God s View of the Church

Transcription

1 LESSON 4 God s View of the Church What may appear weak and trifling to us may be great and glorious to God. DIETRICH BONHOEFFER REFLECTION and PREPARATION Our union with Christ is essential to the life of His church. Spurgeon said, Men sometimes lose a foot, or a leg, or an arm, or an eye, or an ear. It is remarkable how a man may continue to exist after he has lost several limbs, but he cannot live if his head is taken away so the church of God lives because Christ lives and its life is entirely derived from Him. 15 The church is one of the greatest revelations of God in all of history. Our origin, our calling, our purpose, and our existence are all rooted in God. Today, people view the church in many ways. But what is God's view of this race of people called the church? To help us understand this mystery, the New Testament gives at least eighty images which refer to the church. These images help explain the concept in both literal terms and rich metaphorical descriptions. LESSON AIM: The central aim of this lesson is to gain an understanding of the four main images of the church presented in the New Testament. DISCUSSION: Are the following statements true or false? (circle one) God views some churches differently than others. T F God views some of His children differently than others. T F 15 C.H. Spurgeon, The Head and the Body, Sermon Article on monergism.com 74

2 Read Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16, 6:19, and 2 Corinthians 6:16. God views His church as a. A. According to 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, who is the foundation of this building called the church? B. Upon what foundation did Paul say the church is built? Read Ephesians 2:20. The Apostles laid the foundation by teaching the doctrines of Christ and bringing men into a relationship with Him, who is the only foundation that is laid (1 Cor.3:11). The church is not built upon any man or a creed, but on the living Christ (Matt.16:18). The meaning of the church being "built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets" is that their position was foundational in the establishment of the church. It is the inspired doctrine of the Apostles that reveals that Christ is indeed the foundation. C. 1 Corinthians 3 tells us that Christ is the foundation. What is the other image of Christ that is related to a building? Read Ephesians 2:20; see also 1 Peter 2:6. The difference between a foundation and a cornerstone tells us something about the nature of the church. Unlike a foundation stone, the cornerstone is visible and controls the design of the building. In the same way, Christ is to be visible in the church and to control the direction of His people. A cornerstone also brings structure and stability to the building. D. According to 1 Peter 2:4-5, what materials are used in God's building, and who are they? It is only through a relationship to the Living Stone that we become living stones, and therefore become a part of the edifice of God's house. Let's REVIEW: Who is the foundation? What guides the design of the building? Who is the cornerstone? What is the building made of? 75

3 Read Revelation 1:5-6, 5:10, and 1 Peter 2:9. God views His church as a. A building or temple is not complete without a priesthood to minister in it. As the temple of the Old Testament had a priest, so does the church. Jesus is our High Priest (Heb.2:17, 9:11) and all believers are the priesthood. A. What were the two Old Testament qualifications for the priestly office, according to Numbers 16:5? (Cf. Heb.5:4) As New Testament believers, we meet the same qualifications. We do not choose this honor for ourselves; rather, we are chosen by God. 1 Peter 1:1-2 to those who reside as aliens who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God Ephesians 1:4 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you We are also sanctified or set apart by God. Hebrews 10:10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. B. Several things took place when the Old Testament priests were being set apart unto God to emphasize their unique consecration. One of these rites was the washing of the whole body, which was symbolic of spiritual cleansing. Exodus 29:4 Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the doorway of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. As believers, we have also been washed. Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 76

4 After the robing of the priest in Exodus 29:5-6 which is symbolic of the robe of purity that believers wear in Christ (Eph.4:24; Rom.13:14) they were anointed with oil. Exodus 29:7 Then you shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him. As believers, we have also been anointed. 1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you C. Another consecration rite is seen in Exodus 29: On what areas of Aaron's body was blood to be sprinkled? These areas denote the priest's duty to hear the Word, to execute it, and walk in it. (Cf. 1 Pet.1:2; Heb.12:24) The priesthood not only was a privilege because it gave them access into the presence of God, but it also was a great responsibility. There were many functions that a priest performed, but they can all generally be put into these three categories: The service of sacrifice The service of proclamation (Mal.2:7; Lev.10:11; Deut.33:10) The service of intercession (Joel 2:17; Mal.1:9; Ex.28:12) D. According to 1 Peter 2:4-5, what is one of the functions of the New Testament priesthood? E. What is the primary sacrifice that we are to offer? Read Romans 12:1. (Cf. 2 Tim.4:6) F. What are other spiritual sacrifices that we are to offer to God as His priests? 1. Hebrews 13:15: 2. Hebrews 13:16: 3. Philippians 4:15-18: 4. Romans 15:15-16: In our service as witnesses, we also have a clear responsibility. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a CHOSEN RACE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE for God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. In our service of intercession, our call is clear and is to be performed by the entire priesthood. (Acts 12:5,12; James 5:14-18; 1Tim.2:1-2) 77

