The Divine Foundation and Nature of the Church

 

Summary

The doctrine of the church is a profound and essential aspect of Christian faith, encapsulated in the phrase "one Holy Catholic and Apostolic church." This concept was solidified in 381 AD when approximately 200 bishops gathered in Constantinople to address theological disputes, particularly concerning the Holy Spirit. This gathering resulted in the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, which affirms the church's role as the domain where the Triune God operates in the world. Despite the church's historical and contemporary challenges, such as perceptions of irrelevance or hypocrisy, it remains the instrument through which Jesus Christ fulfills His mission on earth.

The church is not a human invention but a divine institution established by Jesus Himself, as seen in Matthew 16:18, where He declares, "I will build my church." This statement underscores the church's divine ownership and purpose. The church is not merely a social or cultural entity but a spiritual community belonging to Christ, marked by its mission to reach the world with the gospel.

The church is described using several metaphors, such as a flock with Christ as the Shepherd, a bride with Christ as the Groom, and a body with Christ as the Head. These metaphors highlight the intimate and dependent relationship between the church and Christ. The church is not defined by its physical structures but by its members' relationship with Jesus.

The church is characterized by four attributes: it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The oneness of the church is rooted in the unity of the Triune God and the shared mission of its members. Holiness is both a positional reality in Christ and a progressive journey through the Holy Spirit's work. The term "catholic" refers to the universal scope and orthodox teaching of the church, emphasizing its global and timeless nature. Lastly, the church is apostolic, founded on the teachings of the apostles and continuing to proclaim the gospel as recorded in Scripture.

In essence, the church is a community of believers united by faith in Christ, committed to living out the gospel, and participating in God's redemptive work in the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Church's Divine Foundation: The church is not a human invention but a divine institution established by Jesus Christ. It is His chosen instrument to fulfill His mission on earth, emphasizing its spiritual significance and divine ownership. [12:19]

2. Unity in Diversity: Despite the church's apparent fragmentation, it is fundamentally one because it is united under one Head, Jesus Christ. This unity is not merely structural but spiritual, rooted in a shared mission and love for one another. [32:22]

3. Holiness as a Journey: The church is called to be holy, both positionally in Christ and progressively through the Holy Spirit's work. This journey towards holiness is facilitated by the means of grace, such as the Word, sacraments, and pastoral care. [37:06]

4. Catholicity and Orthodoxy: The term "catholic" highlights the church's universal nature and commitment to orthodox teaching. It underscores the church's global and timeless scope, uniting believers across ages and cultures. [41:12]

5. Apostolic Foundation: The church is apostolic, built on the teachings of the apostles and continuing to proclaim the gospel as recorded in Scripture. This foundation ensures the church's faithfulness to Christ's mission and message. [45:56]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Introduction to the Doctrine of the Church
- [00:39] - Historical Context: The Council of Constantinople
- [01:18] - The Deity of the Holy Spirit
- [02:31] - The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed
- [04:01] - Challenges Facing the Church
- [06:05] - The Church's Role in God's Plan
- [10:16] - Jesus' Teaching on the Church
- [12:00] - The Church's Divine Foundation
- [15:22] - The Church Belongs to Christ
- [17:02] - What is the Church?
- [18:17] - The Meaning of "Eklesia"
- [21:05] - The Local and Universal Church
- [24:26] - The Church as Christ's Community
- [27:34] - Attributes of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic
- [32:22] - Unity in the Church
- [37:06] - Holiness in the Church
- [41:12] - Catholicity of the Church
- [45:56] - Apostolic Nature of the Church
- [48:01] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 16:18 - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
2. Ephesians 4:3-6 - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
3. John 17:20-23 - "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I will build my church" in Matthew 16:18? How does this statement emphasize the church's divine foundation? [12:00]
2. According to Ephesians 4:3-6, what are the elements that contribute to the unity of the church? How is this unity described in the sermon? [29:15]
3. In John 17:20-23, what is Jesus' prayer for believers, and how does it relate to the concept of unity within the church? [32:22]
4. How does the sermon describe the church's role in God's plan, and what metaphors are used to illustrate the relationship between the church and Christ? [25:18]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the church as a divine institution challenge the perception of the church as merely a human organization? What implications does this have for how we view the church's mission? [12:41]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's unity is both a present reality and a future goal? How does this dual aspect of unity affect the church's mission and witness? [33:56]
3. How does the sermon explain the term "catholic" in relation to the church, and why is it important to distinguish this from the Roman Catholic Church? [41:12]
4. What does it mean for the church to be apostolic, and how does this foundation ensure the church's faithfulness to Christ's mission and message? [45:56]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal view of the church. Do you see it as a divine institution or merely a human organization? How does this perspective influence your involvement and commitment to your local church? [12:41]
2. Consider the unity of the church as described in Ephesians 4:3-6. How can you contribute to maintaining this unity in your local congregation? Are there specific actions you can take to promote peace and unity? [29:15]
3. Jesus prayed for the unity of believers in John 17:20-23. How can you actively work towards this unity in your interactions with other Christians, especially those from different denominations or backgrounds? [32:22]
4. The sermon describes holiness as both a positional reality and a progressive journey. What steps can you take to grow in holiness through the means of grace, such as the Word, sacraments, and pastoral care? [37:06]
5. How does understanding the church as "catholic" and "apostolic" shape your view of its global and historical mission? How can you engage with the broader body of Christ beyond your local church? [41:12]
6. Reflect on the metaphors used to describe the church (flock, bride, body). How do these images deepen your understanding of your relationship with Christ and your role within the church? [25:18]
7. In what ways can you participate in the church's mission to reach the world with the gospel? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share the love of Christ with others. [11:41]

Devotional

Day 1: The Church's Divine Foundation
The church is not a human invention but a divine institution established by Jesus Christ. It is His chosen instrument to fulfill His mission on earth, emphasizing its spiritual significance and divine ownership. Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, "I will build my church," underscoring the church's divine ownership and purpose. The church is not merely a social or cultural entity but a spiritual community belonging to Christ, marked by its mission to reach the world with the gospel. Despite historical and contemporary challenges, such as perceptions of irrelevance or hypocrisy, the church remains the instrument through which Jesus Christ fulfills His mission on earth. [12:19]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "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, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the church's mission this week, recognizing it as a divine institution established by Christ?


