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The Church in Action Lesson 1 Lesson Text—Matthew 16:13-14 Matthew 16:13-14 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Lesson Text—Matthew 16:15-16 Matthew 16:15-16 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Lesson Text pg 2—Matthew 16:1718 Matthew 16:17-18 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Lesson Text pg 2—Matthew 16:19 Matthew 16:19 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Focus Verse—Matthew 16:18 Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Focus Thought Jesus founded the church upon the revelation of His identity and positioned and purposed it for victory over hell through our born-again relationship with Him. Introduction Introduction Jesus and His disciples traveled from the region around the Sea of Galilee and went north about thirty miles to Caesarea Philippi (a different place from Caesarea by the Mediterranean Sea). It was here Jesus questioned His disciples about their faith in Him. He asked them, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” (Matthew 16:13). Their replies reflected a random Introduction assortment of popular Old Testament individuals—Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets. Some even thought Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. He then asked the disciples, “But what about you? Whom do you say I am?” Speaking for the disciples, Peter blurted out his famous words: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This Christ-centered proclamation became a key component of the foundation of the church. The birth of the church in Acts 2 Introduction was the sequel to a four-thousandyear drama that portrayed an incremental revelation of God’s nature and expectations. From the dismal fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden to the Day of Pentecost, the Scriptures reveal a progressive revelation of the almighty God and chronicle the repair of a breached relationship. A good grasp of the unfolding Old Testament drama is essential to understanding this glorious emergence of the body of Christ and its identity and function. Introduction The birth of the church was the fulfillment of years of prophetic pronouncement and longing anticipation. The substance of the New Testament fully revealed the shadows of the Old Testament. Jesus introduced the church as a social body made holy by His blood, empowered by His Spirit, governed by His Word, and given eternal destiny by His providence. Introduction The church is positioned in a pivotal place of opportunity, protection, and blessing in this world. The worldly system may not acknowledge this special position, but the church does not need the secular systems to define it or to determine its place. God placed His church in this world to fulfill a specific mission and purpose. The world cannot remove it, define it, or take away its favor with God. Positioned in Theology I. Positioned in Theology The succinct definition of theology is simply “the study of God.” For the church, however, theology is more than abstract concepts about God; it is a means to deepen our relationship and intimacy with God. Understanding is more than just knowing facts. Understanding occurs when knowledge becomes a part of the way we think and live. I. Positioned in Theology Theology forms the foundation of our faith and provides sacred reasons for our believing and worshiping God. It provides us with the parameters of proper conduct that pleases God and assures us of hope beyond the earthly realm. Ephesians 2:20 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20). A. Foundation of Monotheism A. Foundation of Monotheism One of the primary and often repeated characteristics of God is His absolute oneness. He is not a multiplicity of persons forming some mystical oneness, but He is numerically one (ontologically one). God has manifested Himself in many ways, but primarily in three ways: A. Foundation of Monotheism (1) Father as the progenitor of all things, (2) Son as the Redeemer of the human race through Jesus Christ, and (3) Holy Spirit as the regenerating and empowering presence of God. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). A. Foundation of Monotheism The Old Testament repeatedly declares the oneness of God. This emphasis and clarity give the church a clear mandate to embrace God’s oneness rather than dissecting Him into parts or persons. When Jesus was born, He was the permanent and perfect manifestation of the invisible Spirit of God. A. Foundation of Monotheism He is the mediator between God and mankind, providing us a view of God who was before unseen (I Timothy 2:5). Jesus so perfectly lived and died that His resurrected body has been glorified and will be the only God we see and fellowship in eternity (John 17:5; 20:17; Revelation 4:2; 20:11). B. B. Jesus Christ—Center and JesusCircumference Christ—Center . . . Just as the sun is positioned at the center of our solar system and the planets orbit around it, so is Jesus Christ positioned at the center of the church. The magnetic field of the sun keeps the earth in its exact position— orbiting, rotating, and consistently providing a reliable calendar and the four seasons. The energy of the sun provides B. Jesus Christ—Center . . . the fuel for life on earth, just as Jesus Christ gives life to His church through His Holy Spirit. Without Jesus the church does not exist. He is the focus of our worship and His blood washes away our sins. Moreover, His Spirit gives us life and hope for a great resurrection. Jesus was not just a prophet, a spiritual man, or a wise sage. He was and is the Messiah, King of kings, and Lord of lords. 1. Divine—God Manifested. in B. Jesus Christ—Center . .Flesh. Jesus was unique. There has never been another man like Him: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (I Timothy 3:16). As the angel declared to Joseph, B. Jesus Christ—Center ... Jesus was literally God with us: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). 