The Church

I. The Foundation of the Church

Colossians 1:15-18

Q. What do you see here about Jesus and the church?

• Jesus is the head of the church. The church is his body.

Q. What is the relationship between a head and body? Apply that to Jesus and the church.

• As a head directs the body, Jesus directs the church.

• The church is essential and is part of God’s plan for us.

• It is important for us to follow the directives of Jesus and be an active member of his body.

Ephesians 2:19-21

Q. What do you see here about the church?

• It is the household of God. A household is a “family.” The church is the “family” of God.

• The church is built on the foundation of the Bible as taught by the apostles and prophets.

• Jesus is the chief cornerstone.

• It is a holy temple in the Lord. The temple was where God dwelt. God dwells in his church.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Q. What do you see here about the church?

• There should be unity in the church reflected in the right attitudes in relationships with one another.

• There needs to be the right doctrines about the one body, one Lord, one Spirit, one faith, and one baptism.

II. Relationships in the Church

I Corinthians 12:12-31

Q. What do you see here about the church?

• When we are baptized, we are baptized into the one body, the universal church. The universal church however functions on a local level. It is important to be part of a local church.

• The church is like a body that has distinct parts, but all function together. God has arranged the church and given each member gifts and abilities to help build up the body so that it functions as God desires.

• There are weaker and stronger members, but all are important and essential.

Q. How can you use your abilities and talents to build up the body of Christ?

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

Q. What does this passage tell us about relationships?

• We should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.

Q. Why does the Bible call us to this standard?

• It protects our holiness. Being unequally yoked with another who is not a Christian could cause us to compromise our holiness (II Cor 7:1) and fall back into the world.

• This includes dating or marrying a non-Christian (1 Corinthians 7:39-40).

Hebrews 3:12-13

Q. What do you see here about relationships in the church?

• Christianity is a “one another” religion. Encouragement should be given daily to one another so we don’t develop a hard heart or become discouraged by the deceitfulness of sin.

III. The Purpose of the Church

Hebrews 10:23-25

Q. What do you see here about spurring one another on?

• It helps others to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.

• It helps us to grow in love and good works.

Q. How do we spur one another on?

• By attending the meetings of the body with a committed attitude.

• By encouraging one another when we meet together.

Q. Are you willing to be committed to attend the meetings of the body and spur one another on through encouragement?

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Q. What do you see here?

• God wants us to sow generously. This specifically has to do with giving to the mission of the church.

• We give what we have decided in our heart to give, not under compulsion, but cheerfully.

Q. How do you feel about taking some time to think about what to give to the church that is both generous and cheerful?

Acts 2:42-47

Q. What characteristics do you see in 2:42 about the early church?

• They are devoted to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread (the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Q. What was the result of these characteristics?

• The church grew daily (Acts 2:47).

• The purpose of the church is not just to meet together, but for every member to have a vibrant relationship with God, where we are devoted to one another in order to take the gospel to the lost and dying world.

Conclusion

Q. Are you committed to being devoted to follow only the Bible, to the fellowship, to meet on Sundays for the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer to fulfill the mission of the church?

In the next study, we will be talking through the concept of “Counting the Cost” as a review of what we’ve learned in this series to make sure you are ready to follow Jesus.