Defining the Church: Purpose, Discipline, and Governance

 

Summary

In our exploration of the doctrine of the church, we delve into the essential characteristics that define what it means to be a church. Understanding these characteristics is crucial, especially in the context of the modern ecumenical movement. Every Christian should have a well-informed perspective on this matter, as it is our duty to provide a reason for the hope within us. The church is often depicted in scripture through various metaphors, such as a body, a building, an empire, and a bride, each illustrating different aspects of its nature and purpose.

The primary marks of the church are the preaching of the Word, the administration of the sacraments, and the exercise of discipline. Preaching serves two main purposes: the edification of believers and the evangelization of non-believers. The church exists to strengthen and establish the faith of its members while also reaching out to those outside its fold with the message of the Kingdom. The administration of the sacraments is another vital mark, signifying the church's role in rightly and truly administering these sacred rites.

Discipline, however, is a mark often neglected in contemporary practice. It is essential for maintaining the purity and integrity of the church. Discipline should be exercised in matters of doctrine and conduct, ensuring that the church remains a true reflection of Christ's teachings. The failure to exercise discipline has led to a weakened church, lacking in power and influence. Historical and scriptural evidence underscores the importance of discipline, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

The government of the church is another area of significant debate. While the New Testament does not provide detailed instructions, it suggests a need for order and structure. Various models of church government have emerged over time, including episcopacy, Presbyterianism, and congregationalism. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but the local independent church model appears to align most closely with New Testament principles. This model emphasizes autonomy and fellowship without coercive power, allowing for a community of likeminded believers to thrive.

Key Takeaways:

- The church's primary purpose is the preaching of the Word, which serves to edify believers and evangelize non-believers. This dual focus ensures that the church remains a vibrant and active force in the world, fulfilling its mission to spread the message of the Kingdom. [02:14]

- The administration of the sacraments is a crucial mark of the church, symbolizing its role in maintaining the sacred traditions instituted by Christ. These rites are not mere formalities but are integral to the life and health of the church community. [05:14]

- Discipline is essential for the church's purity and effectiveness. Without it, the church risks becoming powerless and irrelevant. Discipline ensures that both doctrine and conduct align with scriptural teachings, preserving the church's integrity. [06:45]

- The government of the church should reflect New Testament principles, emphasizing autonomy and fellowship without coercive power. This approach allows for a community of likeminded believers to thrive, free from external control. [39:14]

- Understanding the doctrine of the church is vital for every believer. It is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual responsibility to ensure that the church remains true to its calling and mission in the world. [43:53]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Importance of Understanding Church Doctrine
[00:39] - Definitions and Scriptural Metaphors
[01:28] - Marks of the Church
[02:14] - Preaching of the Word
[05:14] - Administration of the Sacraments
[06:45] - The Necessity of Discipline
[09:00] - Scriptural Basis for Discipline
[12:14] - Misinterpretations of Discipline
[14:10] - Discipline in Doctrine and Life
[19:04] - Historical Examples of Discipline
[21:11] - Church Government Debate
[27:48] - Different Models of Church Government
[39:14] - Local Independent Church Model
[43:19] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 18:15-18 - "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
2. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 - Discusses the necessity of church discipline and the importance of maintaining purity within the church.
3. Titus 3:10 - "A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three primary marks of the church as discussed in the sermon? [19:04]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of preaching within the church? [02:14]
3. What scriptural basis is provided for the exercise of discipline in the church? [08:14]
4. According to the sermon, what are the different models of church government mentioned, and which one aligns most closely with New Testament principles? [39:14]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the dual focus of preaching—edification of believers and evangelization of non-believers—impact the church's mission in the world? [02:14]
2. In what ways does the administration of the sacraments symbolize the church's role in maintaining sacred traditions? [05:14]
3. Why is discipline considered essential for the church's purity and effectiveness, and what are the consequences of neglecting it? [06:45]
4. How does the local independent church model reflect New Testament principles, and what are its potential strengths and weaknesses? [39:14]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the dual purpose of preaching. How can you personally contribute to both the edification of fellow believers and the evangelization of non-believers in your community? [02:14]
2. Consider the role of sacraments in your church experience. How do they enhance your spiritual life, and what steps can you take to engage more deeply with these sacred rites? [05:14]
3. Discipline is often a challenging aspect of church life. How can you approach situations requiring discipline with grace and truth, ensuring alignment with scriptural teachings? [06:45]
4. Think about the government structure of your church. How does it align with the principles discussed in the sermon, and what improvements could be made to better reflect New Testament teachings? [39:14]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding church doctrine. What steps can you take to deepen your knowledge of church doctrine, and how might this understanding influence your role within the church? [43:53]
6. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced a lack of discipline within a church setting. What lessons did you learn, and how can you apply them to promote a healthier church environment? [06:45]
7. How can you foster a spirit of fellowship and autonomy within your church community, ensuring that it thrives without coercive power? [39:14]

Devotional

Day 1: The Dual Mission of Preaching

The church's primary purpose is the preaching of the Word, which serves to edify believers and evangelize non-believers. This dual focus ensures that the church remains a vibrant and active force in the world, fulfilling its mission to spread the message of the Kingdom. Preaching is not merely a ritualistic exercise but a dynamic encounter with God's truth that transforms lives. It builds up the faith of those who already believe, providing them with the spiritual nourishment needed to grow and mature in their walk with Christ. At the same time, it reaches out to those who have yet to hear or accept the gospel, offering them the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ. [02:14]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the church's mission to both edify believers and evangelize non-believers this week?


