We Believe... The Apostles' Creed: Week Five
Summary
In our time together today, we delved into the profound meaning of the phrase "I believe in the holy catholic church" from the Apostles' Creed. This statement, often misunderstood, does not refer to Roman Catholicism but to the universal, united body of Christ. It emphasizes the unity of believers across the globe, transcending denominational lines. This unity is what Jesus prayed for in John 17, where He asked for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not just a theological concept but a practical call to action for us to work together, regardless of our denominational affiliations, to further the gospel.
We explored how division can hinder the work of the gospel, as Satan often uses discontent and doctrinal confusion to fracture the church. However, like a body with many parts, each member of the church is vital and indispensable. Paul’s teachings in Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 remind us that we are all part of one body, each with unique roles and gifts, and we must strive to maintain unity through humility, patience, and love.
Moreover, our unity is not just for our benefit but serves an evangelistic purpose. When the world sees our unity, it becomes a testament to the truth of the gospel. We are called to be a holy church, set apart by our commitment to God’s word and our love for one another. This holiness is reflected in how we handle scripture, ensuring it is taught and lived out truthfully and faithfully.
Finally, we are reminded of our responsibility to each other, to support and uplift one another, recognizing that every member, regardless of how long they have been part of the church, is equally important. We are called to invest in our church community, to love and serve one another, and to work together to accomplish the mission God has given us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in Diversity: The phrase "holy catholic church" signifies the universal unity of believers in Christ, transcending denominational boundaries. This unity is essential for the effective spread of the gospel and reflects the oneness Jesus prayed for in John 17. We are called to embrace this unity, recognizing that despite our differences, we are all part of one body in Christ. [17:44]
2. The Importance of Every Member: Just as a body has many parts, each with a unique function, so does the church. Every member is vital and indispensable, contributing to the overall health and mission of the church. We must value and honor each person's role, understanding that together we form the body of Christ. [30:20]
3. Holiness and Scripture: Our unity is rooted in holiness, which is achieved through a faithful commitment to God's word. How we handle scripture is crucial, as it guides our beliefs and actions. We must ensure that the word of God is taught and lived out truthfully, serving as a foundation for our unity and witness to the world. [34:28]
4. The Call to Repentance: Repentance is not a one-time event but a daily practice. As we live in the flesh, we are prone to sin and must continually turn back to God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. This daily repentance is essential for maintaining our holiness and unity as a church. [36:31]
5. Investing in the Church Community: Every member of the church is called to invest in the community, contributing their time, talents, and resources to further the mission of the gospel. By working together, we can accomplish more than we could individually, and we fulfill our calling as the body of Christ. [38:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the Apostles' Creed
- [02:15] - Historical Context of the Creed
- [04:00] - Understanding "Holy Catholic Church"
- [06:45] - Unity in Christ
- [09:30] - Jesus' Prayer for Unity
- [12:00] - The Impact of Division
- [14:30] - The Body of Christ
- [17:44] - Importance of Every Member
- [20:15] - Unity and Evangelism
- [23:00] - Holiness and Scripture
- [26:45] - Handling God's Word
- [30:20] - Daily Repentance
- [34:28] - Investing in the Church Community
- [38:59] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 17:20-23
2. Ephesians 4:1-6
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 17:20-23, what does Jesus pray for concerning His followers, and how does this relate to the concept of unity in the church? [17:44]
2. According to Ephesians 4:1-6, what qualities does Paul encourage believers to exhibit to maintain unity in the church? [30:20]
3. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, how does Paul describe the church, and what analogy does he use to explain the importance of each member? [17:44]
4. How does the sermon explain the term "holy catholic church" in the context of the Apostles' Creed? [17:44]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17:20-23 serve as a model for the church today, and what implications does it have for denominational differences? [17:44]
2. In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul emphasizes humility, patience, and love. How do these qualities contribute to the unity of the church, and why are they essential? [30:20]
3. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, what does Paul's analogy of the body teach about the value and role of each church member, regardless of their perceived importance? [17:44]
4. The sermon mentions that division can hinder the work of the gospel. How can churches practically work towards unity to avoid this hindrance? [17:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced unity or division within a church setting. How did it impact your faith and involvement in the church community? [17:44]
2. Considering the qualities of humility, patience, and love from Ephesians 4:1-6, which of these do you find most challenging to practice, and how can you work on it this week? [30:20]
3. In what ways can you contribute to the unity of your church, especially if you have differing opinions or preferences from others? [17:44]
4. How can you ensure that you are valuing and honoring the roles of all members in your church, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27? [17:44]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of investing in the church community. What specific steps can you take to invest your time, talents, and resources in your church? [38:59]
6. How can you actively participate in maintaining the holiness of your church, particularly in how scripture is taught and lived out? [34:28]
7. Reflect on the concept of daily repentance mentioned in the sermon. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to maintain your personal holiness and unity with others? [36:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Universal Unity in Christ
The phrase "holy catholic church" in the Apostles' Creed refers to the universal unity of believers in Christ, transcending denominational boundaries. This unity is essential for the effective spread of the gospel and reflects the oneness Jesus prayed for in John 17. Believers are called to embrace this unity, recognizing that despite their differences, they are all part of one body in Christ. This unity is not just a theological concept but a practical call to action, urging believers to work together to further the gospel, regardless of their denominational affiliations. [17:44]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a fellow believer from a different denomination. How can you reach out to them this week to foster unity and collaboration in spreading the gospel?
