CHURCH PROBLEMS #1

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. We begin a two part study on the extent, cause, and cure of
      church problems.
      1. The N.T. shows that the Lord expects us to solve our
         problems as they arise.
      2. It also gives many preventive measures which will keep
         problems to a minimum.

I. THE EXTENT OF CHURCH PROBLEMS.
   A. Every church has problems.  Some churches face problems that
      are more acute than others.
      1. We often hear preachers, elders, and others speak of
         problems where they attend.
      2. All churches have problems simply because they are made up
         of fallible human beings.
         a. Some young couples move from one congregation to
            another looking for a perfect church.  They will never
            find one.
      3. Some dead and/or liberal churches supposedly have no
         problems.
         a. Their problem is failing to recognize or correct
            problems.
   B. The early churches had problems.
      1. Jerusalem - Acts 6:1-7
      2. Antioch - Acts 15:1-2
      3. Corinth - the books of 1 and 2 Cor.
      4. Galatia - Gal. 1:6-7; 4:9-11
      5. Seven churches of Asia - Rev. 2 & 3
   C. Most problems are local.
      1. Most of the N.T. addresses the local situations.
      2. Often not much can be done regarding problems in churches
         elsewhere.
      3. We can't overlook something because it is a universal
         problem.  Ex. Attendance.
   D. Problems do much harm.
      1. Often weakens the church.  Some become discouraged.
      2. Hinders the spread of the gospel.  They consume valuable
         time that could be used in reaching the lost.
      3. Causes souls to be lost.  Some problems involve sins that   
         are never repented of or corrected.

II. SOME CAUSES OF CHURCH PROBLEMS.
   A. False teaching.  Titus 1:10-14
   B. Forcing opinions on others.  Matt. 15:1-2; Rom. 14:1-3
   C. Preacher troubles.
      1. Some are trouble makers - thrive on controversy, ride their
         hobbies.  Titus 3:10
      2. Some fail to preach the whole truth - will not condemn
         certain sins.  Acts 20:27
      3. Some build a party (clique) about themselves.  Thus, men
         follow them rather than the Lord.  1 Cor. 1:12-13; 2 Cor.   
         4:5
      4. Some live ungodly lives.  2 Pet. 2:13a-14a
   D. Elder problems.  Acts 20:30
      1. Unqualified - self-willed, weak, or manipulated by others
         (wife, child, clique).  
      2. Sometimes members will not submit to them.  Heb. 13:17
   E. Desire for preeminence.  3 John 9; Matt. 23:5-12; Mark 10:35-45
   F. Envy and jealousy.  Prov. 27:4; 1 Cor. 3:1-3; James 3:13-16
   G. Showing partiality.  James 2:1-4,9; 1 Tim. 5:21 Partiality  
      gives rise to cliques (divisions) in the local church.
   H. Worldliness within.  We get wrapped up in this world - busy in 
      a multitude of things that really don't benefit the soul.  Rom.
      12:2; 1 John 2:15-17; Rev. 3:15-16
   I. Immoral, ungodly members.  1 Cor. 5:1-2 Ungodly members
      don't want their sins rebuked or disciplined. 
   J. Family problems brought into the church.  Correct your problems
      between yourselves if possible.  If it can't be done, take     
      other witnesses, etc.  Matt. 18:15-17
   K. Abuse of the tongue.
      1. Fault finding.  Matt. 12:7 Constructive criticism is good,  
         but it must come from those who truly love.
      2. Backbiting, gossip, slander, repeating the problems, keeping
         things agitated, etc..  Prov. 11:13; 26:20-22
      3. Harsh and unkind remarks, angry words.  Prov. 18:19; Eph.
         4:31
      4. Murmuring and complaining.  1 Cor. 10:10; Phil. 2:14
   L. Meddlers or busybodies in other's matters.  1 Tim. 5:13; 1     
      Thess. 4:11; Prov. 26:17
   M. Lack of discipline - condones evil.  1 Cor. 5:6

Concl.
   A. In our next lesson, we will mention some preventive measures
      regarding church problems.
      1. We will also mention some ways for solving problems when
         they do arise.