Why the Church of Christ Is Different

Why the Church of Christ Is Different

Introduction

Last week, I encouraged you to read and study an edition of The Spiritual Sword. I mentioned that I would eventually bring a lesson from one of its articles, and today is that day. The October issue featured an article by a faithful gospel preacher, David Farr, from South Carolina. Over the years, The Spiritual Sword has offered strong, scriptural material, and this lesson reflects many of the same truths. I have adapted the message for our study today, and I want you to think about this question: How is the church of Christ different? Whether you grew up in the Lord’s church or came to it later in life, understanding this difference is crucial.

The Temptation to Go Along

There is a temptation for Christians to simply blend in. Many today want to fit in with other religious people, avoiding any distinctiveness in belief or practice. They hesitate to speak against the sins of our society and seek friendship with the world instead. Yet James warns us of the danger in James 4:4, declaring that friendship with the world is enmity with God. To be a friend of the world is to become an enemy of God. A faithful member of the Lord’s church cannot help but stand out—our beliefs and practices will inevitably clash with those of the world.

Even in the days of Christ’s earthly ministry, there were those who believed in Him but feared confessing it because of human pressure. John 12:42–43 records that many rulers believed but would not confess Him, for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Their concern for their standing among men outweighed their concern for their standing with God.

Jesus made it clear that following Him would come at a cost. In John 15:18–19, He told His disciples that the world would hate them because they were not of the world. Choosing to follow Christ means choosing to face opposition. Paul echoed this truth in Galatians 1:10 when he stated that pleasing men and being a servant of Christ are incompatible. Being different will cost friendships, family ties, and even worldly opportunities.

The Call to Be Different

Christ does not merely acknowledge our difference—He calls us to it. In John 17:14–16, He prayed for His followers, noting that they are not of the world, just as He is not of the world. We are to live by a higher standard than the world, whether that world is religious, secular, or atheistic.

Paul wrote in Philippians 2:14–16 that Christians are to be blameless and harmless, shining as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. The darkness of the world makes the light of Christ’s people stand out as clearly as a candle in a pitch-black room. This difference is unavoidable and often unwelcome to those who prefer darkness.

Peter addressed the same reality in 1 Peter 4:1–4, reminding believers that their refusal to join in sinful activities will seem strange to others, resulting in ridicule or slander. The Christian life is a visible testimony to the transforming power of the gospel. Christ calls us to live as examples, not to join in the ways of the world.

The Uniqueness of the Lord’s Church

The church of Christ is unlike any other religious body. It is completely distinct in origin, structure, and authority. Four points especially highlight this uniqueness:

Christ Is the Only Head of the Church
Colossians 1:18 teaches that Christ is the head of the body, the church, and holds preeminence in all things. No councils, conventions, committees, or other human bodies hold authority over the Lord’s church. All authority belongs to Him (Matthew 28:18).

The Bible Is Our Only Guide
The church of Christ relies solely on Scripture for teaching, worship, and practice. Manuals, creeds, and disciplines are human products and lack divine inspiration. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 affirms that all Scripture is God-breathed, equipping the man of God for every good work.

Every Christian Must Study the Word
In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul commands believers to be diligent in rightly dividing the word of truth. No human intermediary dictates what members must believe; the authority lies in God’s word, and each Christian bears responsibility to know it.

We Respect the Silence of Scripture
If God’s word does not authorize a practice, we have no right to engage in it. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs us to test all things and hold fast to what is good. Respecting the silence of Scripture guards the purity of the faith and distinguishes the church from religious bodies that go beyond what God has spoken.

Conclusion

The Lord calls us to be different. Our beliefs, our worship, and our practices will stand apart from the world. This difference may cost us in terms of relationships, opportunities, and worldly acceptance, but it gains us the approval of God and the promise of eternal life. The church of Christ is unique because it belongs to Christ alone, follows His word alone, and respects His authority alone.

Why the Church of Christ Is Different Sermon Outline:

• Introduction

  • Context: Derived from The Spiritual Sword article by David Farr.

  • Purpose: To understand how and why the church of Christ stands apart.

• The Temptation to Go Along

  • The danger of blending in (James 4:4).

  • Examples from the time of Christ (John 12:42–43).

  • Jesus’ warning of the cost of discipleship (John 15:18–19).

  • Paul’s refusal to seek human approval (Galatians 1:10).

• The Call to Be Different

  • Christ’s prayer for His followers (John 17:14–16).

  • Shining as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:14–16).

  • Standing out from worldly living (1 Peter 4:1–4).

• The Uniqueness of the Lord’s Church

  • Christ as the sole head (Colossians 1:18; Matthew 28:18).

  • Scripture as the only guide (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

  • Individual responsibility to study (2 Timothy 2:15).

  • Respect for the silence of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

• Conclusion

  • Faithful distinctiveness will bring opposition but also God’s approval.

  • The church’s uniqueness lies in its submission to Christ and His word.

Call to Action
Live boldly as a member of the Lord’s church, embracing the difference that comes with belonging to Christ. Study His word diligently, uphold His authority, and shine as a light in a dark world. Do not be swayed by the desire for worldly acceptance. Choose each day to please God above all else, remembering that the eternal reward far outweighs the temporary discomforts of being different.

Key Takeaways

• Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).

• Standing out as a Christian is inevitable when living faithfully (John 15:18–19).

• Christ is the sole head of His church (Colossians 1:18).

• Scripture alone equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

• We must test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Scripture Reference List

• James 4:4 – The danger of friendship with the world.

• John 12:42–43 – Fear of confessing Christ due to human approval.

• John 15:18–19 – The world’s hatred toward Christ’s followers.

• Galatians 1:10 – Choosing between pleasing men and God.

• John 17:14–16 – Christ’s prayer for His followers to be set apart.

• Philippians 2:14–16 – Shining as lights in a crooked generation.

• 1 Peter 4:1–4 – The world’s reaction to Christian distinctiveness.

• Colossians 1:18 – Christ as head of the church.

• Matthew 28:18 – All authority given to Christ.

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – The inspiration and sufficiency of Scripture.

• 2 Timothy 2:15 – Diligent study and correct handling of the word.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Testing all things and holding fast to what is good.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO