Christ is Head of His Body the Church
The people of God in the body of Christ share in the redemptive renewal of a sin-spoiled creation.
Sermon Notes:
- As we examine the doctrine of the church, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2).
- The doctrine of the church is offensive to our culture.
- The institution of the church with its authority structures and discipline is rejected in favour of a “personal Jesus.”
- Both Jesus and His apostles affirm and build the church.
- The church is thus essential to our identity as Christians.
- We do not each possess all the gifts that compose the body of the church, e.g., leading, teaching, giving, serving.
- Christians need to identify with other believers; we need spiritual guidance from pastors and elders.
- The church needs to hold fast to Christ, to be pure in life and doctrine, and to be of one mind.
- The church is the covenant people of God.
- Contrary to dispensationalism, the called out people of God in all of history compose Christ’s church.
- The New Testament church is now the historical continuation of the people of Israel, the people of God by faith (Rom. 11:16-24).
- The NT rests firmly on the OT scriptures, quoting and relying on them (cf. Gal. 3:8; Gen. 15; 17).
- In the covenant relationship between God and His people, we are the bride of Christ and subjects of the King.
- Jesus is the covenant head in whose life and ministry we see the recapitulation of covenant history.
- The victory of Christ over death is already won; despite skirmishes, the church of Christ will prevail in history.
- The church is Christ’s body of which He is the Head.
- The congregation gathers to hear Christ’s Word preached and to respond in praise and prayer; Christ equips us and sends us out in His power.
- If we reject the covenant head of Christ, we will be lost; we will perish (cf. Heb. 12).
- Christ now reigns in victory as head over His people.
- In the application of redemption, we are sanctified as a body in the fellowship of Christ.
- The application of discipline is to restore an erring one to the body (cf. Eph. 4:11-14).
- The people of God in the body of Christ share in the redemptive renewal of a sin-spoiled creation.
- As the believer is a new creation in Christ, so the body of Christ in the church is renewed in resurrection power.
Application Questions
- Why is the institution of the church important to God’s kingdom economy?
- What is the New Testament expectation regarding the role and importance of the church?
- Which people make up the membership of the church?
- Why is it necessary for the believer to be joined to Christ’s body in the church?
- What benefits does Christ give to the church as its head?
- What is the future of the church given its victory power purchased by Christ on the cross?