The Church

Purpose
To understand God’s one church and the role we play in it.
THE CHURCH IS CHRIST’S BODY
Colossians 1:15-18
» The Son is the image of the invisible God – Jesus is the visible creator.
» In him all things hold together – Jesus holds the universe together.
» And he is the head of the body, the church – Jesus = head. Church=body.
The Greek word for church is “ekklesia,” which means a “calling out” or “assembly.” In the
scriptures, church does not refer to a building but to the people of God.
Ephesians 2:19-22
» You are no longer foreigners – Before we were in Christ, we were foreigners.
» You are…fellow citizens with God’s people – We are brought into the body of Christ
and are welcomed into the Kingdom of God. Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians
2:20).
» Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone – Jesus is the primary building block,
the pioneer, the model of the church. Each of us are to follow and imitate him.
THE CHURCH SHOULD BE UNITED
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
» I appeal to you that there be no divisions among you – God’s church worldwide
should be united.
» One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos” – Following personalities
creates division. Following man-made doctrines or creeds creates division.
» Is Christ divided? The answer is, “No!” By following Jesus, not people, we can be
united.
YOUR ROLE IN THE CHURCH
Ephesians 4:11-16
» Christ himself gave {biblical leaders} to equip his people for works of service – The
leadership of the church is in place to teach and empower the Christians for works of
service.
» We will no longer be blown here and there by every wind of teaching – The goal of
our being together is unity, maturity and the protection from false doctrines.
» The whole body grows as each part does its work – We each have a responsibility
to the body. We need to do our part to build unity, maturity, and protect from false
doctrines.
Q: In what way can you use your talents to serve in the church?
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
» God has placed the parts in the body just as he wanted them to be – God has chosen
to have you part of his church at this time for his reasons, just as he wanted it.
» There are many parts, but one body – Even though we are all different in personality,
talent, culture and language, we function together as one body.
» The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” – Every member of the body is
significant and serves a purpose. We need the body of Christ!
Q: What are some ways that you believe you can serve the body of Christ?
Hebrews 10:24-25
» Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess – The convictions that you have
developed as we have studied the Bible are precious. Hold onto them with passion!
» Let us consider how we may spur one another on – We all have the responsibility of
making plans to help our brothers and sisters spiritually.
» Let us not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing – Being
together with the body of Christ is an important commitment to the rest of the body.
Q: What are some ways that you could come to encourage at the next meeting of the body?
Q: Would you move away to a city or town where there is no Church?
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH
1 Peter 2:9
Gods chosen people (the Church) are called to declare His praises to all people.
FURTHER STUDY (CAN BE GIVEN AS HOMEWORK)
Matthew 28:18-20 The mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations.
Acts 2:42-47 A great example of the devotions to the body being lived out.
Hebrews 3:12-13 Encouraging others in the body keeps our hearts from getting hard.
Hebrews 13:17 Follow the church leaders to make their work a joy.