Study Material

THE CHURCH, CHRIST'S BODY

The Church is made up of people who have been born anew by the Spirit of God—people of many denominations, races and nations. Though we speak different languages and are in congregations throughout the world, we are united in one Body with Jesus Christ and with one another. Every born again believer is a member of God's family and our brother or sister in Christ.

In Ephesians 5:23
1. What is Christ's position in the Church?
1. How is the Church described?

What has He done for us through His death? (Eph. 1:7)

"The Church is the only fellowship in the world where the one requirement for membership is the unworthiness of the candidate."
—Robert B. Munger

What proves that we are God's children and thus members of His Church? (I John 4:7)

Each believer is given different but important responsibilities in this spiritual Body, the Church. Read I Corinthians 12:14-27.
1. Who gave the members their various positions? (verse 18)
1. What is His desire? (verse 25)
1. Are there any unnecessary functions (members) in the Body? (verses 20-22)

If any other Christian is helped or suffers, how does it affect us? (I Cor. 12:26) (Select correct answer.)
It has little effect on us unless we know him or know about it.
It affects us most if he is a member of the same group or organization.
In some cases it helps or hurts us, and in some cases it doesn't.
It always affects us since we are members of the same spiritual Body.

What is every Christian's responsibility to others in the Church? (I Pet. 4:10)

The book of Ephesians gives us the heart of the New Testament instruction on the Church as Christ's Body. Notice how Ephesians 2:19-3:12; 4:1-16 and 5:21-27 summarize this important subject.

THE LOCAL CHURCH

The New Testament describes the local church as a group of believers in a certain place, banded together for instruction, fellowship, worship and service.

Where did believers meet before they had church buildings? (Rom. 16:5; I Cor. 16:19)

From Acts 2:42, list four things that are important to a church.

There is much more to learn about the local church than can be covered in this chapter. For further information on its organization and leadership, ask your pastor or chaplain.

What is God's desire for a local church? (Write out I Corinthians 1:10 in your own words.)

THE PASTOR AND CHAPLAIN

A pastor or minister is a shepherd or spiritual leader of a local church. He is responsible to nurture, train and lead the believers in his flock. A chaplain has this responsibility in the Armed Forces.

What kind of spiritual leadership did God promise in the Old Testament? (Jer. 3:15)

From Ephesians 4:11-16
1. Who in addition to the apostles and prophets have been made responsible to build up the church? (verse 11)
1. What are the reasons why these duties are given? (verse 12)
1. What is the ultimate goal of such Christian service? (verse 13)

In Acts 20:28
1. How are church leaders described?
1. Who gives them this position?
1. What is their responsibility?

How should the church's leaders accept their responsibility? (I Pet. 5:2) (Select correct answer.)
Eagerly, as appointed by the Lord.
Out of a sense of duty.
Considering the financial benefits as well as the opportunity for service.
Until they can get someone else to take it.

In I Peter 5:3,4
1. How should they exercise their authority?
1. The faithful shepherd is promised a reward when Christ comes again. (Select correct answer.)
  True
  False

His calling is to preach
1. (Eph. 3:8)
1. (II Tim. 4:2)
1. (II Cor. 4:5)

"Each Christian should select his church because he is convinced that within its particular structure he will find the greatest opportunities for spiritual growth, the greatest satisfactions for his human needs, and the greatest chance to be of helpful service to those around him."
—Billy Graham*

In Ephesians 4:2,3
1. What is our responsibility? (verse 3)
1. What will promote unity? (verse 2)

How should those who are appointed to preach and teach be supported?
1. I Cor. 9:14
1. Gal. 6:6

Three distinguishing marks
of the early Church were:
(1) Generosity (2) Prayer (3) Power

Hebrews 13:7 instructs us concerning those who teach us God's Word: (Select correct answer.)
That we should listen to their teaching and encourage others to come and hear them.
That we should not hope to have the kind of faith they have.
That we should observe their godly lives and follow their example of faith.

In your own words summarize how Colossians 4:3,4 says we should help our spiritual leaders.

"When the church service is over your service begins."

Prayerfully review the questions in this chapter and your answers.
1. —What is the most profitable lesson you have learned?
1. —What practical steps can you take to make it part of your life?

"The Church's one Foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation by Water and the Word:
From Heav'n He came and sought her to be His holy bride:
With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died."
—Samuel J. Stone

Chapter 1 - The Church