The Church – Metaphorically

TEXT: Eph. 3:10-11

INTRODUCTION:

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.

I. A BUILDING ( 1 Cor. 3:9 ). STABILITY.

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 ).

II. A BODY – UNITY AND FELLOWSHIP.

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.

 

III. A VINEYARD ( Matt. 20:1 ). THE WORK.

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 ).

IV. THE BRIDE OF CHRIST – PURITY.

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 ).

CONCLUSION:

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 ).

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