The Vital Role and Nature of the Church

 

Summary

In our exploration of biblical doctrines, we have arrived at the doctrine of the church, a subject often overlooked in theological discussions yet profoundly significant. The church is not merely a collection of individuals but a divinely instituted body with a unique role in God's plan. Every New Testament epistle was addressed to a church, underscoring its importance. Historically, the doctrine of the church has been pivotal, influencing major events like the Protestant Reformation and the English Civil War. Our forefathers valued this doctrine so highly that they endured great hardships for it, recognizing its vital role in the Christian faith.

Today, the church's nature is central to discussions, especially in light of the ecumenical movement, which emphasizes the church's unity. However, true unity is not organizational but spiritual, rooted in shared beliefs and doctrines. The church is an expression of the kingdom of God, not synonymous with it. The kingdom is broader, encompassing all areas where God's rule is acknowledged. The church, as part of this kingdom, is where Christ's lordship is recognized.

The term "church" (ecclesia) signifies a called-out assembly, not limited to spiritual gatherings but applicable to any assembly. In the New Testament, the church is often referred to in local terms, emphasizing the importance of local congregations. Yet, there is also a universal aspect, the invisible church, comprising all true believers. This dual nature—visible and invisible—highlights the church's spiritual essence.

Unity within the church is spiritual and doctrinal. It is not about mere organizational alignment but about a shared life and belief in the core tenets of the faith. The church's relationship with the state is another complex issue. Historically, the church has been seen as either controlling the state or being a branch of it. However, the biblical view suggests a separation, with both the church and state under God's authority.

In conclusion, understanding the church's nature and role is crucial for engaging in meaningful discussions about its place in the world today. It calls for a commitment to biblical truth and a recognition of the church's spiritual and doctrinal unity.

Key Takeaways:

- The doctrine of the church is essential and historically significant, influencing major events like the Protestant Reformation. Our forefathers valued it so highly that they endured great hardships for it, recognizing its vital role in the Christian faith. This historical perspective reminds us of the church's profound impact on society and the importance of understanding its true nature. [04:20]

- The church is an expression of the kingdom of God, not synonymous with it. The kingdom is broader, encompassing all areas where God's rule is acknowledged. The church, as part of this kingdom, is where Christ's lordship is recognized. This distinction helps us understand the church's role in God's plan and its relationship with the world. [11:49]

- Unity within the church is spiritual and doctrinal, not merely organizational. It is about a shared life and belief in the core tenets of the faith. This unity is rooted in the truth of the gospel and the teachings of Christ, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine in maintaining true fellowship. [30:23]

- The church's relationship with the state is complex, with historical views ranging from the church controlling the state to being a branch of it. The biblical view suggests a separation, with both the church and state under God's authority. This understanding helps us navigate the church's role in society and its interaction with governmental structures. [41:37]

- The church's dual nature—visible and invisible—highlights its spiritual essence. The visible church consists of local congregations, while the invisible church comprises all true believers. This duality emphasizes the importance of both local fellowship and the universal body of Christ, encouraging us to value both aspects in our Christian walk. [24:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Introduction to Biblical Doctrines
- [00:40] - Transition from Spiritual Gifts to the Church
- [01:56] - Importance of the Doctrine of the Church
- [03:09] - Historical Significance of the Church
- [05:25] - The Ecumenical Movement and the Church
- [06:53] - Evangelical Challenges and the Church
- [09:17] - Church and the Kingdom of God
- [12:52] - Definition of Ecclesia
- [15:20] - Local and Universal Church
- [21:45] - Illustrations of the Church
- [27:46] - Unity of the Church
- [38:47] - Church and State Relationship
- [44:23] - Supranational Nature of the Church
- [45:10] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Doctrine of the Church

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
2. Ephesians 4:3 - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
3. John 17:21 - "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."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe the historical significance of the doctrine of the church, particularly in events like the Protestant Reformation? [04:20]

2. What is the distinction made between the church and the kingdom of God in the sermon? [11:49]

3. According to the sermon, what is the dual nature of the church, and how is it described? [24:09]

4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between the church and the state? [41:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's unity is spiritual and doctrinal rather than organizational? How does this align with Ephesians 4:3? [30:23]

2. How does the sermon interpret the term "ecclesia" and its implications for understanding the church's role in the world? [12:52]

3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of sound doctrine in maintaining true fellowship within the church, as seen in Acts 2:42? [33:59]

