (less common) -You are someone who preys on the generosity of the church for financial, relational or sexual gain. Perhaps this is done as an evident outsider or masquerading as a fellow believer. You do not contribute to the church but instead take life from it to its great harm.   A benign tumour (more common) -You hang around the church, but don’t join it, deriving spiritual blessing (or maybe just entertainment), without mutual contribution. -You attend but never grow, asking for financial, relational or spiritual help, that doesn’t develop into fruit. It is like precious Gospel seed sown on the path when such resources could be better used on more fertile ground. -You receive the spiritual blessings of fellowship and teaching, maybe even giving financially or through your supportive presence, but don’t share in the work of the body or commitment to it.   Characteristic: TAKING ​

Questions to Ask
-Do you take advantage of evangelistic opportunities and resources made available by the Church; including speaking with Christians, participating in courses on the Christian basics, sitting under sound preaching?
-Do you take advantage of the flagship Christian gatherings on the Lord’s Day, morning and evening worship, sitting under the sound of God’s Word?
-Do you take advantage of discipleship opportunities to grow and be equipped in the Faith: Bible studies; special events; men’s, women’s and children’s ministries, relationships?
-Do you take advantage of your Elders, including your Pastor, their spiritual wisdom, counsel and oversight, including taking their biblical teaching and advice seriously, reading their blog, publications, or asking their advice?
-Do you take advantage of the ordinances of Baptism and Lord’s Supper, God’s means of grace?
-Do you take advantage of corporate prayer meetings, to experience the power of prayer together and learn how to pray?
-Do you take advantage of the opportunities for Christian fellowship, to be ministered to and to receive ministry and care?
-Do you take advantage of membership, actually joining and being a committed part of the local body of Christ, expressing and having affirmed your faith in Christ?
-Do you faithfully attend the life of the Church or might you miss what God is doing?
-Do you—through membership—take advantage of Christ’ call to serve Him by serving His Church as you are physically able (“Ask not what the Church can do for you, but what you can do for the Church”).
 
The Church is a blessed tool in the hand’s of her Lord. Take advantage of her!
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* I am indebted to the late John MacArthur who used this analogy when preaching on 1 Cor 12. Though a seemingly harsh illustration, a benign tumour fits the body analogy of those who derive life from the organism of the church but never give to it through commitment and service.