STRUCTURE IN THE CHURCH

            Text: Matthew 7:28-29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

            Structure= something composed of parts.

Scripture is profitable in the church

            2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

            Doctrine= teachings.

             Reproof= conviction, convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, admonish.

             Correction= to make right.

             Instruction in righteousness= the being and doing right. Pure heart.

            1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

           

           

             Sanctuary= refuge,

             A place of safety.

             Learn to defeat Satan etc.…

            A place to learn.

            Matthew 28:19. There are teachers in the church.

            A place of discipline.

             Hebrews 12:5-7 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

⁶ For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

⁷ If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

            A place to grow.

             2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.

            1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

            2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

            A place to fellowship.

             1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

            1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

            1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

            A place of healing.

            Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

            1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Caution

             2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

            2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;