Transcript Ecclesiology: the study of the Chruch

Ecclesiology: the study of the
Church
Since the Church is the Bride of
Christ, there is nothing on earth
dearer to the heart of God
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Definition
The German designation kirche, is derived from
the Greek word kuriakon, the neuter
adjective of kurios (“Lord” ), meaning
“belonging to the Lord
church also translates the Greek word
ekklesia, which is derived from ek,
meaning “out of,” and kaleo, which means “to
call,” hence, the church is “a called-out-group.”
 Ekklesia appears 114 times in the New
Testament, 3 times in the gospels, and 111 times in
the epistles. In the gospels it appears only in
Matthew 16:18 and 18:17 in a prophetic sense
 It is used non-technically to describe any meeting
or assembly (Acts 7:38;
19:32), as well as the term2
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Aspects of the Church
Local (visible) church
– Group of believers identified as a local assembly
– Without a building, they met in homes (Romans 16:5 “Also greet the
church in their house” Philemon 2)
– Came together for worship (1 Corinthians 14:25 The secrets of his heart
are disclosed, and in this way he will fall down with his face to the ground
and worship God, declaring, "God is really among you."),
– fellowship (Acts 2:45–46; 4:31Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to
meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and
ate together with glad and sincere hearts,),
– instruction (Acts 2:42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles'
teaching Acts 11:26; 1 Cor. 4:17),
– for ministry (Acts 13:2; 15:3; 20:28).
– The result was that people were continually being saved (Acts 2:47
praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was
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adding to their number every
day
those who were being saved.)
Aspects of the Church
Universal (invisible) Church
– He promised to build it (Matt 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on
this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.)
– All those born of the Spirit and, by the Spirit, placed into the Body of Christ
(1 Cor 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether
Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were all made to drink of the one Spirit.
1 Pet 1:3, 22-25)
– The Body for whom Christ died (Eph 5:24; Acts 20:28 “Watch out for
yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to shepherd the church
blood of his own Son”
of God that he obtained with the
– He is the Head and gives it direction (Ephesians 1:22-23 “And God put all
things under Christ's feet, and he gave him to the church as head over all
things. :23 Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
– Colossians 1:18 “He is the head of the body, the church”
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Formation of the Church
Future in Matt 16:18, I will build my church, and the
gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Manner of formation (1 Cor 12:13, “For in one Spirit we
were all baptized into one body): work of Spirit baptizing
believers into Christ. Eph 1:22-23 identifies Church with Body
of Christ”
Still future in Acts 1:5 “For John baptized with water, but you
will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.“
Began in Acts 2:1-4
Confirmed in Acts 11:15, “as at the beginning”
Church began at Pentecost
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The Purpose of the Church – What
are we supposed to do?
– “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19,20)
– Reiterated in Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45-47 and Acts 1:8
– Spoken by Christ, the Head of the church (Matthew
28:18)
The Command – “Go and make disciples”
– means that we must take the initiative.
– “Make disciples” means “make followers, learners.”
The Means – “Baptizing, Teaching”
– “Baptizing” – Public identification with Christ
– “Teaching to obey” – Learning the scripture for the
purpose of applying it
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Figures of the Church
Body: illustrates unity and universality. Christ is the Head (Eph
1:22-3) Who gives diversity of gifts (members) (1 Cor 12:13)
and gifted leadership to mature her (Eph 4:11-16).
Bride (Eph 5:23) Illustrates the great affect of Christ and the
exalted position of the Church.
Building: the wall of separation abolished between Jew and
Gentile (Eph 2:11-18); Foundation laid by apostles (2:20); Each
piece is fitted together (2:21); Grows as under construction (1
Pet 2:5)
Priesthood: 2 Pet 2:5,9; Rev 1:9 As priests we can intercede
with boldness (Heb 4:14-16) and be dedicated to service
Flock: Relationship of trust and fellowship (Jn 10:26-27; Acts
20:28; 1 Pet 5:3). The flock is ever growing, Jn 10:16.
Branches: Christ is the root, believers are the branches in Jn
15:1-16, which shows vital union with Christ
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Image as Body of Christ
Christ is the HEAD of the Body (Col 1:18; Eph 1:10)
= Authority to direct and control (Col 2:9-10)
= Nourishment of motivation and security (Col 2:19)
INTERCONNECTION of believers: building up, serving
and mutual sharing
FELLOWSHIP of believers in commitment and love
(benefiting others)
UNIFIED Body– Corinth was a divided church (1 Cor
11:17-19)
UNIVERSAL Body—All believers everywhere are united
(Col 3:11)
EXTENSION of Christ’s ministry– through Great
Commission (Mt 28:18), even greater scale (Jn 14:12)
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Distinction in the church
Distinct from Israel: The Church is neither
the continuation of, nor synonymous with
Israel (Acts 3:12; 4:8, 10; 5:21, 31, 35; 21:19).
