SEVEN TRUTHS ABOUT THE CHURCH
TEXT: EPHESIANS 3:1 – 12
INTRODUCTION
In our study of Ephesians 2: 13 -22 last week, we learnt that even though the natural man is dead in his sins and thus separated from Christ, there are two ‘buts’ – the mercy of God and the blood of Jesus Christ, with which we can now have access to God. We are brought near by the blood of Christ, having become born again, received eternal life and are saved by His Grace.
Today, we are looking closely at the church – what is the church and the core truths of a church going by scriptures.
From our text, seven different truths are revealed:
• The mystery of the church
• The meaning of the church
• The membership of the church
• The mission of the church
• The Ministers of the church
• The marks of the church
• The might of the church.
1. The Mystery of the church: Ephesians 3: 3, 6, 9; 1 Corinthians 2: 7 -12; Romans 10:12-13; 1
Corinthians 15:51; Ephesians 3: 3-4, Ephesians 6:19; 1Timothy 3:16. Church is not a mystery.
The mystery is that through the gospel, Gentiles and Jews are joint heirs and sharers in the promise of Jesus Christ.
2. Church Defined (the meaning of the church): Ephesians 3: 6, 10.
a. Body of Christ: Ephesians 3: 6; Ephesians 4:12; John 3:16; Ephesians 5:25
b. Jesus Christ is the head of the church: Ephesians 4: 15; Colossians 1:18
3. Church Membership: Ephesians 3: 6
a. The church comprises both believing Jews and Gentiles. Acts 15:13-14
b. Membership of the church consists only of born-again children of God who are washed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
c. Membership is formed when both Jews and Gentiles preach the gospel, people are convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit and become part of the body of Christ.1 Corinthians 12:13
4. The Purpose of the church (the mission of the church): Ephesians 3: 8, 10.
a. To preach the gospel through programs, evangelism etc: Ephesians 3:8; Matthew 28:19; 2 Timothy 1: 8
b. For God’s manifold wisdom to be made known to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places (angelic hosts, good and bad) through the church, so they (the rulers and powers) may understand God’s eternal plan for the redemption of mankind (through the salvation of Jew and Gentile in one body which is a hidden mystery to them): Ephesians 3:10
5. The Ministers of the church: Ephesians 3: 7; Ephesians 4:11. All true members of the church are ministers of the church and should participate in the sharing of the gospel.
6. The Characteristics of the church (the marks of the church): The bible speaks of some qualities that distinguish men and women who make up the church:
a. BOND SLAVES OF JESUS – Ephesians 3:1, 2Timothy 1:8. Those who are prisoners of Christ Jesus.
b. FELLOWSHIP: Jews and Gentiles who are united in one body and are partakers of the promise of in Christ Jesus through the gospel – Ephesians 3:6.
c. THE HUMBLE: Ephesians 3:8; James 4:6.
d. TESTIFIERS: Ephesians 3: 8.
e. ACCEPTED: Ephesians 3: 11-12. We are accepted by God and can approach Him with freedom and confidence through our faith in Jesus Christ.
7. The Might of the church (the power of the church): Ephesians 3: 7; Matthew 16:18; 1
Corinthians 3:11. The church is so mighty in power because Jesus Christ is the Founder and builder. Hence, neither death nor evil will permanently destroy it.
CONCLUSION
The church is the body of Christ. The head of the church is Jesus Christ. The body of the church is made up of both believing Jews and Gentiles. True members of the church have been empowered by grace to preach the gospel. Everything we do in church should have behind it the underlying passion to see sinners saved and the saved grow up to the full measure of Christ.
Ephesians 4:12 states that the ministry gifts were given to equip people for service and build up the body of Christ.
If you are here today, physically, or virtually, and are yet to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, today offers another opportunity for you to do so. Tomorrow may be too late.
Thank You Jesus,
Salvation Prayers
If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:
Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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