The Body of Christ

Introduciton. (Ephesians 1:15-22).

• The church is described as the Christ’s body.

• What does that tell us about its nature?

• What does that tell us about its functioning?

 

I.  We Represent Christ to the World.

A. The apostles were “ambassadors of Christ” (Matt. 10:40; Luke 10:16; 2 Cor. 5:18-20).

B. There was a special sense in which the apostles were “ambassadors” but all Christians are to spread the “word of reconciliation” (1 John 4:16-17).

                                   

II.  We Function as a Unit.

A. Christ is the head and all the parts are joined together (Eph. 4:11-16).

B. All the parts are dependent upon each other (1 Cor. 12:14-27).

C. All the parts have their own special function (Rom. 12:4-8).

 

III.  We Imitate Christ.

A. Christians imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).

B. We strive to think like Christ (Phil 2:5-7).

C. We strive to live like Christ (1 John 2:5-6).

 

IV.  Christ Dwells in Us.

A. Christ dwells in our hearts through faith (Eph. 3:14-17).

B. We become a “dwelling place for God in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:18-22).

 

V. We Are Crucified With Christ.

A. Christ lives in us (Gal. 2:20).

B. We are buried with Him in baptism (Rom. 6:1-8).