THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE IS FORMED IN THE CHURCH PART ONE

 

Acts 2:42-47

What do I mean by my title? The public worship of the local church is limited to elements explicitly commanded or approved in Scripture. Corporate worship must be restricted to what God has instituted in His Word. God’s blueprint for the church. Voddie Baucham said, “Corporate worship must be limited to elements explicitly commanded in Scripture. He emphasizes that God determines how He is worshipped, rejecting human innovation ("will worship") in favor of a strictly biblically regulated service focused on preaching, prayer, and singing.” These principles are put in place to prevent idolatry, maintain purity of worship, and protect the consciences of believers from human innovations. It differs from the "normative principle," which permits elements not forbidden by Scripture. This is the opposing view, “Normative Principle” is anything not explicitly forbidden in Scripture is permissible in worship. This means we do those things that God prescribes in his word plus anything that is not expressly prohibited.

What is normative today in the church?

Topical and motivational speaking

Music, music, and more music, because who doesn’t’ love to sing.

Skits and entertainment to please the goats and not the sheep.

Catering to the unsaved, instead of challenging the spiritual to walk and abide in Him.

 

It’s a pragmatic approach; we do it because it seems

to work, not because its right.

  

Remember what Paul told Timothy, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 2 Tim 4:3-4. The churches’ ultimate purpose is to bring glory, honor and praise to the sovereign God, the all glorious One. What is going to please God the most? His way, His blueprint, or our way, man’s flesh and passions to appease self, or to adapt to the culture. The normative principle says, “This please me so I will give it to God.” In other words, this pleases the unsaved man, and women, no wonder why so may flock to those churches to feed upon their own lusts and passions.

 

They want church their way, not God’s

 

The regulative principle says, “I will look and investigate and listen and hear exactly what God says He delights in worship, and I will give Him just that; because He is my starting point in worship, whatsoever satisfies Him and what gives Him the most glory I will do.

 

The regulative principle is designed to protect the church from human invention in worship. This emphasizes that God has not left the church free to invent her own worship, but has laid down in His Word exactly what is to be done. Acts 2:42-47 give us a glimpse into how our church family is to function, which brings God the most glory. See the church is a family! “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.” Gal 3:28-29

 

What “promise” is Paul talking about? The promise that was spoken to Abram by God in a vision. “And behold, the word of the LORD came to him:…. He brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Gen 15:4-6. The local church is a visible, tangible, real world expression of the body of Christ.

 

THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF GOD IS THAT WE LEARN AND STUDY THE BIBLE CORPORATELY. (v42)

 

This body of believers devoted themselves at the top of their list to learning and studying. A spirit-filled church always studies the Apostle’s teachings as you see throughout the Book of Acts. Considering Peter’s opening words. “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.” Acts 2:14. 

In Acts 4 Peter and John are standing before the Council “Because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” Acts 4:2. Consider Paul…..”And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Acts 18:11. In Acts 19:10 we read this, “This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” In Acts 20:18-21 we see Paul’s desire for the church age to be under the teaching of God’s word. “And when they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

Our devotion is to continue, be steadfast in the Scriptures; it is our necessary food for the believer’s growth, and there is no other. The church cannot operate on truth if it is not taught. Believers cannot function on principles they have not learned; we need the whole counsel of God. But sadly, this word “Doctrine” is one of the most politically incorrect words in the church today. “Don’t talk to me about doctrine” people say, “I don’t need any doctrine, all I need is Jesus.” The most noble are who? “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Acts 17:11

 

There are critics that say “If only the church would lay aside their doctrines and come together, think how we could reach the world for Jesus.” These are people who are content, consumers, emotional junkies, complacent, to say “I am ok will just the milk as I wait for eternity.” But as Peter said “Grow Up because now is the time for the pure teaching of His word.” Peter said this, “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:1-3. Paul said this about this type of person in the church, “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh.” 1 Cor 3:1-3

 

“All true spiritual awakening involves

healthy teaching from it.

 

A commitment to the Apostle’s teaching is foundational to growth and spiritual health of every church. Sound Doctrine protects you from error, doctrine helps believers avoid being "carried about by every wind of doctrine". Eph 4:14. We see the power of God’s Word in action when Ezra read the Scriptures for six hours. “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” Nehemiah 8:5-6

 

Sound doctrine… there is no substitute for it. “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Tim 4:16 Paul said to Titus, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1. A healthy church begins with a healthy diet of sound doctrine. No matter what might happen to you and me in the process. “So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20

REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF GOD IS FOR BELIEVERS TO COME TOGETHER IN FELLOWSHIP. (v42)

 

“Devoted” implies work and accountability as we come together. Community involves two-way commitment, which involves hard work of doing life together, because we are flawed, opinionated people, who are saved by grace. Our fellowship with one another is tied to our fellowship with the Father. Its this spiritual union that works into practical acts of love and support. The Bible uses the Greek word “Koinonia” to describe fellowship within the Body of Christ. That word means “Participation with others in a common purpose.” the Latin equivalent is “Communion”, pointing to the communion that shared with other believers as well as with God. It is your spiritual duty to stimulate each other to holiness and faithfulness.

 

It’s called “the One Another’s” or doing “Life Together”

 

Love one another…..John 13:34

Outdo one another…. Rom 12:10

Serve one another…. Gal 5:15

Carry one another burdens….. Gal 6:2

Submit to one another…. Eph 5:21

Encourage one another…… 1 Thess 4:18

Do not lie to one another…. Col 3:9

With patience bearing with one another in love…. Eph 4:2

Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another…. James 5:16

Don’t criticize one another… James 4:11

Cloth yourself in humility towards one another…. 1 Peter 5:5

Be hospitable to one another…. 1 Peter 4:9

 

“These things I command you, so that you will love

one another.” John 15:17

 

Bonhoeffer said “The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.”

