Understanding the Foundation of the Church through Peter's Confession
Explore the significance of Peter's confession in Matthew 16:18 as the foundation upon which the church is built. Reflect on the role of believers in connection to the church and the importance of understanding Jesus' identity. Delve into the scriptural basis for the church as a spiritual house and priesthood, highlighting the enduring nature of faith in Christ.
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Presentation Transcript
THE HEALTHY CHURCH SESSION 1: WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
THINK ABOUT THIS What is the church and why is it important for believers to be connected to it?
If a friend or colleague caught you off guard and asked the question, Who do you believe Jesus is? , how would you answer? Has your answer changed over the years as you ve walked with Him? Discuss
MATTHEW 16:16-18 Simon Peter answered, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus responded, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven.
MATTHEW 16:16-18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
1 PETER 2:4-6 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by people but chosen and honored by God you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable
1 PETER 2:4-6 to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and honored cornerstone, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.
ADDING CLARITY Matthew 16:13 20 forms the famous confession on the road to Caesarea Philippi. In response, and only in Matthew s version of the episode, Jesus praised Peter s insight as heaven sent and called him the rock on which He would build His church, promising Peter the keys to the kingdom.
How is Peters statement in Matthew 16:18 the bedrock on which our church and the global Christian church exists? Discuss
Read Ephesians 2:20-22. How is Christ described in relationship to the church? In relationship to our lives? Discuss
How does Christ as the head of the church inform the way you worship? How should it inform our priorities as a congregation? Discuss
2. THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH.
1 TIMOTHY 3:14-16 I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon. But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God s household, which is the church of the living God,
1 TIMOTHY 3:14-16 the pillar and foundation of the truth. And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great:
1 TIMOTHY 3:14-16 He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
Skim through 1 Timothy 3:1-13. How did Paul describe the character qualities of leaders in the church? How do leaders impact the rest of the church? Discuss
What things might a church be tempted to build itself on, other than the foundation of Christ and His truth? How can we guard against being taken off mission in this way? Discuss
What responsibility do the individual members of the church have in protecting and upholding the church? Discuss
What responsibility do believers have for their individual spiritual growth? How is the church responsible to one another in this way? Discuss
3. THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH.
ACTS 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.
ACTS 2:42-47 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple,
ACTS 2:42-47 and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
What were the early believers devoted to? How does this instruct us on where we should give our time and energy now? Discuss
How has the church affected your life and spiritual journey? Discuss
What step could you take this week to engage more authentically with people in our church and group? Discuss
GOSPEL FOCUS THE CHURCH IS GOD S IDEA is Christ s bride, and is empowered through the work of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the head of the church globally and locally. We are called to be a part of a local church body so that we can worship, grow in Christlikeness,
GOSPEL FOCUS THE CHURCH IS GOD S IDEA and serve others as we are empowered by the Spirit. A church that bears witness to Christ in their community through obedience, love, and service can be used to impact lives for God s kingdom purposes.
How does Christ as the head of the church impact the way we relate to our pastoral leaders? How should this impact the way we view changes in leadership throughout a church s life? Reflect
How can we be sure our church is built on the truth of Scripture? How does each member s personal study of God s Word serve and help the congregation as a whole? Reflect
In what ways are individuals in a church community responsible for one another? Reflect
In Acts 2, we get a picture of the church in its infancy. The believers devotion, service, and faithfulness influenced the world. How does our community see Christ through our church s witness? How can we pursue growth in this? Respond
Today weve seen that the church is led by Christ, is built on a foundation of His truth, and serves as a witness to the world. At its heart, the church is full of people worshiping God, Apply
studying His Word, and serving on mission together. What can you do this week to join Christ in His work with renewed vision and enthusiasm? Apply
