MEMORY VERSE: “ And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence.” Colossians 1: 18.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Colossians 1:15-18.
INTRODUCTION
Christ is the Head of the church, which is His Body. Just as the physical body has a functional head, Christ’s position as Head is not negotiable. It is permanent because it pleased the Father that the fullness of the Godhead dwell in Christ.The Body has closely linked members that have unique ability and function as given by God. This network can be likened to the various organs and systems in the physical body.
OUTLINE
- THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST
- ROLE OF CHRIST AS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH
- THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST
The Church is not a location, building, or denomination, it is more than ethnicity, social status or other worldly classification. Rather, the Church consists of people that have repented of their sin, accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ and trusted their salvation to Him. The Church which has Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone “ is built” on the foundation of the apostles and prophets Ephesians 2:20. The Church is the Body of Christ -we are His members, His very Flesh and Bones. Each member is baptised into the Body by the Holy Spirit. There is one Body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; and one God and Father of all Ephesians 4:36. Each member of Christ’s body must relate to other members in love, gentleness and humility to be effective. No one is to think of himself higher than they are or deceive others, rather, they should spend time forgiving, encouraging others.They should pray sincerely for each other when anyone member hurts and rejoice when one member rejoices Romans 12:15 The members of Christ’s body must be firmly united together for the body to function effectively. Ephesians 4:15-16.
2. ROLE OF CHRIST AS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH
Christ who is the Builder of the Church He loves, gives life and nourishment to His Body to ensure all members grow in Him. He unites and gives authority to the Church to perform the mandate given to her. He watches over the Church and promises that the gates of hell will not prevail.
a. Christ gives life to the Church: Christ who is also the Head of the Church; and He is the Saviour of the Body paid the price for our redemption in full. He is the Author of our salvation and at Calvary, a life exchange took place. The adamic nature was crucified, and a new creation (in the divine nature) emerged Galatians 5:24, Colossians 3:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Those who believe and are baptised into the death of Jesus Christ, share in His death by faith. They are also partakers in His resurrection Life, now on earth. We are made kings and priests to His God and Father Revelation 1:6. We have direct access to the throne of grace,through the Blood shed on the Cross of Calvary, we have victory over sin, Satan and the kingdom of darkness, and the world system.
b. Christ sanctifies His Body: Christ cleanses the Church by washing us from our sins in His own blood. Jesus gave all to deliver and sanctify us to Himself by the washing of water by the Word of God Ephesians 5-26. As Head of His Body the Church, Jesus Christ is looking to present His Church to Himself as a glorious Church. He corrects and admonishes till the Church is holy and without blemish at His return at rapture Ephesians 5:27.
c. Christ leads and gives growth: Christ provides leadership to His Church in a loving rather than a domineering way. Christ nourishes and grows His Body by giving the Church ministry workers as gifts to the Body, so that the Church can be edified and grow to maturity Ephesians 4:11-14. Evidence of maturity the members of the Body IS the fruit of the Spirit. Christ, by the Holy Spirit gives direction to the Church Matthew 23:10, Acts 16:6-10, Revelation 2- 3. Each true believer gets their instruction and direction by the indwelling Spirit Romans 8:14.
d. Christ unites the Church and gives her a corporate identity:The Holy Spirit baptises the believers into the Body and supplies the adhesive of love and peace that holds members together. Each member is expected to be fully submitted to Christ as the functional Lord of their life. This means each member acknowledges Christ in all their affairs and does not lean on their own understanding Proverbs 3:5-8. He is Lord in all areas of their life.
e. Christ gives the Church her authority and mandate: Jesus Christ has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. As Head. He has given authority to His body; the Church to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness Matthew 10:1.The Church has authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy Luke 10:19. The Church is called to show the manifold wisdom of God to the world around us Ephesians 3:10. God works to reconcile mankind to Himself through the Church: The Church is given the responsibility of bringing the Good News to all peoples, tribes and nations. In what is termed the Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20.
CONCLUSION
Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body. We have fellowship with the Father as we live united in Christ, regardless of race and culture. 1 Corinthians 11:3.
FURTHER READING
Mon: Ephesians 1:17-18,
Tue: Ephesians 2:16-22,
Wed: Ephesians 3:4- 6, 16-19,
Thurs: Ephesians 4:1-6,
Fri: Ephesians 4:15-16, 22-32,
Sat: Colossians 1:12-23,
Sun: Colossians 3: 12- 17.