Day 2: Sacraments as Sacred Traditions

The administration of the sacraments is a crucial mark of the church, symbolizing its role in maintaining the sacred traditions instituted by Christ. These rites are not mere formalities but are integral to the life and health of the church community. Through the sacraments, believers experience a tangible connection to the grace of God, as they are reminded of the profound truths of the gospel. Baptism and the Lord's Supper, in particular, serve as powerful symbols of the believer's union with Christ and the communal nature of the faith. They are moments of deep spiritual significance that reinforce the believer's identity in Christ and their place within the body of the church. [05:14]

"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" (Luke 22:19, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you approach the sacraments with a renewed sense of reverence and gratitude for their significance in your spiritual journey?


Day 3: The Necessity of Discipline

Discipline is essential for the church's purity and effectiveness. Without it, the church risks becoming powerless and irrelevant. Discipline ensures that both doctrine and conduct align with scriptural teachings, preserving the church's integrity. It is a means of lovingly correcting and guiding believers back to the truth when they stray, ensuring that the church remains a true reflection of Christ's teachings. The exercise of discipline, though often challenging, is a vital aspect of maintaining the church's witness in the world and its internal health. It is a call to accountability and a demonstration of love for the spiritual well-being of the community. [06:45]

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to seek or offer discipline in a spirit of love and gentleness?


Day 4: Autonomy and Fellowship in Church Government

The government of the church should reflect New Testament principles, emphasizing autonomy and fellowship without coercive power. This approach allows for a community of likeminded believers to thrive, free from external control. The local independent church model, in particular, aligns closely with these principles, fostering an environment where believers can grow in their faith and serve one another in love. It encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility among members, as they work together to fulfill the church's mission. This model also promotes unity and cooperation, as churches partner with one another in the broader work of the Kingdom. [39:14]

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to the sense of community and fellowship within your local church, fostering an environment of mutual support and growth?


Day 5: The Spiritual Responsibility of Understanding Church Doctrine

Understanding the doctrine of the church is vital for every believer. It is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual responsibility to ensure that the church remains true to its calling and mission in the world. A well-informed perspective on church doctrine equips believers to articulate their faith clearly and confidently, providing a reason for the hope within them. It also enables them to discern truth from error, safeguarding the church from false teachings and practices. Engaging with church doctrine is an act of worship and devotion, as believers seek to align their lives with the truth of God's Word. [43:53]

"Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of church doctrine, and how might this impact your personal faith journey and your role within the church community?

Quotes

"Preaching serves two main purposes: the edification of believers and the evangelization of non-believers. The church exists to strengthen and establish the faith of its members while also reaching out to those outside its fold with the message of the Kingdom." [00:02:14]

"The administration of the sacraments is another vital mark, signifying the church's role in rightly and truly administering these sacred rites. A church is a place in which the sacraments are rightly administered and truly administered in connection with the preaching of the word." [00:05:14]

"Discipline, however, is a mark often neglected in contemporary practice. It is essential for maintaining the purity and integrity of the church. Discipline should be exercised in matters of doctrine and conduct, ensuring that the church remains a true reflection of Christ's teachings." [00:06:45]

"The failure to exercise discipline has led to a weakened church, lacking in power and influence. Historical and scriptural evidence underscores the importance of discipline, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles." [00:07:18]

"The government of the church is another area of significant debate. While the New Testament does not provide detailed instructions, it suggests a need for order and structure. Various models of church government have emerged over time, including episcopacy, Presbyterianism, and congregationalism." [00:21:11]

"Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but the local independent church model appears to align most closely with New Testament principles. This model emphasizes autonomy and fellowship without coercive power, allowing for a community of likeminded believers to thrive." [00:39:14]

"Understanding the doctrine of the church is vital for every believer. It is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual responsibility to ensure that the church remains true to its calling and mission in the world." [00:43:53]

"Discipline ensures that both doctrine and conduct align with scriptural teachings, preserving the church's integrity. Without it, the church risks becoming powerless and irrelevant." [00:06:45]

"The church's primary purpose is the preaching of the Word, which serves to edify believers and evangelize non-believers. This dual focus ensures that the church remains a vibrant and active force in the world, fulfilling its mission to spread the message of the Kingdom." [00:02:14]

"The administration of the sacraments is a crucial mark of the church, symbolizing its role in maintaining the sacred traditions instituted by Christ. These rites are not mere formalities but are integral to the life and health of the church community." [00:05:14]

"Discipline is essential for the church's purity and effectiveness. Without it, the church risks becoming powerless and irrelevant. Discipline ensures that both doctrine and conduct align with scriptural teachings, preserving the church's integrity." [00:06:45]

"The government of the church should reflect New Testament principles, emphasizing autonomy and fellowship without coercive power. This approach allows for a community of likeminded believers to thrive, free from external control." [00:39:14]

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Transcript
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