Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23-25
Introduction:
1. As we shift from individual Christian ethics to congregational practices, we begin with the imperative of being an active part of the Lord’s church.
2. Growing numbers of people want a relationship with Jesus apart from His church.
Discussion:
I. The “Nones”
A. Americans checking “none” for religious affiliation are now the largest group (28%).
B. About 45% believe in the God of the Bible.
C. Statements such as “Give me Jesus but not the church” or “Give me Christianity not Churchianity” are now mainstream.
D. Many who have not quit the church express the same attitude by mocking its structure, teachings, practices, etc.
II. Human Distortions
A. This attitude did not arise in a vacuum.
B. Most of the time it stems from some dislike for religious organizations or individuals.
C. The many distortions of God’s plan for the church created widespread division.
D. Jesus prayed for unity so the world would believe the Father sent Him (John 17:20-21).
III. God’s Eternal Purpose
A. Such division distorts the church’s purpose and undermines her value.
B. The church is part of God’s eternal purpose meant to glorify Him (Ephesians 3:8-11, 21).
C. The prophets foretold her coming (Daniel 2:31-45; Isaiah 2:2-4; Joel 2:28-32).
D. John and Jesus stated she had drawn near in their day (Matthew 3:2; 4:17).
E. Peter declared her establishment and terms of entry (Matthew 16:18-19; Acts 2:16-47).
IV. The Head and the Body
A. The head-body imagery for the church best shows the folly of the mindset above.
B. One can have Jesus without His church as much as one can have a head with no body.
C. Note the inseparability per the NT:
1. All who receive the gospel message are added to His church (Acts 2:47).
2. To be in Christ is to be in His body (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 12:13; Ephesians 5:30).
3. It is His body, His church, over which He is head (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23; Colossians 1:18).
4. It is His body which He reconciled to God and saved from sin (Ephesians 2:14-16; 5:23).
D. The church does not save people, rather it is composed of all the saved people.
E. The Head sets the terms of entry and faithfulness in His body (John 12:48; 8:24; Luke 13:3; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Revelation 2:10).
Conclusion:
1. The sole purpose of this series is to identify from the word of the Lord what His terms of entry and faithfulness demand of His special people.
2. As His body is the saved, this pursuit surpasses all others in this life.
3. Were you added to His body according to the terms stated above?
4. Are you living faithfully in light of those same terms?
Further Food for Thought
1. How does the information given above square with your view of the church?
2. Do you find any of it inaccurate or insufficient?
3. How do we better express the church’s true value and identity to the world?