Unity in Christ: The Church as God's Spiritual Temple
Summary
In Ephesians 2:20-22, Paul presents a profound image of the Christian Church as a spiritual building, a holy temple where God dwells. This imagery emphasizes the foundational role of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. The church is not merely a collection of individuals but a unified structure, fitly framed together, where each believer is a unique stone, chosen and prepared by God. This preparation is a secret work of the Holy Spirit, occurring before one becomes part of the church. It is a mysterious, internal transformation that often goes unnoticed by the world and even by the individual until its effects become evident.
The church, therefore, is not a place for debate or division over fundamental doctrines. These truths should be settled before one enters the church, ensuring unity and harmony among believers. The early church exemplified this unity, being of one heart and mind, steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. Today, the church must focus on purity and holiness rather than size or numbers. True unity is found in shared beliefs and a common commitment to Christ's teachings.
The preparation of believers, like the stones of Solomon's Temple, occurs in secret, away from the noise of debate. This preparation is essential for the church to be a true habitation of God. The church's mission is not to conform to worldly standards or to seek mass appeal but to remain faithful to the divine pattern revealed in Scripture. In doing so, the church becomes a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is a spiritual building with Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. Each believer is a unique stone, chosen and prepared by God, emphasizing the importance of unity and diversity within the church. [00:57]
- The preparation of believers is a secret work of the Holy Spirit, occurring before one becomes part of the church. This mysterious transformation is essential for true membership in the body of Christ. [12:39]
- Fundamental doctrines should be settled before entering the church, ensuring unity and harmony among believers. The early church exemplified this unity, being of one heart and mind, steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. [39:42]
- The church's focus should be on purity and holiness rather than size or numbers. True unity is found in shared beliefs and a common commitment to Christ's teachings, not in superficial agreements. [29:40]
- The church must remain faithful to the divine pattern revealed in Scripture, avoiding the noise of debate and division. In doing so, it becomes a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. [46:44]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction to Ephesians 2:20-22
[00:57] - The Church as a Spiritual Building
[02:06] - The Foundation of Apostles and Prophets
[03:24] - Unity and Diversity in the Church
[06:07] - Preparation of Stones for the Temple
[09:18] - Solomon's Temple and Spiritual Preparation
[12:39] - The Secret Work of the Holy Spirit
[17:21] - The Mystery of Spiritual Transformation
[23:19] - True Membership in the Church
[29:40] - Purity Over Numbers
[35:08] - No Noise in the Building Process
[39:42] - Unity in Doctrine
[44:24] - The Church's Mission and Faithfulness
[46:44] - Building According to the Divine Pattern
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:20-22
- 1 Kings 6:7
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of Jesus Christ being referred to as the "Chief Cornerstone" in Ephesians 2:20-22? How does this imagery contribute to our understanding of the church as a spiritual building? [00:35]
2. According to the sermon, what role do the apostles and prophets play in the foundation of the church? [02:53]
3. How does the sermon describe the process of believers being "fitly framed together" as stones in the church? What does this suggest about the relationship between individual believers? [04:04]
4. What does 1 Kings 6:7 reveal about the preparation of stones for Solomon's Temple, and how is this related to the preparation of believers for the church? [09:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes the secret work of the Holy Spirit in preparing believers. How does this mysterious transformation impact one's understanding of becoming a part of the church? [12:39]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the early church exemplified unity, and how is this unity connected to shared beliefs and doctrines? [39:42]
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of "no noise" during the building process of the church, and what implications does this have for discussions and debates within the church today? [35:26]
4. The sermon contrasts the focus on purity and holiness with the emphasis on size and numbers. How does this perspective challenge contemporary views of church growth and success? [29:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal journey of faith. Can you identify moments where you experienced the secret work of the Holy Spirit preparing you for a deeper relationship with the church? How did these moments shape your faith? [12:39]
2. Consider the foundational doctrines of your church. Are there any areas where you feel uncertain or in need of further understanding? How can you seek clarity and unity in these beliefs? [39:42]
3. In what ways can you contribute to the unity and harmony of your church community? Are there specific actions you can take to foster a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose? [04:04]
4. How do you respond to debates or disagreements within your church? What steps can you take to ensure that discussions remain respectful and focused on building up the body of Christ? [35:26]
5. Reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on purity and holiness over size and numbers. How does this perspective influence your view of church growth and success? What changes might you consider in your approach to church involvement? [29:40]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. What practical steps can you take this week to be a witness to others? [46:44]
7. Think about a time when you felt like an outsider or a stranger in a community. How can your experience help you welcome and integrate new members into your church family? [01:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ as the Cornerstone of Unity
The church is depicted as a spiritual building with Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. This imagery highlights the importance of unity and diversity within the church, where each believer is a unique stone, chosen and prepared by God. The church is not just a gathering of individuals but a unified structure, fitly framed together. This unity is essential for the church to function as a holy temple where God dwells. The foundation laid by the apostles and prophets is crucial, but it is Christ who holds everything together, ensuring that the church remains steadfast and unmovable. [00:57]
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. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the unity of your church community, recognizing Christ as the cornerstone of your faith?