See also 1 Cor 10:32.
Distinct from the Kingdom:
– Universal Kingdom: Christ rules the universe (Psa
103:19; 139:7-10)
– Kingdom on earth (Matt 6:10– the prayer of
believers)
– Kingdom of heaven (occurs 32 times in Matthew)
refers to the heaven-reign of God throughout ages
– All are distinct from
any parallel with the Church
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Functions of the local church
Worship
 Proskuneo, which means “to bow down” or “prostrate”
 Latreuo has a basic meaning of “priestly service” of sacrifice
(Rom 12:1)
 Sebomai means “to reverence or fear God” (1 Tim. 2:10; 5:4; 2
Pet. 1:3; 3:11)
Instruction: for maturity (2 Tim. 3:16–17); antidote to false
doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3); produces love (1 Tim. 1:5); spiritual
nourishment (1 Tim. 4:6); godliness (1 Tim. 4:6–16);
submission (1 Tim. 5:17; 6:2); and a proper focus on life (1
Tim. 6:17). in order to reproduce himself (2 Tim. 2:2; cf. 1 Tim.
4:14, 16; 6:20).
Fellowship– koinonia: “sharing, participate”. Acts 2:42,
sharing of goods(Ro 15:26); prayer (Acts 4:24-31)
Ministry: evangelism and mutual service (“one another”)
Organization: Leadership responsible were elders and
deacons
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Ordinances: Baptism and
Lord’s Supper
A local church purpose statement
STATEMENT: To Glorify God by Reaching people with
the gospel, Building them in their relationship with God
and Involving them in God’s plan
– To “Glorify God” is the overall purpose. The Bible says "
Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians
10:31 NIV).
– Building (Acts 11:22-26; Ephesians 4:11-16) “Building” refers to
the spiritual process of God bringing the growth and change that
we need in our lives. How can a church help to encourage that
work of God?
– Involvement (Acts 11:27-30; Ephesians 4:11,12)
Sometimes people in churches assume that ministry is the job of
paid professionals – the pastors and staff. It’s not.
God has called every believer to be involved in ministry.
He has given every person certain “spiritual gifts” – supernatural
abilities to serve/help others in some way.
Instead of leaders doing most of the ministry, their real role is to
equip people for ministry
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Leaders of the local church:
Elders – Pastors
Terms used:
– Presbyters, presbuteros, 69 times in NT, “mature”– dignity of office
– Overseer, episkopos, 6 times in NT, “watch over”– function of office
Qualifications: 15 qualities (1 Tim 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9)
– Character, Family, Relationships, Ministry capable, Maturity
Duties. The duties of the elder involve shepherding the
flock (Acts 20:28), teaching (1 Tim. 3:2), ruling or general
leadership (1 Tim. 5:17), and guarding against error (Tit.
1:9).
Number. A plurality of elders is mentioned frequently
(Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1; Tit. 1:5), though one is leader or
spokesman (Acts 15).
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Deacons
Term used: diaconos, “minister” or “servant”
Office: Highly suggested in Acts 6:1-6 where 7
were appointed to facilitate the ministry of apostles
or church leaders by relieving them of material
obligations.
Qualifications: 8 characteristics, mostly similar to
elders.
Deaconesses?: Rom 16:1 appears to be a
descriptive term, rather than a specific office. In
the context of 1 Tim 3:11, the term is “women,”
gunaikas, 8 of 11 times in NT is clearly “wives”.
Women’s ministry and requirements given in 1 Tim
5:9-16.
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Government of the local church
Episcopal: led by episkopos, “bishop” (Methodists,
Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic). Arose in 2nd cent,
based on image of James and Timothy/Titus
Presbyterian: led by presbuteros, “elder”,
(Presbyterian and Reform) elected representatives of
congregation with one teaching elder (1 Tim 5:17)
and Acts 11:30; 15:2, 4; 20:17
Congregational: led by consensus opinion based
on two principles: autonomy and democracy (Baptist,
Bible, Congregational, Independent). Based on
Priesthood of all believers, congregations elected
deacons (Acts 6:1-6) and elders (Acts 14:23); church
decided on discipline (1 Cor 5:12; 2 Cor 2:6-7); sent
out missionaries (ActsSurvey
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etc.
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Evaluation of church government
Episcopalian is based on apostolic
continuity, which has no biblical basis (Mt
16:18-19) rather was unique to them
(Luke 9:1)
Presbyterian has support in appearance
of multiple elders, but no external
authority
Congregational finds its support in the
many congregational decisions called for.
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Two “Ordinances” of the church
Terms:
– Sacrament, “sacred sign”, implies a mysterious quality.
– Ordinance “is a physical ritual prescribed by Christ
to illustrate a spiritual reality
Catholics have held to seven sacraments:
– Baptism (sprinkling), the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper),
confirmation, penance, extreme unction, holy orders, and
marriage.
