Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:33 | Spanish/Español
Introduction
A. If the church that Jesus built still exists today as promised by Jesus (Matthew 16:18), how can it be identified?
B. If the Lord has told us to make seeking His kingdom our first priority in life, it will do us little good to seek one built by man.
Discussion
I. Jesus puts Himself at the center of His church in every respect.
A. He would build it (cf. Daniel 2:44-45; Hebrews 8:1-2).
B. He would own it (cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
C. He would be its foundation (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:11; Matthew 21:42).
D. He would be its sovereign and lawgiver (Matthew 28:18-20).
II. Christ’s church is unique in the same ways that He was.
A. He spoke only what He was commanded to speak (John 7:16-17; cf. 1 Peter 4:11; Galatians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
B. As a result, no one ever spoke like Him (John 7:46; Matthew 7:28-29).
C. He didn’t seek His own glory (John 7:18; Matthew 15:12-14; cf. Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6).
D. Some even thought He was subversive (John 9:24; 18:30; Luke 23:2; cf. Acts 24:14; 28:22).
E. His teachings often raised quite a commotion (John 7:11-12; 8:59; Matthew 8:34; cf. Acts 4:1-3; 26:26).
Conclusion
A. Just as the Son bears an unmistakable resemblance to the Father, even so the church bears a striking resemblance to its builder.
B. This church will never be popular among the multitudes, but to the few who will seek it before anything else, it is precious.