24-0225p - Do What Is Appropriate, Mike Mathis
Bible Reader: Tom Freed

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Do What Is Appropriate

Summary of Transcript (0:04 - 30:59)

Scripture Reading

Bible Reader: (0:04 - 0:23), Tom Freed
1 Corinthians 10:16,
  • The speaker begins with a reading from 1 Corinthians 10:16, discussing the sharing in the blood and body of Christ during the Lord’s Supper.

Summary

Preacher: Mike Mathis

(0:28 - 2:07) Welcome and Introduction to the Topic

  • The audience is welcomed, including those present in person and those listening via phone, with hopes that the session will be edifying.

  • The speaker mentions the familiarity of the topic to many in the audience and relates it to a radio call-in show from Mansfield, Ohio, where biblical questions or comments are discussed.

  • Highlights a caller’s statement about doing what is "appropriate," prompting a deeper exploration into the meaning of the word.

(2:10 - 3:19) Exploring the Concept of 'Appropriate'

  • The speaker reflects on the word "appropriate" after a call, pondering to whom actions should be appropriate.

  • He describes looking up the definition of "appropriate," noting a humorous mistake in spelling during his search.

(3:21 - 4:29) Defining 'Appropriate'

  • The speaker discusses the dictionary definitions of "appropriate," mentioning both a physical dictionary and Webster’s online version for cross-reference.

(4:30 - 5:13) First Definition: To Take for One’s Own Use

  • Explains that taking something for one’s own use can be legitimate, like purchasing an item at a store.

(5:16 - 6:12) The Church and Christ’s Sacrifice

  • Discusses how Christ bought the church with His blood, emphasizing the purpose of the church to offer praise to God as per 1 Peter 2:9.

(6:13 - 8:11) Christ as the Head of the Church

  • Continues with the theme of Christ’s purchase of the church, focusing on the communion and purpose of praise to God.

(8:12 - 8:53) Misappropriation

  • Introduces the negative aspect of taking something for one’s own use without permission, likening it to theft.

(8:54 - 9:07) Examples of Improper Taking

  • Uses examples like shoplifting and car theft to illustrate inappropriate taking.

(9:08 - 10:03) Clarification on the Caller’s Prompt

  • The speaker admits uncertainty about the exact topic that prompted the caller’s comment on doing what is appropriate.

(10:06 - 10:59) The Lord’s Supper

  • The discussion shifts to the Lord’s Supper, with an emphasis on the host’s response regarding the elements used in the Supper.

(11:00 - 11:44) Unleavened Bread

  • The speaker explains the necessity of unleavened bread during the Lord’s Supper, contrasting it with other preferable tastes but inappropriate for the context.

(12:06 - 12:41) Elements of the Lord’s Supper

  • Details the communion pack containing unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, symbolizing but not literally being Christ’s blood.

(13:00 - 13:29) The Significance of the Elements

  • Clarifies that the elements do not transform into actual blood but serve as symbolic representations.

(13:31 - 14:07) Second Definition: To Take Improperly

  • Warns about the misuse of the term 'appropriate' in the context of the Lord’s Supper, where unauthorized elements or practices could be introduced.

(14:09 - 15:30) Frequency of the Lord’s Supper

  • Discusses the biblical practice of observing the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week, not sporadically or on other days.

(15:32 - 16:06) Historical Context of Observance

  • Draws parallels between the Sabbath for the Israelites and the first day of the week for Christians, emphasizing the day of Christ’s resurrection.

(16:07 - 16:55) Significance of the First Day

  • Reiterates the importance of the first day of the week due to its association with Christ’s resurrection and the establishment of the church.

(16:56 - 17:38) Collection on the First Day of the Week

  • Mentions the scriptural directive for collections to be made on the first day of the week as per 1 Corinthians 16.

(17:41 - 18:44) Proper Collection Practices

  • Highlights Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians and Galatia churches about setting aside contributions on the first day of the week.

(18:46 - 19:14) Contemporary Practice of Collection

  • Comments on the current practice of collection, noting that it should ideally occur on the first day of the week.

(19:16 - 20:13) Taking the Supper Unworthily

  • References 1 Corinthians 11 where Paul criticizes the Corinthians for not observing the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner.

(20:14 - 21:01) The Nature of Communion

  • Discusses the communal aspect of the Lord’s Supper, noting it’s a sharing both with Christ and among the members.

(21:03 - 21:29) Communion with Christ and Each Other

  • Explains that the act of taking the Supper involves communion with Christ and fellow believers.

(21:30 - 22:13) Proper Observance of the Lord’s Supper

  • Critiques the mixing of the Lord’s Supper with a common meal, advocating for a distinct and respectful observance.

(22:14 - 22:45) Instructions for Observance

  • Outlines how the Corinthians were instructed to wait for one another and take the Supper together.

(22:47 - 23:20) Third Definition: Setting Aside for a Specific Use

  • Concludes with the final definition of "appropriate," focusing on setting aside practices for their intended sacred use.

(23:21 - 24:22) Conclusion on the Lord’s Supper

  • Reinforces the specific purpose of the Lord’s Supper as communion with Christ and unity among believers.

(24:43 - 25:23) Instructions and Warning

  • The speaker recites the words of institution for the Lord’s Supper from 1 Corinthians 11, emphasizing remembrance of Christ and the proclamation of His death.

  • Warns about partaking in an unworthy manner, advising self-examination before participation.

(25:24 - 25:40) The Nature of Communion

  • Describes communion as a time for personal examination and collective sharing among believers.

(25:41 - 26:03) Sharing and Waiting

  • Stresses the communal aspect of the Lord’s Supper, where believers should wait for each other to partake together.

(26:05 - 26:29) Remembrance of the Lord

  • Highlights the act of remembrance during the Lord’s Supper, following Christ’s command to remember Him.

(26:31 - 27:08) Appropriateness in Worship

  • Discusses the potential misinterpretation of "appropriate," suggesting that what might be appropriate to individuals might not align with God’s will.

(27:09 - 27:34) Personal Desires vs. Divine Will

  • Explores the distinction between what one might personally desire as appropriate versus what is divinely intended.

(27:34 - 28:04) The Lord’s Design for Worship

  • Advocates for using elements and practices of worship as intended by the Lord, particularly focusing on the Lord’s Supper.

(28:05 - 28:40) Worship in Spirit and Truth

  • Refers to 1 Corinthians 14, emphasizing that worship should be done in decency, order, spirit, and truth.

(28:41 - 29:44) Invitation to Faith

  • Encourages those listening to become Christians if they have not, by believing and being baptized for salvation.

  • Stresses the importance of living faithfully post-baptism.

(29:44 - 30:01) Call to Repentance

  • Urges those who have strayed from faith to return, offering prayer for restoration.

(30:02 - 30:43) Offering Prayer and Support

  • Invites any with personal issues or needs to come forward for prayer and support from the church.

(30:44 - 30:59) Conclusion

  • Concludes by reinforcing the idea of doing what is fitting and proper in God’s sight, inviting action while the congregation stands and sings.