The Vital Role and Nature of the Church
Summary
In our exploration of biblical doctrines, we delve into the doctrine of the church, a subject often overlooked yet profoundly significant. The church is not merely a gathering of individuals but a vital component of God's purpose, intricately linked to the spiritual gifts discussed previously. The New Testament epistles, written to churches, emphasize the church's importance, underscoring that it is not enough to focus solely on personal spiritual experiences. The church's historical significance, particularly during events like the Protestant Reformation, highlights its vital role in shaping societies and beliefs. Our forefathers' willingness to endure hardships for the church's doctrine underscores its importance.
Today, the ecumenical movement brings the church's nature to the forefront, urging us to understand the New Testament's teachings on the church. A failure to grasp this doctrine may contribute to the challenges faced by evangelical movements, as the church's biblical teaching is crucial for a robust evangelical witness. The church's relationship with the kingdom of God is essential to understand. While the church is an expression of the kingdom, it is not synonymous with it. The kingdom of God is broader, encompassing God's rule wherever acknowledged. The church, as an assembly of believers, is a part of this kingdom but not its entirety.
The term "church" (Ecclesia) signifies those called out, not necessarily from the world, but for a specific purpose. The church is both spiritual and visible, manifesting locally while being part of a larger, invisible body. This dual nature is crucial, as one can be a member of the spiritual church without being part of a visible congregation, and vice versa. The church's unity, a topic of contemporary debate, is fundamentally spiritual and doctrinal. True unity is not organizational but rooted in shared beliefs and spiritual life. The church's relationship with the state is another complex issue, with historical views ranging from the church controlling the state to being a state department. However, the biblical perspective suggests a separation, with both the church and state existing under God's authority.
Key Takeaways:
- The doctrine of the church is essential, as it is a vital part of God's purpose and is intricately linked to spiritual gifts. Understanding the church's role is crucial for a robust evangelical witness and addressing contemporary challenges. [07:49]
- The church is an expression of the kingdom of God but not synonymous with it. The kingdom is broader, encompassing God's rule wherever acknowledged, while the church is a part of this kingdom, manifesting locally and spiritually. [11:49]
- The church's unity is fundamentally spiritual and doctrinal, not merely organizational. True unity is rooted in shared beliefs and spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of doctrine in fostering genuine fellowship. [30:26]
- The church's relationship with the state is complex, with historical views ranging from control to separation. The biblical perspective suggests a separation, with both the church and state existing under God's authority, emphasizing the church's supranational nature. [41:15]
- The church is both spiritual and visible, manifesting locally while being part of a larger, invisible body. This dual nature is crucial, as one can be a member of the spiritual church without being part of a visible congregation, and vice versa. [25:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Introduction to Biblical Doctrines
[00:55] - Spiritual Gifts and the Church
[01:49] - The Doctrine of the Church
[03:10] - Historical Significance of the Church
[05:23] - The Ecumenical Movement
[06:48] - Evangelical Challenges
[09:16] - Church and the Kingdom of God
[12:48] - Definition of the Church
[15:33] - Local and Universal Church
[21:42] - Illustrations of the Church
[27:49] - Unity of the Church
[38:45] - Church and State Relationship
[45:06] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Doctrine of the Church
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:11-13
2. Matthew 16:18
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the term "Ecclesia" mean, and how does it relate to the concept of the church as discussed in the sermon? [12:48]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the church and the kingdom of God? [11:49]
3. According to the sermon, what are some historical events that highlight the significance of the doctrine of the church? [03:41]
4. What are the different ways the church is described in the New Testament, as mentioned in the sermon? [21:42]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding the church as both a spiritual and visible entity affect one's view of church membership and participation? [25:13]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's unity is fundamentally spiritual and doctrinal rather than organizational? [30:26]
3. How might the church's relationship with the state, as discussed in the sermon, influence the way Christians engage with political and social issues? [41:15]
4. What implications does the distinction between the church and the kingdom of God have for how believers live out their faith in the world? [11:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in your local church. How does understanding the church as both spiritual and visible challenge or affirm your participation? [25:13]
2. Consider the idea that true unity in the church is rooted in shared beliefs and spiritual life. How can you contribute to fostering this kind of unity in your church community? [30:26]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of the church's doctrine. How can you deepen your understanding of your church's beliefs and teachings to strengthen your faith and witness? [07:49]
4. How do you perceive the relationship between your faith and your civic responsibilities? In what ways can you ensure that your engagement with the state reflects a biblical perspective? [41:15]
5. The sermon mentions the historical significance of the church. How can learning about church history inspire and inform your faith journey today? [03:41]
6. Reflect on the concept of the church as an expression of the kingdom of God. How does this understanding influence your daily life and interactions with others? [11:49]
7. How can you actively participate in your church's mission to be a light in the world, considering its supranational nature and calling? [43:13]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church's Role in God's Purpose
The doctrine of the church is not just a theological concept but a vital part of God's purpose for humanity. The church is intricately linked to spiritual gifts, serving as a platform where these gifts are exercised for the edification of the body of Christ. Understanding the church's role is crucial for a robust evangelical witness, as it addresses contemporary challenges faced by believers. The church is not merely a gathering of individuals but a community called to reflect God's kingdom on earth. This understanding helps believers to see beyond personal spiritual experiences and recognize the collective mission of the church. [07:49]
"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: How can you actively contribute to the mission of your local church, using your spiritual gifts to serve others?