Day 2: The Secret Work of the Holy Spirit
The preparation of believers is a secret work of the Holy Spirit, occurring before one becomes part of the church. This mysterious transformation is essential for true membership in the body of Christ. It is an internal change that often goes unnoticed by the world and even by the individual until its effects become evident. This process is likened to the preparation of stones for Solomon's Temple, which took place away from the noise of construction. The Holy Spirit works quietly and effectively, shaping each believer to fit perfectly into the spiritual building of the church. [12:39]
1 Corinthians 2:10-12 (ESV): "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."
Reflection: How can you become more attuned to the quiet work of the Holy Spirit in your life today?
Day 3: Unity in Doctrine
Fundamental doctrines should be settled before entering the church, ensuring unity and harmony among believers. The early church exemplified this unity, being of one heart and mind, steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. This unity in doctrine is crucial for the church to function effectively as a body of Christ. It prevents division and promotes a shared understanding of the faith. By being grounded in the same foundational truths, believers can work together towards the common goal of glorifying God and spreading the gospel. [39:42]
Acts 2:42-44 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the core doctrines of your faith, ensuring unity with fellow believers?
Day 4: Purity Over Numbers
The church's focus should be on purity and holiness rather than size or numbers. True unity is found in shared beliefs and a common commitment to Christ's teachings, not in superficial agreements. The church is called to be a holy temple, a dwelling place for God, and this requires a commitment to purity and holiness. By prioritizing spiritual growth and maturity over numerical growth, the church can remain faithful to its mission and be a powerful witness to the world. [29:40]
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: How can you prioritize personal holiness in your daily life, contributing to the purity of your church community?
Day 5: Faithfulness to the Divine Pattern
The church must remain faithful to the divine pattern revealed in Scripture, avoiding the noise of debate and division. In doing so, it becomes a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. The church's mission is not to conform to worldly standards or seek mass appeal but to remain true to the teachings of Christ. By building according to the divine pattern, the church can effectively fulfill its role as a beacon of light in a dark world. [46:44]
2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV): "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."
Reflection: In what ways can you help your church remain faithful to the teachings of Scripture, avoiding distractions and divisions?
Quotes
The church is a kind of building, a great temple in which God dwells and is yet going to dwell in a still larger and fuller manner. Now we've looked at this picture in general. Whenever you're examining or looking at a building, you take a general glance always first before you come to details. [00:02:00]
There is not a dull drab uniformity in the church. All Christians are not meant to be identical in every respect with others. No, no, as the Apostle proves at greater length in 1 Corinthians 12, like the members of a body differ tremendously from another, so do members of the church. [00:05:02]
The preparation is essential. It is a work that is done by the Holy Spirit, and it is done in the depths of the soul. It is indeed a very mysterious work and a very secret work. The world knows nothing about it, like the people in Jerusalem knew nothing about the preparation of these stones. [00:13:00]
To become a Christian means that we are subjected to a power and to a force that is beyond our understanding. Now, don't misunderstand that. That does not mean to say that Christianity is irrational. What it means is that it is super rational, Supra rational if you like. [00:17:32]
The church consists only of those who believe the true Doctrine and who live a corresponding life. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his, and let them that name the name of the Lord depart from iniquity. [00:27:56]
There is nothing which is quite so fatal therefore when we are thinking about the church as to think in terms of size and of numbers, which is the controlling thought today. World Church, they say. They say the only way to fight communism and these other things that are opposed to Christianity is that we all become one. [00:28:50]
God doesn't work through big battalions. He's not interested in numbers. He's interested in Purity, in Holiness, a vessel that is fit and meat for the Master's use. We must concentrate not on numbers but upon Doctrine, upon regeneration, upon Holiness, upon the realization that this is a holy Temple in the Lord. [00:29:35]
There should be no discussion and no debate and no disagreement in the church about vital truths. There's to be none of this noise of chiseling and hammering and forming and preparation in the church. It happens before you come into the church. [00:35:08]
The church is the Gathering of those for whom these matters have been settled once and forever, who know whom they have believed, who know what they believe, who are on the foundation of God and who all come together. What for? Not to argue and debate about these things but to wait upon him to worship him. [00:42:00]
Nothing unites except Doctrine, and the only Unity worth talking about at all is the unity of the spirit, which produces the same belief in the same Lord, in the same faith, and in the same baptism. It is the unity of those who are likeminded and of one Accord. [00:45:00]
The word to the modern Church, therefore, as it was the word of God to Moses of old, is simply this: see that thou make all things according to the pattern shown thee in the mount. The Mount of The Sermon on the Mount, the Mount of transfiguration, the Mount of Calvary. [00:46:44]
Man dead in trespasses and sins, helpless and hopeless, raised by the grace of God, saved by the blood of Christ, regenerated and renewed and joined to Christ and made a stir in the Holy Temple in the Lord. Amen. [00:47:58]
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