Lecture Notes: Building and the Body of Christ

Recap from Last Week

• Series: Partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light
• Focus: Preeminence of Jesus Christ over his church
• Challenge: Rise as the true church and defend the gospel

The Building and the Body of Christ

• Responsibility: Recognize our role if things aren't right
• Metaphors: Church as God's building and body
  • Foundation: Critical part of the building; Salvation is essential
  • Identity: Only known through an encounter with Christ
  • Participation: Understanding our role in the body

New Birth Experience

1. Enjoy Life with God: Relationship and fellowship
   • John 14:6 - Jesus as the way, truth, and life
2. New Perspectives: Understanding the kingdom and spiritual clarity
3. New Realm: Learning kingdom values and virtues

Scripture Focus: Matthew 16

• Jesus' Identity: Revealed by divine revelation
• Foundation of the Church: Jesus as the foundation
  • 1 Corinthians 3:11: Christ as the only foundation
• Gospel of Christ: Death, burial, and resurrection
  • 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: Power of salvation

Building on the Foundation

• Ephesians 2:19-22: Apostles are not the foundation
• Chief Cornerstone: Jesus as the standard
  • Importance of Alignment: Correct foundation is crucial

The Role of Ministers

• Responsibilities: Lay the correct foundation, teach sound doctrine
• Building Materials: Gold, silver, costly stones vs. wood, hay, straw
  • Testing by Fire: Quality of teaching and life will be tested

Sound Doctrine

• Paul’s Example to Timothy: Preach the word in season
• Qualities of a Sound Church: Titus 2:1-15
  • Behavior of Older Men and Women: Reverent, sober, temperate
  • Young Men and Women: Discreet, chaste, obedient
  • Servants: Obedient, faithful
• Grace of God: Teaches to live soberly, righteously

Conclusion and Prayer

• Call to Action: Align lives with Christ, offer acceptable sacrifices
• Prayer: For grace to stand, teach sound doctrine, and align with God's will