4. How does the sermon address the potential conflicts between the church's spiritual mission and its interaction with governmental structures? [41:37]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the historical significance of the church. How does understanding its past influence your view of its role today? [04:20]

2. The sermon emphasizes the church as an expression of the kingdom of God. How can you personally contribute to recognizing Christ's lordship in your local church community? [11:49]

3. Considering the dual nature of the church, how can you balance your involvement in both local congregations and the universal body of Christ? [24:09]

4. In what ways can you actively promote spiritual and doctrinal unity within your church, as encouraged by Ephesians 4:3? [30:23]

5. How do you perceive the relationship between your faith and civic responsibilities? Are there areas where you feel tension between the church's teachings and societal expectations? [41:37]

6. Reflect on the sermon’s discussion of the church's supranational nature. How can this perspective influence your interactions with believers from different cultural or national backgrounds? [44:23]

7. The sermon suggests that true unity is rooted in shared beliefs. How can you engage in meaningful conversations with fellow believers to strengthen this unity? [30:23]

Devotional

Day 1: The Church's Historical Significance and Influence
The doctrine of the church has played a crucial role throughout history, influencing significant events such as the Protestant Reformation and the English Civil War. This historical perspective highlights the church's profound impact on society and underscores the importance of understanding its true nature. Our forefathers valued this doctrine so highly that they endured great hardships for it, recognizing its vital role in the Christian faith. By appreciating the church's historical significance, we can better grasp its essential place in God's plan and its ongoing influence in the world today. [04:20]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a historical event influenced by the church that you find inspiring. How can the perseverance and faith of those involved encourage you in your own spiritual journey today?


Day 2: The Church as an Expression of the Kingdom of God
The church is an expression of the kingdom of God, though it is not synonymous with it. The kingdom is broader, encompassing all areas where God's rule is acknowledged. The church, as part of this kingdom, is where Christ's lordship is recognized. This distinction helps us understand the church's role in God's plan and its relationship with the world. By recognizing the church as an expression of the kingdom, we can better appreciate its purpose and mission in the world. [11:49]

"And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in expressing Christ's lordship within your local church community? How can you contribute to the church's mission in the broader kingdom of God?


Day 3: Spiritual and Doctrinal Unity in the Church
Unity within the church is spiritual and doctrinal, not merely organizational. It is about a shared life and belief in the core tenets of the faith. This unity is rooted in the truth of the gospel and the teachings of Christ, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine in maintaining true fellowship. By focusing on spiritual and doctrinal unity, we can foster genuine relationships and a deeper connection with one another in the body of Christ. [30:23]

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current understanding of the core tenets of the faith. How can you deepen your knowledge and commitment to these truths to strengthen your unity with fellow believers?


Day 4: The Church's Relationship with the State
The church's relationship with the state is complex, with historical views ranging from the church controlling the state to being a branch of it. The biblical view suggests a separation, with both the church and state under God's authority. This understanding helps us navigate the church's role in society and its interaction with governmental structures. By recognizing the distinct roles of the church and state, we can better understand how to engage with the world while maintaining our spiritual integrity. [41:37]

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Mark 12:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you balance your responsibilities as a citizen with your commitment to God's kingdom? What practical steps can you take to ensure your allegiance to Christ remains your top priority?


Day 5: The Dual Nature of the Church
The church's dual nature—visible and invisible—highlights its spiritual essence. The visible church consists of local congregations, while the invisible church comprises all true believers. This duality emphasizes the importance of both local fellowship and the universal body of Christ, encouraging us to value both aspects in our Christian walk. By understanding the church's dual nature, we can appreciate the richness of our faith community and our connection to believers worldwide. [24:09]

"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 12:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively engage with your local church while also fostering a sense of connection with the global body of Christ? What steps can you take to strengthen both aspects of your faith community?