– Only six are possible because either Orders
(priesthood) or Marriage, but not both.
Lord’s Supper: Do you part-take of Christ or
remember His sacrifice?
Baptism: What does it symbolize and does it effect
anything?
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Why only two ordinances?
Only these two are specifically
prescribed by Christ and clearly
practiced by the early church.
Only these two symbolize the saving
work of Christ.
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What do they have to do with a
person’s salvation?
Practicing these “symbols” in no way
saves or even helps a person have eternal
salvation
– Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you are saved
through faith, and this is not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God; 9 it is not from works, so
that no one can boast.
These ordinances are meaningful only to a
person who has already personally trusted
Christ for salvation.
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First Ordinance: Lord’s Supper
This ordinance is a command
– (“Do this” – 1 Corinthians 11:24,25)
– to be practiced regularly (“as often as” – 1 Corinthians
11:25,26)
– throughout this church age (“proclaim the Lord’s
death until He comes” – 1 Corinthians 11:26).
The Meaning: The Lord’s Supper is a memorial
to Christ’s saving work on the cross.
– The bread represents Christ’s substitutionary death in
our place (“for you” – Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians
11:24).
– The cup represents Christ’s fulfilling of the old
covenant sacrifice system (“the new covenant in my
blood” – Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25).
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4-views of the Lord’s Supper
Transubstantiation, “change of substance”
(RCC)
Consubstantiation, “with substance” on
consumption (Lutheran)
Reformed view: emphasize the “spiritual
presence of Christ” in the elements imparting a
form of grace to recipient.
Memorial view: Elements are figurative only,
objects to provoke an image of Christ’s real
sacrifice. The focus is memory (1 Cor 11:25-26);
proclaiming His death (11:26)
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The Method:
The early Church’s form
– - The love feast (a shared meal – 1 Corinthians
11:20-22)
– - The elements (a shared loaf and cup – 1
Corinthians 11:23-25).
– - Done weekly as the church gathered (“breaking of
bread” – Acts 20:7,11).
The basic function is required
– The Lord’s Supper should be practiced regularly by
churches using similar symbols with the identical
significance Christ gave them.
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Second Ordinance : Baptism
Definition: The use of water to symbolize outwardly
the inner spiritual change that took place when we
trusted Christ as Savior
Views of baptism:
1.
2.
3.
Means of saving grace – “Baptismal regeneration”
Sign and seal of covenant – Covenant theology
Symbol of our salvation – Memorial
Mode of baptism
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pouring or affusion: an allowed method in 2nd Cent
Sprinkling or aspersion from analogy of OT ritual cleansing in
Temple (Num 8:5-7)
Immersion from baptizo, “to dip, immerse” which best visualizes
Romans 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with him through
baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the
dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life.
Infant baptism is suppose to replace circumcision in new covenant
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Purposes of the church
Evangelism: a going to others with good news (Mt
28:19), practiced by all (Acts 8:4), resulting in many
believers (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 8:12)
Fellowship: commitment to believers in church (Ro
12:5, 10, 16; 13:8) in unity (Acts 2:46; 4:31)
Teaching: essential to edification and maturity (Acts
11:26; 15:35; 2 Ti 2:2; He 5:12)
Worship: To love God with all, heart, soul, mind (Mt
22:37); church prayed (Ac 12:5); read Scripture (Ac
4:24); Singing (Eph 5:19)
Service to others: 41 commands are to be done to
“one another”; spiritual gifts give purpose (1 Co 12-14)
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Church Discipline
Principle of Discipline Defined
– Evangelism ministers to those outside the church in
bondage to sin
– Edification is designed to build up the believers
– Discipline is part of the edification process which
ministers to believers who are dominated by some
area of sin so they can experience liberation from its
power through fellowship with Christ
Definition: “The confrontive and corrective
measures taken by an individual, church
leaders, or the congregation regarding a matter
of sin in the life of a believer”
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Pattern and Basis for Discipline
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Lord Himself disciplines His children (Heb 12:6
"For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and
chastises every son he accepts.")
Based on the Holy Character of God (Heb 12:11
Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful.
But later it produces the fruit of peace and
righteousness for those trained by it.)
Based on the divine command of Scripture (1
Timothy 5:20 Those guilty of sin must be rebuked
before all, as a warning to the rest.)
The Testimony of the church in the world (1 Peter
4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with
the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be
the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of
God?)
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Purposes of Church Discipline
1.
2.
3.
4.
To restore, heal or build up sinning believers Matt
18:15 "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault
when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you
have regained your brother.”
To produce a healthy faith 1 Timothy 1:20 Among
these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed
over to Satan to be taught not to
To set an example for the rest of the Body and
promote godly fear 1 Tim 5:20 Those guilty of sin
must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the rest.
