(NOTE: There are four .gif files that must be download with this sermon)
(Right click and save as on each .gif)
The Autonomy of the Local Church
I Pet 4:11

Introduction:

1. Our plea has always been based upon the concept expressed in this verse.
   a. Everything we preach and everything we do.
   b. As a people we have delighted in telling others why we do what we do that it is based upon what the Bible teaches. We
       believe in Bible authority.
2. When we say something is authorized by the Bible we are saying that it is taught in the Scriptures. Taught either:
   a. Explicitly: Clearly stated, definitely expressed, specifically required
   b. Implicitly: Suggested, implied, involved what is stated, though not plainly expressed, options, choices.
      (1) The nature of Bible authority is clear that something authorized is authorized either explicitly or implicitly.
      (2) Illus. Explicitly, there is Bible authority to meet on the first day of the week. But what time?
          Implicitly we have authority to meet at any hour of the day.
3. In this study we are talking about the church the autonomy of the church. It will be necessary to define what we are
    talking about. It is not:
   a. A physical building made of wood, brick. and mortar.
   b. A denomination (which is a part of a whole).

Discussion:
I. What Is the Church?

   A. Comes from the compound word EKKLESIA.
      1. "EK" means "out of": "KLESIA" means "to call."
         a. Literally, it means that which is called out of (Matt. 16:1 8; 2 Thess. 2: 14; Heb. 3:1).
      2. "Church" is used in different ways in the Bible but in every case it denotes that which has been called out
   B. How "church'' is used in different places.
      1. All the saved in all the earth (Acts 2:47; Heb 12:23) - Universal church.
      2. The saved people who have joined themselves to work as a collective under a common oversight.
         a. Where a plurality work together as one (I Cor. 1:2; 16:1; Rom. 16:16) - A local church.
   C. Definition of a local church: - "a local church is a group of Christians who have voluntarily joined themselves together to
       jointly function as a collective..."
      1. In that local church we share all that we share with all Christians everywhere (elaborate).
      2. Plus a relationship that is closely, more mutually dependent, more "joined together." You can not be in a collective without
          being dependent on others that form that collective.
      3. Plus a joint function (work and worship) which God commands such a collective.

II. When fully organized, the oversight of that local church is in the hands of a group of men who are known by several titles.

   A. What they are called:
      1. Elders (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17).
      2. Overseers, Bishops (I Tim. 3:1,5; Heb. 13:17).
      3. Pastors, Shepherds (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; Eph. 4:11,12).
      4. Please observe that these words denote function that pertains to their work and relationship to those people whom they
          oversee.
   B. But what do they oversee?
      1. The members of one congregation.
      2. The worship of one congregation.
      3. The work of one congregation.
      4. The resources of one congregation.
   C. Observe:
      1. The only organization authorized to do the work of the church is the local church, functioning under its own elders
          (Phil. 1:1; 14:23; Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:2).
         a. Extent and limitation of the authority of elders.
   D. This implies that each local church, with regards to other local churches, must be independent and autonomous. Define:
      1. "Independent" - a compound word, "in" (not) dependent.
         a. "In" - "a prefix of Latin origin corresponding to the English "un" - having a negative force." cf. Un-fit. In-attentive,
             inexpensive, in-dependent.
      2. Autonomous - also a compound word - "Auto" (self) and "nomos" (law).
         a. Example: Automobile.
         Note: We look to God's word for all matters of faith; we do not have autonomy where God has spoken. cf Luke 22:19; Acts
         20:7. But what time on the Lord's day should we meet and partake? A matter to be resolved by the local church; no other
         local church can make this decision for us.

III. The Independent, Local Church, through its treasury, Functions as a Unit.

   A. Each local church had its own treasury (I Cor. 16:1,2).
      1. Each local church independently contributed out of its treasury (Phil. 4:16).
      2. This even extended to the messengers whom the churches selected to send with their alms (I Cor. 16:3).
   B. Even when churches acted concurrently, they acted Independently, Autonomously.
      1. Evangelism:
          
     2. Benevolence:
       
           I Cor. 16:1,2; Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8,9.

IV. Violations of This Principle.

   A. Churches pooling their funds under one common oversight.
      1. Collective cooperation versus concurrent cooperation.
      2. Sponsoring church arrangement.
        
         Note: This calls for centralization of funds and
         oversight. Contributing churches lose oversight of funds and work.
      3. Institutionalism

Conclusion:

A. Acts 20:28-30.
B. Matt. 11:28-30.