Quotes


Now this doctrine is very often entirely omitted in books that deal with biblical doctrines I find it very difficult to discover why but that is undoubtedly the case and yet it seems to me that this is something which is most regrettable because if we rarely are concerned that a deal with the doctrines that appear in the Bible itself well then we must of necessity deal with the doctrine of the church every single New Testament epistles was written to a church and their teaching is so much about the church. [00:01:57]

Our fathers going back to those centuries regarded this doctrine as of such vital importance that they were prepared to undergo very great hardships and to suffer the loss of almost all things because of their concern about this doctrine of the nature of the church to them it was not a something that didn't matter very much that you could regard it as a matter of indifference whatever persecution they might have to India even at the risk of their reliance many of them formed they're convinced Eagles as you know and insisted upon meeting together. [00:04:10]

The kingdom of God is present wherever God is reigning and ruling that was why our Lord was able to say remember when he was here in the flesh that because of his activity and his work she said the kingdom of God is amongst the scum a tongue if I II said by the finger of God do these things then the kingdom of God is come amongst you and upon me he was ruling at that point so that you see if you regard the kingdom of God as the rule and the reign of God you can say that it was here when our Lord was here in person. [00:10:37]

The church is an expression of the kingdom it isn't the kingdom the kingdom of God is a wider and a bigger concept in the church in the church where the church is truly the church the lordship of Christ is acknowledged and recognized and he of reigns there so the kingdom is there at that point well that is the church the church is a part of the kingdom but it's only a part of it his kingdom is much wider than that he rules in places where he is not acknowledged outside the church because all the things are in his hand and history is in his hands. [00:11:44]

The term ecclesia and the ecclesia means the cold apt ecclesia means those who are called out not of necessity called out of the world but it means people who are called out of society for some particular function of purpose they are called together if you like or indeed you can translated by the word assembly now the word you see is not confined in the scripture to a spiritual assembly if you read the account of that extraordinary meeting that took place in the city of Ephesus you'll find it in the nineteenth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles a great meeting took place it almost became a riot from the town clock referred to it as an assembly and ecclesia. [00:12:52]

The church is something spiritual and being visible that is the church as it were now that isn't something visible that's something invisible all these instances I've given me of the church used in the singular are suggesting something which has the reality as a spiritual entity but it can't be see but at the same time the church is also visible and can be seen externally and can be described as existing in Corinth or in Rome or in some other particular place now it's very important that we should there those two things in our mind that the church is invisible yet many facets are visibly this invisible something has local manifestation. [00:24:09]

You cannot be a Christian without being a member of the church spiritual and invisible it's impossible all Christians are members of the body of Christ I mean this invisible spiritual church but you can be a member of that with without of necessity being a member of a visible part of the church you should be but you can be one without the other on the other hand it is possible to be a member of the visible external manifestation of the church and not to be a member of the invisible spiritual church so that you see these distinctions become rather important and they are both to be found in the scripture the church which is his body the church had comings the church had roamed these visible local manifestations the churches of Galatia. [00:25:30]

The unity that the scripture is interested in in the church is spiritual unity that was why I read that 17th chapter of the Gospel according to st. John at the beginning oh how often is this chapter misquoted today people just tear a phrase right out of its context that they might be one lesson and leave it at that and say that division in the church is the greatest sin the ball and so on well we are of course all agreed that division is regrettable season is certainly Sydney yes but you see when that is interpreted as meaning that anybody who calls himself a Christian in any shape or form is one with whom we should be an absolute unity in every respect it becomes an actual contradiction of what the 17th of John teaches. [00:27:46]

The basis of unity must be doctrine it must be doctrinal now I've shown you that already in the seventeenth chapter of John he says now they have known that all things whatsoever thou has given me out of thee for I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that out it sent me now those words mean the words about his being the only begotten Son of God their words about the Incarnation about the word being made flesh there are words in which he claims before Abraham was I am there are words in other in other words that teach his mere vacuuming into the world the virgin birth they refer to his miracles because he he refers them himself to his miracles the supernatural the purpose of his death giving his life a ransom for many. [00:31:50]

The Roman Catholic idea was that the church is the state and is everything else but the church controls everything and as I reminded you at the beginning the church did let at the extreme opposite to that is the so called air raspbian view the view first propounded by a man called Erastus whom i regret to say was a medical men i feel i must on some occasion give you the story and the history of the unfortunate interventions of medical men in the doctrinal history of the church they arrest us unfortunately was the men who started this pernicious doctrine and idea that the church is a branch of the state now that is of course the viewer in this country with regard to the Church of England the judge of England is a rascal and most of the Lutheran churches take the same view that you're the Lutheran Church in Germany was arrested and I think a very good case can be made out for saying that perhaps we would never have heard of the man called Hitler where it not for the arrestee anism of the Lutheran Church in Germany. [00:38:47]

The church is now supranational she has our people in all nations she's above the nation she consists of God's people living on earth in States but there they are citizens of that Kingdom which is not of this world. [00:44:23]

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Transcript
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