To silent false teachers blaspheme. Titus 1:13 Such
testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply
that they may be healthy in the faith
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Four Loses for Failure to Discipline:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Loss of Purity: 1 Corinthians 5:6 … Don't you know
that a little yeast affects the whole batch of dough? :7
Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new
batch of dough--…
Loss of Power: Joshua 7: sin of Achan
Loss of Progress: Revelation 2:5 Therefore,
remember from what high state you have fallen and
repent! Do the deeds you did at the first; if not, I will
come to you and remove your lampstand from its
place--that is, if you do not repent.
Loss of Purpose: 1 Peter 1:14 Like obedient children,
do not comply with the evil urges you used to follow in
your ignorance, :15 but, like the Holy One who called
you, become holy yourselves in all of your conduct,
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Practice of Church Discipline:
The Manner
1.
2.
3.
4.
Must be done by those who are “spiritual” (Gal 6:1 …
if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are
spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness.)
Must be done in a spirit of humility, gentleness and
patience (Gal 6:1… restore such a person in a spirit of
gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that
you are not tempted too.)
Must be done without bias, or spirit of partiality (1
Timothy 5:21 Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect
angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these
commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.
Must admonish, warn and appeal in love to those
who walk “disorderly” 1 Thess 5:14 “And we urge you,
brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined,…” 2
Tim 4:2, “…reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete
patience and instruction.”
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Practice of Church Discipline:
The Manner
5.
6.
7.
Must rebuke publicly and withhold from fellowship
if no response: 2 Thess 3:6 But we command you, to
keep away from any brother who lives an undisciplined
life and not according to the tradition you received from
us.
Must excommunicate if no response to church
discipline Matt 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them,
tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church,
treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector.
Must be ready to forgive, comfort and reafirm the
repentant 2 Cor 2:6 This punishment on such an
individual by the majority is enough for him, :7 so that
now instead you should rather forgive and comfort him.
This will keep him from being overwhelmed by
excessive grief to the point of despair.
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Reasons for Church Discipline
General Causes
– Disorderly conduct, conduct out of line with
commands of Scriptures which negatively impact the
testimony of Scriptures (2 Thess 3:6-15)
Specific Causes
– Difficulties between members (Matt 18:15-17)
– Divisive people causing divisions in the church (Rom
16:17-18)
– Immoral conduct: 1 Cor 5:1, 11; 2 Thes 3:10-15
include incest, immorality, covetousness, idolatry,
abusive speech, drunkenness, swindling or idle
busybodies who refuse to work but spread dissension
– False teaching that concern the fundamental of the
faith – not lesser differences of interpretation (1 Tim
1:20; 2 Tim 2:17-18)
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Procedures for Church Discipline
1.
Seek Private Correction and/or Reconciliation with offender (Mat
18:15)
Express genuine appreciation for the person
Listen to the other person’s side and seek the facts
If the person fails to respond, warn them that you will have to get
others as witnesses
2.
Take witnesses to strengthen the effect of discipline, preferably
spiritual leaders so it can be firmly proven and established (Mat
18:16-17; 1 Tim 5:19).
If no results, then warn that further action will be taken providing
occasion for serous rebuke (2 Tim 4:2)
3.
Seek reconciliation and restoration through the whole body (Matt
18:17; 2 Thess 3:14-15; 1 Tim 5:20)
The body is to exercise group disapproval by way of social ostracism
If ineffective, the church is to exercise excommunication: removal
from the church membership, loss of voting privileges, and ostracized
(1 Cor 5:4)
There is heavenly action that coincides with this church action! (Mat
18:18-19)
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Procedures for Restoration
Forgiveness
– Accepting the person and forgetting the past (2 Cor
2:7a)
– How do we know when genuine?
Luke 3:8, when they “…bring forth fruits in keeping with
repentance”
Acts 26:20, “…that they should repent and turn to God,
performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”
Freely acknowledge his sin (1 Jn 1:9; Prov 28:13a)
Cease activity for which he was disciplined, or seek help if
problem was a life dominating pattern (Prov 28:13a; Gal 6:1;
Jam 5:19-20)
Make restitution or ask forgiveness from those hurt (Phil 1819; Mat 5:23-24)
Demonstrate a genuine change of heart, godly sorrow for
actions because of harm to glory of God and hurt to others (2
Cor 7:8-11)
Begin to manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22)
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Procedures for Restoration
Comfort
– Reaching out to them, assuring them of your support,
encouraging, exhorting and challenging them to move
on (2 Cor 2:7b)
Love
– Means including them, drawing them close, doing
whatever will help their recovery (2 Cor 2:8)
– Encouraging them to get involved in ministry to others
(Luke 22:31-32)
– For leadership, there should be a time of testing to
demonstrate their qualifications (1 Tim 3:10)
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