Living as the Ekklesia: A Community of Faith
Summary
In the exploration of the concept of Ekklesia, or the Church, the focus is on the assembly of believers, referred to as the "called out ones." This assembly is not confined to a physical building, denomination, or set of doctrines, but is embodied by the collective body of believers. The Church is understood as the embodiment of Christ's followers, who are the Church themselves, rather than attendees of a church.
The discussion begins with a reflection on the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:18, where He declares His intention to build His Church, a community that will stand resilient against the forces of darkness. The term Ekklesia, mentioned 115 times in the New Testament, signifies an assembly or gathering, specifically those who have been called out. This calling out is not just a separation from the world but also a commission to stand out for the purpose of glorifying God.
The Church is seen as a work in progress, continually being shaped and molded by God to fulfill its divine purpose. Believers are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with God and their commitment to Him, demonstrating their faith through their actions and dedication. The emphasis is on building people through the Word of God, which is seen as the foundation for growth and resilience, rather than relying on transient emotional experiences.
The teachings highlight the importance of a healthy fear and respect for God, which is characterized by reverence and awe for His holiness. This fear of the Lord is not about anxiety or worry but about recognizing God's rightful place and responding with honor and devotion. The lack of respect for God and His holiness is a concern, as it reflects a casual attitude towards the divine that is not befitting of His majesty.
The assembly of believers is called to meditate on the name of God, to think of Him in all circumstances, whether in times of joy or struggle. This meditation is not limited to personal devotion but extends to communal fellowship, where believers support and encourage one another. The Church is a place where believers come together, not just for social interaction but to uplift each other in faith, sharing both burdens and victories.
The concept of the Church as the Ekklesia is further expanded to include the idea of being called out of the world to stand out and then sent back into the world to introduce others to the Creator. This mission is not about conforming to the world but about influencing it with the transformative power of the Gospel. The Church is envisioned as a vessel through which God's Spirit flows, impacting the world around it.
In summary, the Church, or Ekklesia, is a dynamic and living body of believers who have been called out to live distinctively for God's glory. It is a community that supports one another, meditates on God's nature and names, and respects and reveres Him. The Church's mission is to be a beacon of light in the world, introducing others to the love and salvation found in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The Church is not a physical location or a set of doctrines but the collective body of believers who are called out to live a life that reflects God's glory. This understanding shifts the focus from the institutional aspects of religion to the personal and communal relationship with God. [42:10]
- A healthy fear of the Lord is foundational to the believer's life, encompassing both respect and reverence for God. This fear is not about being anxious but about recognizing God's holiness and responding with appropriate honor, which is crucial for wisdom and understanding. [55:21]
- Fellowship among believers is essential for spiritual growth and support. It is through sharing life's struggles and triumphs with one another that the Church fulfills its role as a community, embodying the love and compassion of Christ. [01:07:47]
- Meditating on the names and nature of God is a practice that anchors believers in their faith, providing strength and perspective in all circumstances. It is through this meditation that believers find reasons to praise God and maintain a heart of worship. [01:06:35]
- The Church's mission extends beyond personal edification to actively engaging with the world. Believers are called to introduce others to the Creator, not by becoming like the world but by transforming it with the message of the Gospel. [47:06]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)
"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
2. Malachi 3:13-18 (NKJV)
"Your words have been harsh against Me," says the Lord, "Yet you say, 'What have we spoken against You?' You have said, 'It is useless to serve God; what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked as mourners before the Lord of hosts? So now we call the proud blessed, for those who do wickedness are raised up; they even tempt God and go free.' Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. 'They shall be Mine,' says the Lord of hosts, 'On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.' Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to build in Matthew 16:18, and what will not prevail against it?