 

What does God desire for the fellowship?

 

Unity…… in the fundamentals of the Holy Scriptures. Turn to Ephesian 4:2-3…. because this promotes this type of unity and fellowship among the saints. “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph 4:1-3

 

What is our responsibility?

 

Answer is found in v3 “bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Fellowship is a partnership or sharing life together and this is permanent because of our eternal promise in the gospel. John said “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1-3

 

For a Christian to fail to participate in the life of a local church is inexcusable. To do so, is contrary and disobedience according to the Scriptures. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Heb 10:23-25. While it’s challenging to cultivate and maintain edifying fellowship, it’s also an amazing blessing that we within the church get to enjoy.

 

To spend time together with our brother

and sisters in Christ, is a blessing and a joy.

 

We are too actively be a part of one another’s life as we await His glorious return. Fellowship of the saints is pre-requisite for each of us and we are to be actively and intimately involved in this body of Christ.

THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF GOD IS WHERE BELIEVERS COME TOGETHER IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIS GREAT SACRIFICE. (v42)

When we gather together, we remember what a great and holy privilege is to hear the Word. To sing songs of praise, and to enjoy the Lord’s Supper as a community of believers. Our fellowship is symbolized by obedience to the spiritual duty of the “Breaking of Bread” The church reflects upon His torn body and pouring out blood of Christ. This duty is not optional, since our Lord commanded it to the believers. “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” 1 Cor 11:23-26

 

We come together in unity of communion because of the gospel. “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” 1 Cor 10:16-17

 

We meet at the table on the grounds of the finished work in Christ at the cross. Communion acknowledges the wondrous work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. Communion calls the believer for self-examination and eradication of our sin. John MacArthur said, “Nothing is more vital to the church’s ongoing, regular confrontation of sins in the lives of its people than the thoughtful expression of devotion to the remembrance of the Cross.” Communion emphasizes the joy that we have in the risen Saviour, and its to be done together in the church. The Lord’s Supper is designed to be an instructional "arrow" pointing to Christ, focusing on His death, burial, and resurrection.

THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF GOD IS WHERE WE SHARE LIFE TOGETHER THOUGH THE AVENUE OF PRAYER. (v42)

 

Praying for one another and the lost outside the protection of Christ’s righteousness. The church is eager and is persistently engaged in the duty of prayer. This prayer is not just for individually or private; here it’s speaking of corporately doing “life together”. A great example of corporate prayer is found in Acts 4:23:31 (please turn there) after Peter and John told the church what had happened. The first church knew the critical importance of pursuing their spiritual duties for one another in the prayer…corporately. A healthy church is a praying church. Unlike the early church, the 21 first century church has neglected this this for the sake of time, entertainment or the testimonies of famous people, to draw crowds. Unlike the early church, we have forgotten the biblical commands to pray at all times. Leonard Ravenhill said, “The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church…grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil.” In Luke 18:1 we read this “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” We are to be a people devoted to prayer, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Rom 12:12. Paul said, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Col 4:2

 

The early church had less earthly resources, but they

turned the world upside down.

 

Why? Because they trusted in the Word of God in how govern the local church.

We are to be a baptized community living on the promises of God and the gospel as one body in Christ. Robert Godfrey said this about the church, “Bring them in and build them up.” This is what the church is founded on, God’s regulative principle points all things to Christ! The primary reason we are to come to church on Sunday morning is to worship God. Christ, who is first stone set in the construction of a foundation, and if that stone is no laid first, then this place isn’t a church at all. Everything will become off center or the measurement will be drastically skewed.

 

If that happens then what we call “church” is nothing more than:

A Social club

Hunting club

Knitting club

Adult Theater

A Day Care

A cleaner version of the Local Legion

 

The church will become nothing more than a place that

has a few morals and rules to join.

 

The early church’s blue-print was built upon the First Stone, who is the Cornerstone of the true church. They had all things in common because….. They devoted themselves to doctrine and theology. They devoted themselves to the pure joy of fellowship with the saints. They devoted themselves to remembrance of His great sacrifice through Lord’s Table together. They devoted themselves to the corporate prayers of the saints. The Four Pillars, of God’s regulative principle is what hold a church together throughout… all trials, all sufferings, all circumstances and every joyful tear of grace. The gospel calls us to come in through our new identities; and we do that by devoting ourselves to the body of Christ here. As we wait this Great King to return in spectacular fashion, as He did when He left before the church was established. These principles are what govern the church to worship God correctly through His children who are saved by grace. This faithfulness to the regulative principles draws people to Himself, and through the faithfulness of the church the heart is receptive by God to receive the blessings of the gospel and the love of God towards other sinners.

 

The church is a picture of Christ’s love for His bride. “…..as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Eph 5:25-27

Life in the local church is about

doing “Life together”

 

It’s not about…. individuals’ getting their spiritual high; but it’s a place to gather together for the purpose to worship our great God and King accord to His purposes. “Life together” is those who heard and responded to the message of salvation through the gift of faith in Christ. The church is not a building of brick and wood, but rather a place for God’s sons and daughters, to come and do life together. This is how we are to worship according to God, not according to man. My prayer is that we remain faithful doing that no matter what other churches do to attract the goats. When the Spirit of God reigns in the heart of the believer, God’s people move towards Him and their relationship intensifies to worship the way He set it out for us. What brings the most glory to God in the church? The regulative principle of worship, God’s blueprint for the church.