Introduction:

A. Should the ability of God’s people be measured by their numbers?

1. If so, one is claiming that numbers are accomplishing said tasks instead of God: Deuteronomy 8:11-18; cf. Judges 7:2
2. If so, maybe Gideon missed something: Judges 7:1-7; 16-22

B. Some may wonder if our size says something negative about us.  What about several of the local churches meeting in the homes of the members in the N.T. with commendations and greetings from faithful brethren (I wonder if they had a big sign, good parking, comfortable pews, etc.)?

1. I Corinthians 16:19; CF. Romans 16:3-5
2. Colossians 4:15
3. Philemon 1:2

C. If anything, having more in number is the negative:

1. God’s people of old were not chosen because of numerical strength: Deuteronomy 7:7
2. Jesus realized the laborers would be few: Matthew 9:36-38
3. If the Lord wanted huge numbers, He would chosen to be Head of the unrighteous denominations of men, knowing that the numbers would be greater of those whom are lost: Matthew 7:13-14

I. In the Eyes of Many We May Be Small in Number, But Great in Realizing God’s Providence

A. We must have the right attitude: Philippians 4:13

1. Romans 8:31
2. Hebrews 13:5-6
B. Our work is to plant and water, let us be content with what increase the Lord gives.

1. Paul said: I Corinthians 3:6
2. Those that hear and obey the Gospel presented unto them will be added unto us: Acts 2:41

C. Some would argue that we are failing if numbers aren’t growing fast enough:

1. Noah was a preacher of righteousness: II Peter 2:5
2. Only seven others responded: Genesis 7:13

a. God gave 120 years: Genesis 6:3
b. During that 120 years few responded: I Peter 3:20

3. Some would say that Noah failed, but the record says: Genesis 6:22

II. In the Eyes of Many We May Be Small in Number, But Look at the Many Open Doors of Opportunity

A. The church at Philadelphia is a good example for us to remember: Revelation 3:7-8

1. Our reputation needs to be like Thessalonica’s reputation: I Thessalonians 1:7-8
2. We need to take the Gospel to into El Paso:

a. Acts 5:42
b. Acts 20:20

B. Regardless of our numbers, we present opportunities for others to:

1. Know the truth: John 8:32
2. See worship done decently, orderly, in spirit, and in truth: John 4:24; I Corinthians 14:40
3. Christians to come and be edified: Ephesians 4:16
4. Others to realize what the true church is: I Timothy 3:15
5. See Bible Authority properly applied: Colossians 3:17
6. To experience the kind of unity that pleases the Lord: Psalms 133:1 and I Corinthians 1:10
7. The opportunity for all members to be busy working: I Corinthians 15:58

III. In the Eyes of Many We May Be Small in Number, But We Sure Are Sound in Doctrine

A. In the eyes of some we are a numerically small congregation, but at least we are a “sound congregation” [holding to true and incorrupt doctrine; free from any mixture of error –Thayer] because we:

1. II Timothy 1:13
2. Titus 2:1

B. Being sound in the faith is rare for a congregation of our time.

1. Matthew 22:14
2. I Timothy 4:1
3. II Timothy 4:2-4

C. Consider the light we are to other brethren in the area:

1. We will defend the truth: Jude 3; cf. Philippians 2:16
2. We have stood for truth by practicing biblical discipline: II Thessalonians 3:6
3. We have stood for the truth by identifying false teachers and divisive brethren (Romans 16:17-18).
4. We have stood for the truth, for the truth is worth fighting for (Proverbs 23:23).

Conclusion:

A. The Devil wants us to be discouraged by our lack of numbers.

1. He wants to see few here on a regular basis: Hebrews 10:24-25
2. Won’t you tell him “NO”?  Matthew 4:10

B. Let us realize that those who have had to leave this place of work and worship are the ones who have lost something.

 

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© 2005 May be used if permission by author is granted and proper acknowledgment as to the authorship of this material is made.  In other words, preachers do your own work.  Use this as a tool for your own work if such is helpful! – B.A.Y.