CHURCH PROBLEMS #2

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. In this lesson we will examine some cures or remedies for      
      church problems.
      1. We will mention some things that hopefully will help up
         prevent problems.
      2. Also, we will suggest some ways to solve problems when we
         have them.

I. WAYS TO CURE CHURCH PROBLEMS.
   A. Face our problems realistically.
      1. Don't panic.  Some come apart at the seams.  Some run,
         rather than stand.  Eccl. 10:4
         a. The Lord expects us to stay and work out our problems.
      2. Don't ignore, hide, or minimize.  They must be faced sooner
         of later.  The longer it goes, the worse it gets.
      3. Don't exaggerate or advertise.  Face it as it is.
      4. Don't try to untangle every knot.  Eccl. 7:21-22
      5. Don't brood over the past.  Try to be happy, regardless of
         what we are facing.  Phil. 4:4  Happiness is a choice and is
         contagious.
         a. To be spoken against by every one is not always bad. 
            Acts 28:22
   B. Seek to prevent problems.
      1. Don't side with the cliques.
         a. When it is evident that there are warring cliques in the
            church, the Christian should be careful not to take      
            sides.
            (1) Remember, "there are two sides to every
                controversy."  Prov. 18:13
         b. We should oppose contentions, dissensions, and
            divisions in the church.  Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 3:3-6
      2. Don't judge another's heart.
         a. Christians should be careful not to attribute evil       
            motives to the words and actions of others.  Matt. 7:1;  
            John 7:24
         b. If we hear or witness some unseemly thing done by a
            brother, instead of being quick and harsh in our
            judgment, we should give him the benefit of the doubt. 
            1 Cor. 13:5; Rom. 14:13
         c. Some things are to be labeled as "unwise," but not as
            "sin." 
      3. Don't build up a faction.
         a. On any given controversy or issue in the local church, as
            you have opportunity, state your conviction, but don't
            be trying to build up your side by going from house to
            house or by calling on the phone.
         b. Working in secrecy is the tactic of evil people.  Psalm
            101:5; 2 Pet. 2:1
         c. It puts those who differ at an unfair disadvantage
            because it does not give equal time and opportunity.  It
            is not practicing the golden rule.  Matt. 7:12
         d. Likewise, one has no right to take the problems of one
            church to another. This destroys God's plan for
            independence and autonomy.
      4. Strive for unity.
         a. All Christians should try to keep the church together
            and not pull it apart.
         b. Instead of leaving and pulling off a group, members of
            the church should stay together and reconcile their
            differences.  Eph. 4:3; Rom. 14:19
         c. There is no such thing as a perfect church and the Lord
            expects Christians to stay together and work out their
            problems. 
      5. Withdraw from the factious.  Titus 3:10-11; Prov. 22:10
         a. Within time, the righteous will know who the real
            troublemakers are.
         b. They must be withdrawn from; otherwise, they will
            eventually divide the church, taking many souls with
            them.
      6. Maintain a scriptural, working eldership.
         a. An eldership can be extremely effective in preventing
            and correcting problems within the congregation.
         b. They "take care of the church." and are "shepherds
            (guardians) of the flock."  1 Tim. 3:5; Acts 20:28-31
   C. How can I as an individual member help?
      1. If possible, take care of the problem myself.  Matt. 5:23-24
      2. Always strive to bridle the tongue.  James 1:26; Prov. 21:23
         a. Teach against gossip, backbiting, and evil speaking.  2
            Cor. 12:20; Prov. 25:23
         b. Gossip can destroy us.  Gal. 5:15
      3. All of us need to live godly, pure lives.  Eph. 5:3-6
      4. Keep busy in the service of the Lord.  John 9:4; 1 Cor.     
         15:58
         a. Keep our focus on soul-saving, not fighting among
            ourselves.
         b. Often when bird dogs have no birds to hunt, they begin
            fighting among themselves.
      5. Grow in grace and knowledge.  2 Pet. 3:18
         a. Much trouble stems from ignorance of truth.
      6. Be humble, yet strong as was Jesus.  1 Pet. 2:21
      7. Be ready always to repent when necessary and ask
         forgiveness.  James 5:16
         a. Learn to forgive and forget.  Luke 17:3-4; Prov. 17:9;
            Matt. 18:35 - "from the heart."
         b. Stop all contentions and start anew.  Phil. 3:13
      8. Pray for one another.  Eph. 6:18
      9. Practice genuine, fervent love at all times.  1 Pet. 4:8;   
         Col. 3:14
         a. Always be willing to go the extra mile to promote love,
            peace, and unity.

Concl.
   A. If church problems are not corrected, the zeal of the          
      congregation will be sapped, its influence for good destroyed, 
      error and sin will triumph, souls will be lost.
   B. May God help us to strive to both prevent, and correct problems
      among us.