5 Read Colossians 1:18, 24, 2:19, Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:4, 12, 16, 5:23-30, and 1 Corinthians 12: God views His church as a. The main thoughts that are communicated in the image of the body are: Unity As the body is composed of many members and yet is one, so also is the church. Diversity Just as we have different body parts, but all are important and necessary to function as a whole, so we, as the people of God, are all distinct, yet necessary to the body. Mutuality As the operation of the human body demands the cooperation and dependence of its members upon one another, so the body of Christ demands dependence upon one another. Sovereignty Just as a body has one head, the church has one Head Christ. The church is the body of a Person Christ. Read Ephesians 5:22-32, 2 Corinthians 11:2, and Revelation 19:7-9. God views His church as a. This is one of the most beautiful images of the church in all of Scripture. This same figure of marriage was used in the Old Testament for the bond between God and Israel (Is.54:5-6, 62:5; Hos.2:7). A. In Ephesians, we discover some wonderful truths about the relationship of intimacy and allegiance between Christ and the church. Read Ephesians 5:22-24 and answer these questions: 1. What is a wife's responsibility to her own husband? 2. What is the church's responsibility to Christ? B. Read verses What is the first reason husbands should love their wives? C. Read verses What is the second reason husbands should love their wives? In the eyes of Christ, the church is His own body bone of His bone, and flesh of His flesh. These verses show us that the church is the body of Christ and that His work toward the church today is to nourish and cherish us because we all have come out of Christ. Every marriage involves a commitment, a ceremony, and a celebration. When we came to Christ, we made a commitment to Him and He made one to us. He proved it by giving us the Holy Spirit as an engagement ring (Eph.1:13-14). 78

6 In the future, when He comes again, He will usher us into His presence, totally pure, with our wedding garments of righteousness (Rev.19:7-9). Then we will celebrate our union in the greatest wedding ceremony the world has ever known. Once our wedding is complete the party called the marriage supper of the Lamb begins (Rev.19:9). In the Jewish custom, the celebration could last over a week. After the Lord's return, we will celebrate with Him for a thousand years (Rev.20). Hallelujah! REVIEW God views His church as a. God views His church as a. God views His church as a. God views His church as a. APPLICATION: Which perspective encourages you the most right now and why? Close in prayer thanking God for His awesome love toward you. 79

7 HART-TO-HEART Jody Hart, Editor and Director Mountaintop Resources The Church A building, a temple without four walls A priesthood, a body, one day without flaws A bride being prepared for her wedding day No spot, no wrinkle, a beautiful display We are the Church. He sees us as such His view, internal, our hearts He has touched. We look outwardly and do not see Fully what we eternally will be. Yet we are these things now, no matter how you feel. He has declared it and given us His seal His Spirit who keeps us while we are on earth, A gift given at the new birth. So embrace these titles He has given, so clear. Consider His lovingkindnesses so dear. Then open your mouth to proclaim His praise. Share His love with others; He is with you always. 80

8 ANSWER KEY: DISCUSSION: Are the following statements true or false? (circle one) True (Rev.2-3) True (1 John 2:12-14) God views His church as a building/temple. A. Jesus Christ B. the apostles and prophets C. cornerstone D. living stones Let's REVIEW: Christ the cornerstone Christ living stones God views His church as a priesthood. A. 1. chosen by God 2. called by God C. the lobe of his right ear, thumb of his right hand, and big toe of his right foot. D. to offer up spiritual sacrifices E. ourselves F. 1. sacrifice of praise 2. doing good and sharing 3. financial sacrifice 4. ministering the Gospel 81

9 God views His church as a body. God views His church as a bride. A. 1. to be subject to him 2. to be subject to Him B. Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her C. they are united, so as the husband loves his wife, so will he love himself. REVIEW building/temple priesthood body bride 82

10 January 15, 2019 The Church at South Mountain Previous versions: July 28, 2018; August 10, 21, 2018; September 24, 2018, November 1, 2018, December, 11, 2018 You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by The Church at South Mountain. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: The Church at South Mountain. Website: casm.org While all reasonable attempts have been taken to trace the literary and biblical sources used by the author, due to the nature of some of the original materials (old audio/radio or live preaching events), some have been impossible to locate. Any information regarding the origin of any unreferenced statements or quotations is welcomed and will be included in the next revision of the study. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.