Group Notes | January 14

Our Response to Christ’s Church
January 14, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

When you were young, did you find it easy to obey, usually doing what you were told, or were you constantly finding it difficult to submit to authority? Can you share?

Last week we looked at the institution of the church—the cohesive body of believers that Christ established as a method to spread the good news of salvation available through Him. We learned what He planned for the church and how it is to function. Now we ask ourselves, “How do we respond?” Let’s look at the responsibilities of believers as we come together in small or large groups, in order to change our world.

Focal Passage: Ephesians 2:19: “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

Discuss:

Background

Last week we learned:

  • The Church is God-ordained, instituted by Him to preach the gospel (Matt. 16:18).
  • The Church is not a building or an organization, it’s YOU! Individuals are the church.
  • Jesus is the Head of the Church, (Eph. 1:22, 23)
  • Jesus gave a plan for the Church, (Acts 2:42-47)
  • Jesus gave us the keys to the Church, (Matt. 28:18-20)

We can see that God ordained the church and we should have a much clearer idea of the importance of it. Now, what are our responsibilities?

We are required to carry out His plan

  1. Read Matthew 28:18-20. Who did Christ give the job of spreading the gospel to? Does this apply to today’s churches? Why?
  2. Did He suggest this commitment, or give it as a directive, expecting believers to be obedient? Going back to the Ice Breaker, do you find it difficult to serve in your church, or does it excite you? Share your heart.
  3. Why do you think church members leave it to the pastor and staff? What three words are important in verse 19? 

We are required to serve within the church

  1. Read Romans 12:4-5. What is the analogy in these verses that is compared to the church? How do you see yourself as a member of a church body, just as your fingers or toes are functioning members of your own body?
  2. Read 1 Peter 4:10 and Romans 12:6-8. What is the charge here?

We are required to baptize believers

  1. Read Matt. 28:19b. Why do we baptize? Why did Christ set us an example to follow, when He was baptized by John?
  2. What does it symbolize? Is this a suggestion or commandment?

We are required to remember how Christ established the church

  1. What is the second ordinance the church is told to perform, in remembrance of Christ’s death on the cross? Read 1 Cor. 11:23-26.
  2. Both ordinances are holy. However, what are we told in verses 27-30?

We are required to pray that the world would believe

  1. 12:12, Eph. 1:18, 6:18, and Phil. 4:6 are just a few of the hundreds of verses on prayer. Why is that communication so important to your spiritual life and what does it mean in the lives of others?

 

Close

It is incredible to think that God gave frail, sinful humans the task of seeking out the lost in this world, and presenting them with the gospel. One feels the listener could turn and say, “But you used to ____!” This gives you an even greater reason to tell the story of your changed life—not yet perfect, not complete, but always striving for the goal that God has set before you. One of the responsibilities you have as a Christian is to be part of a local body of believers who come together to worship, praise, and pray (Heb. 10:24, 25). Would you pray the more earnestly if you knew that it was only by your prayers that someone you love would be saved? Yes, without a doubt you would be constant in coming before God on their behalf! The obligations laid on you for serving your Lord are contained in the Scriptures in today’s sermon. Write those on 3×5 cards, memorize them, and recognize that your job is to love the Lord your God first and foremost, and love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. If you do these two things, you will find yourself serving and being effective in your church, your community, and your world.

Key Verse: Colossians 1:18 (NKJV): “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 preeminence.”

 

 

 

 

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