The Church – Metaphorically
A. THE CHURCH – GREATER THAN ALL HUMAN INSTITUTIONS.
1. Because of its author ( Eph. 3:10-11 ).
2. Because Christ is the head ( Eph. 1:22-23 ).
3. Because Christ is its builder ( Matt. 16:18 ).
B. A TRUE CONCEPT OF THE CHURCH LEADS TO A LOFTY APPRECIATION.
C. THE CHURCH IS DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE USING METAPHORES.
A. IT HAS A STRONG FOUNDATION ( 1 Cor. 3:11 ).
B. KILLING THE BUILDER COULD NOT STOP IT ( Matt. 16:18 ).
C. IT IS FORMED OF VARIOUS MATERIALS.
1. Those who make the church were once in the world ( Col. 1:13-14 ).
2. All are invited to be a part ( Matt. 11:28 ).
3. “Living Stones” ( 1 Pet. 2:5 ). Perfectly matched and fit together ( Eph. 2:21 ).
4. Anchored to the Rock ( Eph. 2:20 ).
D. A HABITATION OF GOD ( Eph. 2:22 ).
A. RELATION OF CHRIST TO THE CHURCH – THE HEAD ( Col. 1:18 ).
B. RELATION OF CHRIST TO CHRISTIANS – THEIR SAVIOR ( Eph. 5:23 ).
C. RELATION OF CHRISTIANS TO ONE ANOTHER – MEMBERS ( Rom. 12:5 ).
1. The unity of the body is pointed out in 1 Cor. 12:12-31.
a. Common entrance for all members ( vs. 13 ).
b. Each part has a function ( vs. 14-22 ).
c. The harmony of the Body ( vs. 25-27 ).
2. Ephesians 4:15-16.
A. THE FOREMAN WENT OUT EARLY – IMPORTANT WORK ( Matt. 9:36-38 ).
B. WE WENT TO HIRE LABORERS.
1. No force ( Rev. 22:17 ).
2. Offered a reward ( 1 Cor. 15:58 ).
C. TO HIRE LABORERS ( Heb. 6:11-12; John 15:2 ).
D. INTO HIS VINEYARD ( John 15:8; Matt. 5:16; Eph. 3:21 ).
A. THE BRIDE FORSAKES ALL OTHERS FOR HER HUSBAND.
SO SHOULD THE CHURCH.
1. Separate from the world ( 2 Cor. 6:16-18; Rom. 12:2 ).
2. Members ought not to view the world affectionately ( 1 John 2:15 ).
3. Efforts toward purity encouraged by Paul ( 2 Cor. 11:1-3 ).
B. THE CHURCH’S PURITY PRECIOUS TO JESUS ( Eph. 5:25-27 ).
1. The price of the church and its members ( Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 1:18-19 ).
2. The mission is so important ( 1 Tim. 3:15 ).
3. We are united to Christ ( 1 Cor. 6:15-18 ).
4. the destiny of the church demands it ( Rev. 19:7-9; 21:27 ).
A. THE CHURCH IS MADE UP OF THOSE WHO ARE PURE,
WASHED OF THEIR SINS ( Eph. 5:25-27 ).
B. MADE UP OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED ( vs. 26; Acts 22:16 ).
C. BUT THE CHRISTIAN MUST REMAIN PURE ( 1 Thess. 5:22 ).