What is the Church of Christ
Supposed to Be?
Introduction
The hymn The Gospel Is for All
reminds us of the Great Commission and the responsibility of the
Lord’s church to carry the gospel into all the world. From its
beginning on Pentecost in Jerusalem, the church of Christ has been
God’s precious building. It is not just a universal body but also
found in local congregations where Christians gather. Each
congregation is described in Scripture as God’s temple, a dwelling
place of His Spirit. Yet the local church can be defiled, divided,
or even destroyed if it departs from its divine foundation. In this
lesson, we will look at what the church of Christ is supposed to be:
built on Christ as its foundation, a holy temple dedicated to God,
and a body that must guard against division, immorality, abuse of
liberty, and religious error.
The
Church’s Foundation
The first truth about the church is that it is built on the
foundation of Jesus Christ. Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 3:11,
“For no other foundation can
anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Just as towering buildings need deep, secure foundations, the church
rests on the strongest foundation possible—the Son of God. Isaiah
had foretold this cornerstone centuries earlier (Isaiah 28:16), and
the apostles confirmed that Christ alone is the precious cornerstone
(Ephesians 2:19–22). Peter also wrote that believers are living
stones built upon Christ, the chief cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4–8).
Without Christ, there is no church. Any so-called religious
organization built on human leaders, philosophy, politics, or
entertainment is not the building of God.
The Church
as God’s Temple
Paul reminded the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 that they, as
a congregation, were the temple of God and that His Spirit dwelled
among them. Corinth was filled with physical temples devoted to
idols, but the true temple was the assembly of Christians dedicated
to God. Peter described the church as a holy priesthood, a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, and God’s special possession (1
Peter 2:5, 9). The church is to be holy, dedicated entirely to God,
proclaiming His praises and showing His light to the world. Every
congregation, regardless of size, is a sacred temple designed by God
Himself.
Dangers
that Destroy the Temple
-
Division
Paul rebuked the Corinthians for saying, “I am of Paul,” or “I
am of Apollos” (1 Corinthians 1:10–13; 3:1–4). Division destroys
unity. Jesus warned that any house divided against itself cannot
stand (Matthew 12:25). The church must speak the same thing, be
of the same mind, and follow the same word to maintain unity.
-
Immorality
In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul condemned the unchecked sexual
immorality that threatened the congregation. A holy temple
cannot tolerate sin without discipline. God calls His people to
be holy as He is holy.
-
Abuse
of Liberty
Christian freedom must never be used as a stumbling block (1
Corinthians 8:9–13). Matters of opinion must be handled with
love and sensitivity. If our liberty harms a weaker brother, we
sin against Christ.
-
Religious Error
False teaching undermines the church’s foundation. In 1
Corinthians 15:12–17, some denied the resurrection, and Paul
warned that such error made faith empty and left believers still
in their sins. Any error that denies the truth of Christ
endangers the very existence of the church.
Conclusion
The church of Christ is meant to be a holy temple founded on Christ,
preserved in unity, and kept undefiled by sin and error. Every local
congregation is precious to the Lord and must be cherished,
strengthened, and protected. God’s people should seek to build up
His temple, never to tear it down.
What is the Church of Christ
Supposed to Be? Sermon Outline:
Call to
Action
Let us commit ourselves to strengthening the church of Christ by
building on Christ alone, living as holy people, and preserving
unity in truth. Each of us has a role in keeping the congregation a
holy temple where God dwells. If there is division, immorality, or
error, we must turn back to the Word of God, repent, and restore
what is holy.
Key
Takeaways
-
The
foundation of the church is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11)
-
The church
is God’s temple, a holy dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:16–17)
-
Division
destroys unity and weakens the body (1 Corinthians 1:10)
-
Immorality,
if unchecked, defiles the church (1 Corinthians 5:1–5)
-
Christian
liberty must not cause others to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9–13)
-
Religious
error undermines faith and salvation (1 Corinthians 15:12–17)
Scripture
Reference List
-
Acts 2 –
Beginning of the church at Pentecost
-
1
Corinthians 3:11 – Christ is the only foundation
-
Isaiah 28:16
– Prophecy of the cornerstone
-
Ephesians
2:19–22 – Apostles’ teaching built on Christ
-
1 Peter
2:4–9 – Living stones and holy priesthood
-
1
Corinthians 1:10–13 – Plea for unity
-
Matthew
12:25 – A house divided cannot stand
-
1
Corinthians 5:1–5 – Immorality must be disciplined
-
1
Corinthians 8:9–13 – Abuse of liberty
-
1
Corinthians 15:12–17 – Danger of false teaching about the
resurrection
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
|
The
church of Christ