2. Human—Christ Secured. . . B. Jesus Christ—Center Atonement. The uniqueness of Jesus was that not only was He divine, but He was also human. He endured various human weaknesses—was born as an infant, grew up under the nurturing and tutelage of parents, was hungry, wept, grew weary, and ultimately died. He had a physical body just as any other person. His human body provided the blood that He would offer as a propitiation for our sins (Hebrews 9:12-14). Hebrews 10:4-5 “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me” (Hebrews 10:4-5). Positioned by II. Positioned by Relationship Relationship The church has an impregnable foundation that will stand against undermining human philosophies. It is a bastion of strength against the hordes of hell that try to break it down. II. Positioned by Relationship Jesus declared, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The church holds a position of strength as long as it maintains its relationship with Jesus Christ. A. Founded upon the New A. Founded Birth The church is composed of people who have been spiritually born into it. It is not an entity that accepts casual sign-ups or that permits special membership for family and friends. Each person must die to his fleshly nature by repenting of his sins, being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues (Acts 2:38). A. Founded Every member is accepted by the same initiation experience. Circumstances, sequence, and intensity may vary, but the fact remains that every member of the church must be born again. Someone cleverly observed, “God has no grandchildren. We are all children of one heavenly Father.” B. Jesus—the Builder B. Jesus—the Builder The Bible compares the church to a building with Jesus as the architect, builder, and resident. Paul observed that the church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:2022). C. Possessed by Christ C. We Possessed by Christ are free to choose whether to be a disciple of Jesus, but when we do become a disciple, He owns us. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? C. For Possessed by Christ ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Corinthians 6:19-20). (See I Corinthians 3:23; 7:23; II Corinthians 10:7.) We belong to Jesus Christ, for He purchased us with His own precious blood! D. Relationship with Jesus D. Relationship with Jesus People have frequently observed that the disciples were the companions of Jesus. Acts 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The New Testament D. Relationship withmentions Jesus the word father 418 times, most of which refer to God as our heavenly Father. John referred to the church as “sons of God” (I John 3:1-2). (See also II Corinthians 6:18; Hebrews 12:5-7.) Other passages of Scripture refer to believers as “children” (Ephesians 1:5; 5:1; I John 3:10; 4:4). These terms illustrate the close familial relationship that God has with the church. We enjoy a position of close relationship with Him. Positioned by III. Positioned by Revelation Revelation The church is in a position of revelation, understanding things that are otherwise unknown to the world. Spiritual matters are foolishness to many people, but God has revealed them to His people. III. Positioned by Revelation “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight” (Luke 10:21). III. Positioned by Revelation Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (I Corinthians 2:9-10). A. A. Revelation of Jesus’ Revelation of Jesus’ Identity Identity Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Ephesians 3:3-5). A. Revelation of Jesus’ Identity The church understands the identity of Jesus Christ. He was not just a wise sage, a charismatic prophet, or a benevolent humanitarian. Even though He was all these things, He was much more! A. Revelation of Jesus’ Identity • He was “God with us” (Matthew 1:23) and the founder and head of the church. • He was a servant, but now and forever He will be our “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (I Timothy 6:15; Hebrews 7; Revelation 19:16). • He was the supreme sacrifice for mankind’s transgressions. It is His precious blood that washes away our sins (Hebrews 9:13-14; I John 1:7; Revelation 1:5). A. Revelation of Jesus’ Identity • He was the manifestation of the invisible God (I Timothy 3:16). (See II Timothy 1:10; I Peter 1:19-20; I John 1:1-4; 3:5, 8.) Jesus said to Philip, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” (John 14:9). B. Revelation of Believer’s B. Revelation of . . . Identity with Christ “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (I John 3:2). as Jesus wasof a manifestation B.Just Revelation ... of God to humanity, the church is a manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world (II Corinthians 4:10). Paul wrote, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (II Corinthians 3:2-3). B. Revelation of . . . Jesus told His disciples that they were like lights in the world glorifying God (Matthew 5:14-16). He also referred to them as salt preserving the world from destruction (Matthew 5:13). Positioned by Purpose IV. Positioned by Purpose God is deliberate and purposeful in all He does. He established the church to carry out His mission in the earth, and He has delegated to the church the responsibility for executing this mission. God is observing His servants as they live their lives to carry out His commission. It is supremely important to God that we faithfully conduct His business on the earth through our lives. IV. Positioned by Purpose The apostle Paul declared, “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward” (I Corinthians 3:13-14). A. To Evangelize A. To Evangelize “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). A. To Evangelize The great commission has two imperative aspects—to baptize and to teach. In other words, believers are called to win converts to the Christian faith and to disciple them in the truth of the gospel. The Christian faith is an aggressive, evangelistic movement. We are a missions-minded people in a position to influence the world—to persuade unbelievers to turn from their sins and follow Jesus. The should not be passive A. church To Evangelize but proactive in its commission to win the lost. Just as the original apostolic church was an evangelistic church (Acts 2:41-47; 11:19-21), we should carry out God’s desire that the whole world be saved. