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• The church fails for one of two reasons: poor leadership or lack of congregational support.
• Today we look at the responsibility of membership.
• The church only develops properly when members play their part.

• Remember your leaders: V. 7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
• Illustration: A church was having a hard time finding a pastor because, they said, leadership is hard to come by.
• Illustration: A single woman was dating but was not ready for marriage because, she said, leadership is hard to come by.
• Don’t worship them, but honor them.
• Obey your leaders: V. 17 and 1 Peter 5:3
• Not blind obedience, but because of God’s principle of hierarchy.
• And it should be a joyful obedience.
• Greet your leaders—V. 24.
• This includes expressing personal concern.

• There is no such thing as Christians who do not work.
• All the parts must work for the body of Christ to work.
• Illustration: Evans has a torn cartilage in his left knee, and he can’t jog, play tennis or basketball anymore.
• The church hires a staff not to do their work but to empower them to do the work.
• It’s a crime to come to church and just receive.
• Each person may have lots of talents, but only one spiritual gift.
• God wants us to take one interest of love and use it for him.
• Illustration: Evans watched a basketball coach give himself to his kids and asked, why can’t this be infused with the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Men: provide for your family—1 Timothy 5:8
• Men are responsible for the well-being of their families, and they are to do what it takes.
• Men shouldn’t complain about the obstacles but push the obstacles out of the way.
• Women: bear children.
• You bear children to raise up godly seed so that the kingdom of God flourishes.
• Women: keep house, manage the affairs of the home.