Day 2: Valuing Every Member's Unique Contribution
Just as a body has many parts, each with a unique function, so does the church. Every member is vital and indispensable, contributing to the overall health and mission of the church. Believers must value and honor each person's role, understanding that together they form the body of Christ. This perspective encourages humility, patience, and love, as each member recognizes their unique gifts and the importance of others' contributions. [30:20]
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a person in your church whose contributions often go unnoticed. How can you encourage and affirm their role in the body of Christ this week?
Day 3: Upholding Holiness Through Scripture
Unity in the church is rooted in holiness, achieved through a faithful commitment to God's word. How believers handle scripture is crucial, as it guides their beliefs and actions. Ensuring that the word of God is taught and lived out truthfully serves as a foundation for unity and a witness to the world. This commitment to scripture requires diligence and integrity, as believers strive to reflect God's holiness in their lives. [34:28]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your personal study of scripture. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and application of God's word in your daily life?
Day 4: Practicing Daily Repentance
Repentance is not a one-time event but a daily practice. As believers live in the flesh, they are prone to sin and must continually turn back to God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. This daily repentance is essential for maintaining holiness and unity as a church. It involves a humble acknowledgment of one's shortcomings and a sincere desire to align one's life with God's will. [36:31]
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with sin. How can you incorporate a practice of daily repentance and accountability in this area?
Day 5: Investing in the Church Community
Every member of the church is called to invest in the community, contributing their time, talents, and resources to further the mission of the gospel. By working together, believers can accomplish more than they could individually, fulfilling their calling as the body of Christ. This investment involves a commitment to love and serve one another, recognizing the importance of each member's contribution to the church's mission. [38:59]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What specific talent or resource can you offer to your church community this week to support its mission and growth?
Quotes
This statement, I believe, also means that we're to consistently work for unity, consistently strive for it. We see this in Ephesians chapter 4. In Ephesians chapter 4, the apostle Paul talks about our unity. He says, As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. [00:14:07] (30 seconds)
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts. Although its parts are many, they form one body, and so it is with Christ. For you all were baptized by one spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given the one spirit to drink. So he talks about how, yes, one faith, one Lord. Same thing he wrote to the Ephesian church, he's writing here to the Corinthian church, but he adds something in the Corinthian letter that was necessary for them. [00:17:44] (29 seconds)
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, I don't need you, and the head cannot say to the feet, I don't need you. [00:18:32] (26 seconds)
Unity or disunity stumps the work of evangelism and ministry in any church. And one of the most vital areas where that can creep in is when we begin thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought. And we know what Scripture has to say about that. We are to serve. We are to work as one in Christ. [00:28:25] (30 seconds)
The only way that can happen is when we recognize that we as one, that we mourn when others mourn. We weep when others weep. We rejoice when others rejoice. We are glad when others are glad. That we are there in the midst of difficulty. We are there in the middle of each other's celebration. That we are invested, that we are intertwined with each other within the church. [00:29:24] (26 seconds)
Handling the word of God is, well, ultimately my responsibility. It's also here at this church the responsibility of the elders. To ensure that it isn't being abused or used out of context. But we're not the only ones responsible for that. We are responsible to it. In 2 Corinthians chapter 4, again that church that had so many different fissures. In 2 Corinthians chapter 4 he says. Since through God's mercy we have this ministry. We do not lose heart. [00:34:52] (34 seconds)