Chapter One
The Church
The Church Is Christ's Body
The church is made up of all people who have been given new
life by the Spirit of God-people of many denominations, races,
and nations. Though scattered throughout the world, we are
united in one body with Jesus Christ and with one another.
Every born-again believer is a member of God's family, and is
our brother or sister in Christ.
1. Colossians 1:15-20 is a description of Jesus Christ's superiority.
Read verse 18. What is Christ's position in the church?
2. What fact about Christ is mentioned in Colossians 1:19?
3. According to Ephesians 1:7, what has Christ obtained for us
through his death?
4. What is the evidence that we are born of God, and are therefore
God's children and members of his church? (1 John 4:7-8)
5. What do we learn in Romans 12:4-5 about all believers?
6. Read in 1 Corinthians 12:14-27 about how each believer is
given different but important responsibilities in the church.
Who gave the members these various responsibilities? (verse
18)
Is every member of this spiritual body important? (verses 19-21)
Why or why not?
7. To what extent are we affected by the sufferings or blessings
experienced by any other Christian, according to 1 Corinthians
12:26? (Check the best answer.)
Very little, unless we know the other person well.
We are always affected, because we are members of the
same spiritual body.
It could affect us, but we are supposed to concentrate on
our own lives.
8. What is every Christian's responsibility, according to 1 Peter
4:10?
The Local Church
The New Testament depicts the local church as a group of believers
in a certain place, banded together for instruction, fellowship,
worship, and service.
9. What do we learn in Romans 16:5 and 1 Corinthians 16:19
about the kinds of buildings the New Testament believers
met in?
10. Acts 2:42-47 describes the way of life in the very first church
in Jerusalem. From verse 42, list four things which these first
Christians considered important.
11. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 we see God's desire for the local church
Write out this verse in your own words.
The Pastor
A pastor or minister is a shepherd or spiritual leader of a local
church. His responsibility is to nurture and train these believers.
12. In Jeremiah 3:15, what do we learn about what God intends
for his "shepherds" to do?
13. Read Ephesians 4:11-16. In addition to the prophets and
apostles, who is responsible for building up the local church?
(verse 11)
How is their job described? (verse 12)
What is the ultimate goal of this Christian service? (verse 13)
14. Acts 20:17-38 describes a moving farewell talk from Paul to
the leaders of the church in Ephesus. Read especially verse 28.
How did Paul describe these church leaders?
Who gave them their position?
What is their responsibility?
15. Read 1 Peter 5:2-3. How should church leaders accept their
responsibility? (Check two best answers.)
Out of a sense of obligation.
Eagerly, as appointed by God.
With the desire to be an example and a servant to others.
Considering the financial benefits as well as the
opportunity for service.
Until they can get someone else to take it.
16. What reward from Christ is promised in 1 Peter 5:4 to those
leaders who serve as faithful shepherds of those under their
care?
Our Responsibility
17. What are we told not to neglect in Hebrews 10:25?
18. How much importance should we place on maintaining
unity with other believers? (Ephesians 4:3)
19. Look at the qualities listed in Ephesians 4:2. How do you
think our obedience to this command would help maintain
unity?
20. According to Galatians 6:6, who should support those who
provide spiritual instruction for us?
21. According to Hebrews 13:7, how should we respond to our
spiritual leaders? (Check the best answer.)
By listening to their teaching and encouraging others to
come and hear them.
By imitating everything they do.
By observing their lives and following their example of
faith.
22. Read Paul's request for prayer in Colossians 4:3-4. Summarize
what we can learn from this verse about praying for our spiritual
leaders.
23. Prayerfully review your answers in this chapter. What is the
most profitable lesson you have learned, and what practical
step can you take to make it part of your life?
(Continues.)
