16. The Body of Christ

 

1Cor.12:13 -  we are automatically placed in the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, when we are born again.

 

 

A. The nature of the Body

 

Eph. 1: 22,23  -  the Body is the church.

                the church = the ekklesia, or the called out people of God.

                Not buildings or organisations!

                It is universal.

                It consists of people of all races and nationalities.

 

 

B. The Body is grouped in local congregations

 

Rev. 1: 19, 20

       Geographic convenience is the only basis for division.

       No other reason, not even doctrine!

       We must be led by the Holy Spirit to commit ourselves to a local congregation.

 

 

C. Though divided geographically, it is one Body

 

Eph. 4: 1-4

                We are members of the church universal.

                We must honour, support and be loyal to the rest of the Body.

                We must do all we can to express and preserve unity.

 

 

D. Jesus is the Head and Lord of the Body

 

Eph. 5: 23, 24

       Each local body must submit to and obey Him.

       Leaders and people must continually seek and receive the instructions from Jesus, the Head.

 

 

E. Jesus has delegated authority and responsibility to the elders of the local body

 

1Pet. 5: 1-4

                There must be a plurality of elders for safety and sharing of responsibility;

                Elders must oversee, shepherd and be examples to the people, but not lord it over the people.

                Elders, bishops, pastors are the same people  -  Acts 20 : 17, 28,  Tit.1: 5-7.

                Elders are accountable to God for those who commit themselves to their care.

 

 

F. Committed people are to submit to and obey elders

 

Heb. 13: 17

       Unconditional submission  -  conditional obedience.

       Because God chooses to use them as instruments in the lives of the people.

       People, for their own benefit, must pray for their elders, and confront them with their weaknesses.

 

 

G. Each one is a “part” of the Body

 

1Cor. 12: 14-27

                We are a part, whether we like it or not.

                No saints in isolation.

                All parts are different;

-        are necessary for overall growth and efficiency;

-        are important;

-        must be in the right place;

-        must function properly;

-        need one another  -  no independence;

-        care for one another, and build up each other, as well as the entire Body;

-        rejoice and suffer together;

-        work together in harmony;

-        must honour and be loyal to each other.

 

 

H. The commission for the Body

 

Matt. 28: 19, 20

       Make disciples.

       All nations.