Day 2: Unity in Diversity
Despite the church's apparent fragmentation, it is fundamentally one because it is united under one Head, Jesus Christ. This unity is not merely structural but spiritual, rooted in a shared mission and love for one another. The church is described using several metaphors, such as a flock with Christ as the Shepherd, a bride with Christ as the Groom, and a body with Christ as the Head. These metaphors highlight the intimate and dependent relationship between the church and Christ. The oneness of the church is rooted in the unity of the Triune God and the shared mission of its members. [32:22]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "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. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your local church community, embracing diversity while focusing on the shared mission in Christ?


Day 3: Holiness as a Journey
The church is called to be holy, both positionally in Christ and progressively through the Holy Spirit's work. This journey towards holiness is facilitated by the means of grace, such as the Word, sacraments, and pastoral care. Holiness is both a positional reality in Christ and a progressive journey through the Holy Spirit's work. The church is characterized by its mission to reach the world with the gospel, and this mission is supported by the church's commitment to holiness. [37:06]

1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV): "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to pursue holiness in your daily life, relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength?


Day 4: Catholicity and Orthodoxy
The term "catholic" highlights the church's universal nature and commitment to orthodox teaching. It underscores the church's global and timeless scope, uniting believers across ages and cultures. The church is described as a community of believers united by faith in Christ, committed to living out the gospel, and participating in God's redemptive work in the world. The catholicity of the church emphasizes its global and timeless nature, uniting believers across ages and cultures. [41:12]

Colossians 1:5-6 (ESV): "Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth."

Reflection: How can you embrace the universal nature of the church in your daily life, fostering connections with believers from different cultures and backgrounds?


Day 5: Apostolic Foundation
The church is apostolic, built on the teachings of the apostles and continuing to proclaim the gospel as recorded in Scripture. This foundation ensures the church's faithfulness to Christ's mission and message. The church is characterized by four attributes: it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The apostolic nature of the church emphasizes its foundation on the teachings of the apostles and its commitment to proclaiming the gospel as recorded in Scripture. [45:56]

Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of the apostolic teachings and apply them to your life, ensuring faithfulness to Christ's mission and message?

Quotes


The church is not a human invention but a divine institution established by Jesus Himself, as seen in Matthew 16:18, where He declares, "I will build my church." This statement underscores the church's divine ownership and purpose. The church is not merely a social or cultural entity but a spiritual community belonging to Christ, marked by its mission to reach the world with the gospel. [00:12:00]

The church is described using several metaphors, such as a flock with Christ as the Shepherd, a bride with Christ as the Groom, and a body with Christ as the Head. These metaphors highlight the intimate and dependent relationship between the church and Christ. The church is not defined by its physical structures but by its members' relationship with Jesus. [00:24:26]

The church is characterized by four attributes: it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The oneness of the church is rooted in the unity of the Triune God and the shared mission of its members. Holiness is both a positional reality in Christ and a progressive journey through the Holy Spirit's work. [00:27:34]

The church is one because there is one God, one Spirit, one Messiah, one Plan of Salvation, and one body. The simple reason why the church is one is because there is one head. Jesus is the head of the church. There is one head and therefore there is one body consisting of all throughout the ages who are united to Jesus Christ. [00:30:22]

The church is called to be holy, both positionally in Christ and progressively through the Holy Spirit's work. This journey towards holiness is facilitated by the means of grace, such as the Word, sacraments, and pastoral care. [00:37:06]

The term "catholic" highlights the church's universal nature and commitment to orthodox teaching. It underscores the church's global and timeless scope, uniting believers across ages and cultures. The church is comprised of all believers throughout all the ages, all who are united to Christ are united to one another. [00:41:12]

The church is apostolic, built on the teachings of the apostles and continuing to proclaim the gospel as recorded in Scripture. This foundation ensures the church's faithfulness to Christ's mission and message. The church does not reinvent the teaching of Jesus but continues to herald the teaching of Jesus as it was recorded for us by the apostles in this word. [00:45:56]

The church is a community of believers united by faith in Christ, committed to living out the gospel, and participating in God's redemptive work in the world. The church is not owned by a college, a corporation, a commune, or a community. It does not take its marching orders from a tribe or a tradition. [00:15:22]

The church is the instrument by which Jesus carries out his work in this world by his Spirit through his people for his glory. It's the church that Jesus has consecrated to carry out his work. Friends, it is very difficult to overestimate the importance of these words in Matthew 16. [00:17:02]

The church is not only a gathering or the nation of Israel and the local church, it's also used to refer to a regional gathering of churches that the Church of Jesus Christ is inherently connectional. The church is a universal society formed on the principle of an organic body having a head and members. [00:21:05]

The church is a Congregation of Christ's disciples, an assembly of Blood-Bought Saints, a gathering of gospel-driven Saints who have been redeemed. It's a fellowship of those who are united to Christ, a Covenant Community. The church is an assembly that's been constituted by a messiah. [00:18:17]

The church is the place where the Triune God works in this world by the spirit between the two comings of Christ. When you describe this church owned and operated by God, there are at least four ways of talking about it, four attributes that we can describe the church. [00:27:34]

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Transcript
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