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9). (See also John 3:16.) B. To Make Disciples B. To Make Disciples After converting sinners, the church is responsible to make disciples of them. The church should teach, teach, teach! If we only convert new people to the faith and do not nurture them, we have only created a “great commotion” rather than fulfilling the great commission. The church then becomes guilty of the “great omission.” In today’s complex and busy world, B.keeping To Make Disciples people in the faith and helping them grow takes enormous effort, but that is the mandate of the church. The church is to be a nurturer—not only recruiting new people to the faith, but establishing them in the principles of God’s Word. Paul exhorted Timothy, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2). B.The ToChristian Make Disciples worldview is often radically opposed to the secular worldview. Many converts coming into the church today know little or nothing about the Bible; therefore, the church should invest the necessary time and effort to establish them in the truth. C. To Represent Christ C. To in Represent Christ His Absence Jesus prayed, “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are” (John 17:11). The church represents Jesus Christ in the earth. He has gone away physically and left the responsibility of building His church to believers. II Corinthians 5:20 “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (II Corinthians 5:20). C. To Represent Christ The church has heavenly citizenship, yet it remains in the earth to represent God’s kingdom. This is a serious and profound responsibility. Therefore, we should be courageous models of Jesus Christ like the apostle Paul: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1). Positioned in V. Positioned Opposition to Hell Opposition to Hell The church stands for that which is pure, honest, redemptive, and lifegiving while hell stands for evil, dishonesty, destruction, and death. Consequently, the church is in a position of conflict with the forces of hell, but Jesus’ words proclaiming the strong position of the church assure us greatly (Matthew 16:18). The church occupies a victorious position as believers maintain their absolute trust in Jesus Christ. A. Hell’s Negative Contrast A. Hell’s Negative Contrast The evil of the world gives the church great opportunity to display its contrasting virtues. Contrasts help us to better understand things. For example, light shines brightest in darkness. Diamonds look brilliant when displayed on black velvet. Artists, designers, and sign painters use contrasting colors to emphasize the important aspects of their work. A. Hell’s Negative Contrast The destructive impact of sin is all around us—disease, violence, crime, mental sickness, and numerous other symptoms. However, these products of sin contrast starkly with the benefits of a life given to God. Jesus used such a contrast in one of His statements: A. Hell’s Negative Contrast “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Paul also offered a contrast when he declared to the Romans, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). B. The Futility of Hell’s Gates B. The Futility of Hell’s Gates Jesus assured Peter that the church would prevail. The church possesses the same victory that Jesus experienced over death and hell. Jesus said, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation 1:18). B. The Futility of Hell’s Gates Jesus instructed His disciples, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7-8). John’s words to the church are also encouraging: B. The Futility of Hell’s Gates “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (I John 4:4). Hell’s gates may be strong, but they cannot withstand the truthempowered church of Jesus Christ! C. The Aggressive C. The Aggressive Church Church Posture Posture Jude exhorted the church to snatch souls from the fire of hell: “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 23-24). Therefore, the churchChurch should C. The Aggressive proactively promote the kingdom of Posture God. The psalmist promised, “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet” (Psalm 91:13). The disciples returned to Jesus after He had sent them out, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name” (Luke 10:17). The church occupies a position of great responsibility and power and should aggressively seek to draw the lost to Jesus Christ for His glory. II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17). Reflections God has been progressively revealing Himself to mankind over generations, and He seeks to have an intimate relationship with His church. The church is the focus of God’s work in the earth, and nothing exceeds the importance of these souls He has purchased with His own blood. Thus, the church enjoys a position of favor and protection from God. Reflections The theology of the Bible provides a foundation of reason and understanding for believers. Since the church has been filled with the Holy Spirit, believers occupy a position of understanding that exceeds worldly understanding. The body of Christ understands to a great degree God’s nature and essence and His ways and expectations. Reflections Becoming a member of the church is our response to God’s overtures. The church is committed to God through a relationship of love for Him and faithful obedience to Him. Reflections The new-birth experience provides a bonding between God and the believer that will endure inevitable tests and trials. Through the new birth, God lives within the human heart and each believer becomes a member of the church—not a denomination or a local church, but the body of Jesus Christ. Reflections “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17). Reflections When we become members of the church, we enjoy a position of security against the enemy where we have power over evil and receive divine illumination from the Scriptures that guides our Christian walk. Reflections Although the Lord guides us in this life, the greatest benefit of being a member of the church is eternal life with Him. Jesus declared, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:2728).