Day 2: The Church and the Kingdom of God
The church is an expression of the kingdom of God but not synonymous with it. While the kingdom of God is broader, encompassing God's rule wherever acknowledged, the church is a part of this kingdom, manifesting locally and spiritually. This distinction is important because it helps believers understand that the church is a visible representation of God's kingdom on earth, but the kingdom itself is much larger and includes all of God's creation. Recognizing this broader perspective encourages believers to live out their faith beyond the walls of the church, acknowledging God's rule in every aspect of life. [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 acknowledge and participate in God's kingdom beyond your church activities?
Day 3: True Unity in the Church
The church's unity is fundamentally spiritual and doctrinal, not merely organizational. True unity is rooted in shared beliefs and spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of doctrine in fostering genuine fellowship. This unity is not about uniformity but about being united in purpose and mission, despite diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Understanding this helps believers to focus on what truly matters—faith in Christ and the mission of the church—rather than getting caught up in minor differences. It calls for a commitment to love and support one another, reflecting the unity that Christ prayed for among His followers. [30:26]
"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you promote spiritual and doctrinal unity within your church community, especially when disagreements arise?
Day 4: The Church and the State
The relationship between the church and the state is complex, with historical views ranging from control to separation. The biblical perspective suggests a separation, with both the church and state existing under God's authority. This understanding emphasizes the church's supranational nature, reminding believers that their ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom. While the church should respect governmental authorities, it must also stand firm in its mission and values, even when they conflict with state policies. This calls for wisdom and discernment in navigating the church's role in society, ensuring that it remains faithful to its calling. [41:15]
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you balance your responsibilities as a citizen with your commitment to God's kingdom, especially when they seem to conflict?
Day 5: The Dual Nature of the Church
The church is both spiritual and visible, manifesting locally while being part of a larger, invisible body. This dual nature is crucial, as one can be a member of the spiritual church without being part of a visible congregation, and vice versa. Understanding this helps believers appreciate the importance of both personal faith and communal worship. It encourages them to engage with their local church while recognizing their connection to the global body of Christ. This perspective fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility, motivating believers to contribute to the church's mission both locally and globally. [25:13]
"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 actively participate in both the local and global expressions of the church, recognizing your role in the larger body of Christ?
Quotes
The church is an expression of the kingdom; it isn't the kingdom. The kingdom of God is a wider and a bigger concept than the church. In the church, where the church is truly the church, the lordship of Christ is acknowledged and recognized, and he reigns there. [00:11:45]
The term "church" (Ecclesia) signifies those called out, not necessarily from the world, but for a specific purpose. The church is both spiritual and visible, manifesting locally while being part of a larger, invisible body. This dual nature is crucial. [00:12:48]
The church is something spiritual and invisible. That is the church as it were now. That isn't something visible; that's something invisible. All these instances I've given you of the church used in the singular are suggesting something which has the reality as a spiritual entity. [00:23:42]
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 without of necessity being a member of a visible part of the church. [00:25:13]
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. [00:30:26]
The basis of unity must be doctrine. It must be doctrinal. Now I've shown you that already in this 17th chapter of John. He says, now they have known that all things whatsoever thou has given me are of thee, for I have given unto them The Words which thou gavest me. [00:31:46]
The church's relationship with the state is complex. The Roman Catholic idea was that the church is the state and is everything else, that the church controls everything. At the extreme opposite to that is the so-called Erastian view, a view first propounded by a man called Aestus. [00:41:15]
The church is now supranational. She has her people in all nations. She's above the nations. 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. [00:44:52]
The church is both spiritual and visible, manifesting locally while being part of a larger, invisible body. This dual nature is crucial, as one can be a member of the spiritual church without being part of a visible congregation, and vice versa. [00:25:13]
The church is an expression of the kingdom; it isn't the kingdom. The kingdom of God is a wider and a bigger concept than the church. In the church, where the church is truly the church, the lordship of Christ is acknowledged and recognized, and he reigns there. [00:11:45]
The church's unity is fundamentally spiritual and doctrinal, not merely organizational. True unity is rooted in shared beliefs and spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of doctrine in fostering genuine fellowship. [00:30:26]
The church's relationship with the state is complex, with historical views ranging from control to separation. The biblical perspective suggests a separation, with both the church and state existing under God's authority, emphasizing the church's supranational nature. [00:41:15]
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