2. According to Malachi 3:16, what did those who feared the Lord do, and how did God respond? [53:51]
3. How does the sermon describe the term "Ekklesia" and its significance for believers? [42:10]
4. What are the two key aspects of fearing the Lord mentioned in the sermon, and how are they defined? [55:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the Church to be the "called out ones" as described in the sermon? How does this shape our understanding of the Church's mission? [45:01]
2. How does the concept of a "healthy fear of the Lord" differ from being anxious or worried about God? Why is this distinction important for believers? [55:21]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers should meditate on the names and nature of God? How can this practice impact one's faith and daily life? [01:01:33]
4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of fellowship among believers? What role does this fellowship play in the life of the Church? [01:07:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of the Church as the "Ekklesia." How does this perspective change the way you view your role within the Church community? [42:10]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of a healthy fear and respect for God. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life? What practical steps can you take? [55:21]
3. Meditating on the names and nature of God is encouraged in the sermon. Choose one name of God (e.g., Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Shalom) and think about how it applies to your current life situation. How can this meditation strengthen your faith? [01:01:33]
4. Fellowship is essential for spiritual growth and support. Identify one way you can be more intentional in supporting and encouraging fellow believers in your small group or church community. [01:07:47]
5. The sermon calls believers to be a beacon of light in the world. What specific actions can you take this week to introduce others to the love and salvation found in Christ? [45:01]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt a lack of respect or reverence for God. What changes can you make to ensure that you approach God with the honor and devotion He deserves? [55:21]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of building people through the Word of God. How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine to foster growth and resilience in your faith? [01:15:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the True Church Identity
The Church transcends physical spaces and doctrinal boundaries, uniting believers as the "called out ones" who live to glorify God. This identity calls for a life that reflects God's glory through actions and commitment, challenging the notion of church as merely a location or institution. [42:10]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect the identity of being part of the 'called out' people of God?
Day 2: Cultivating Reverent Fear of the Lord
A healthy fear of the Lord is not about anxiety but a profound respect and awe for His holiness, which is the beginning of wisdom and shapes our approach to life. This reverence is essential for a deep and meaningful relationship with God, influencing every aspect of a believer's life. [55:21]
Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God in your daily routines and decisions?
Day 3: Fostering Authentic Christian Fellowship
The Church thrives on genuine fellowship, where believers share life's highs and lows, supporting and encouraging each other in faith. This communal aspect of faith is not just for socializing but for mutual edification and embodying Christ's love and compassion. [01:07:47]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth and support of your church community this week?
Day 4: Meditating on God's Nature and Names
Meditating on God's names and nature anchors believers in their faith, offering strength and perspective in all circumstances. This practice leads to a heart of worship and praise, regardless of life's challenges, and keeps the believer centered on God's character. [01:06:35]
Psalm 9:10 - "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
Reflection: What attributes of God can you meditate on today to strengthen your trust in Him?
Day 5: Living as Agents of Gospel Transformation
Believers are called to be beacons of light in the world, not conforming to it but transforming it with the Gospel's power. The Church's mission involves actively engaging with the world to introduce others to the Creator's love and salvation. [47:06]
2 Corinthians 5:20 - "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
Reflection: What is one way you can demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel in your community today?
Quotes
"When one of us hurts, we all hurt, and when one of us rejoices, we all rejoice. Hallelujah, that's the eklesia. It's not just, I'm so thankful that God has in His Infinite Wisdom brought us all together." [01:10:06] (Download)
"It's not God's intent that we walk it alone. If there's not somebody in your house that can help you walk through a circumstance, then you need to find somebody in the house of the Lord that will." [01:10:46] (Download)
"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them. There was something about this group of people that feared the Lord and their fellowship that moved God to listen." [01:11:22] (Download)
"We've got to be about building people and it's not that we don't, but there has to be a greater intentionality and we build people by the word and the word and the word." [01:16:30] (Download)
"I'm going to stand out and Rise Above no matter what darkness comes around me because the light that's in me and the light that's shining on me and that is Jesus Christ." [01:17:04] (Download)
"Those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. We need one another; they fellowshipped with one another. Fellowship is not just the times of sitting and having a meal together, but it's when we get together and we share with them our struggles and the things that we're going through." [01:07:47] (Download)
"The fear of the Lord is healthy; it's kind of like not putting your hand on a hot eye on a stove. You fear the consequence of the pain that will be caused if you do that." [55:21] (Download)
"The concern of today's church is there is little respect for the things of God. When we respect someone, or especially when we respect God, we're going to make it clear to them that we hold them in high honor." [56:17] (Download)
"We as the eklesia of God should not ever have to tell anybody that we love Jesus, that we are followers of Christ, because we are called out to stand out, not for your ego, but for His glory." [01:14:24] (Download)
"He's called us out of the world to go to the world to introduce the creator of the world." [46:23] (Download)
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