The Church's Obligation
Once a man suggested to me that I should have a special service for a certain group. My reply, "That group, as well as all others need the gospel. As a servant of the church, that is all that I have the right to preach unto them. The church cannot give them anything else." So many cannot realize the church has the obligation of teaching people this story of salvation, and that is all.
1. What is the obligation of the church to young people? Teach them the gospel — that is all. The church cannot entertain them and be scriptural. The entertainment must come from some other source. Brethren who are operating church camps, and young people's gatherings should think. These camps can be all right if the church is not paying for and promoting the entertaining. Keep this phase of the work on an individual or parent basis.
2. What is the obligation of the church to young men? The same as above — teach the gospel.
3. What is the obligation of the church to old men? The answer has been given — teach them the gospel.
4. What is the obligation of the church to older women? What more can be said — teach them the gospel.
5. What is the obligation of the church to younger women? The word of God is sufficient — teach them the gospel.
Paul had something to say about this when he wrote to Titus: "But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine: that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience: that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good, that they may train young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed: the younger men likewise exhort to be sober-minded: in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us." (Titus 2:1-8.)
John also wrote to different groups in these words: "I write unto you little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because you know the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the evil one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever." (1 John 2:12-17.)
When the church teaches people the will of God, and exhorts them to do the same, it has fulfilled it's duty to man. (1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 3:10.) The only exception to this is caring for certain needy. I say "certain needy" for the Lord limits benevolent work the church is to do. Read 1 Timothy 5:1-15.
Is the congregation doing its duty? It is if it is doing all within its power to take the gospel to the community and the world; and if it is caring for this "certain needy." God knew what He wanted the church to do.
Brethren, let's keep the church in the field where the Lord put it.