Sermon: Priorities of the Local Church

Sermon Date: 2/9/ 2025

Bible Verses: Colossians 1:18, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:42-47

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Introduction:

Every church has priorities, whether stated or unstated. But what are the right priorities? How do we ensure that our church is functioning according to God’s design? The Bible gives us clear direction on what the local church should focus on. Today, we will look at three essential priorities that every church must uphold: The Lordship of Christ, The Body of Christ, and The World.

1. We Need Biblical Priorities

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

• Every local church must be founded and grounded in the Word of God.
• The church is not built on human wisdom, traditions, or opinions but on the truth of Scripture (Matthew 7:24-27).
• Our priorities must begin with and be shaped by God's Word, not culture or personal preference.
• If our priorities do not align with biblical priorities, we will drift into compromise.

1. The First Priority: The Lordship of Christ

Scripture: Colossians 1:18
"And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence."

• The highest priority of the church is Jesus Christ Himself.
• Jesus is the Head of the Church—not the pastor, the deacons, or any committee.
• Every decision, ministry, and action must reflect Christ’s Lordship and supremacy.
• Worship must be Christ-centered, not entertainment-driven (John 4:24).
  • “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
• We must exalt Christ in everything we do (Philippians 2:9-11).
  • “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Application:

• Is Jesus truly Lord over every area of our church?
• Are we seeking His will first in everything we do?

III. The Second Priority: The Body of Christ (The Church Community)

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers… Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common."

• The local church is a family—we are not just individuals, we are the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
• We must love, serve, and build up one another (Galatians 6:2).
  • “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
• The early church gathered together, studied the Word, prayed, shared their lives, and supported each other.
• Fellowship is not just socializing—it is deep, spiritual connection with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).
  • “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Application:

• Are we actively engaged in discipleship, fellowship, and prayer with one another?
• Are we helping each other grow spiritually or just attending church passively?
• How can we better serve one another?

1. The Third Priority: The World (Evangelism and Missions)

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

• The church does not exist for itself—we are called to reach the lost (Luke 19:10).
  • “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
• Jesus commanded us to go into the world, not just stay within the walls of the church.
• Missions, evangelism, and serving our communities must be a priority.
• The world needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ—are we sharing it?

Application:

• Are we actively making disciples in our community?
• How are we supporting missions and outreach?
• Are we living as a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16)?

Conclusion:

The Priorities of the Local Church Must Be:

1. The Lordship of Christ – Jesus must be at the center.
2. The Body of Christ – We must love, serve, and build each other up.
3. The World – We must share the Gospel and make disciples.

Final Challenge:

• Are our priorities aligned with God’s priorities?
• How can we, as a church, realign ourselves with these biblical priorities?
• What step can you personally take to strengthen Christ’s Lordship, church fellowship, or evangelism?