1. From these verses we learn God's will on a variety of important subjects. 2. For one thing, Paul wrote in detail about the responsibilities of wives and husbands. 3. However, according to vs.32, Paul actually wrote about the relationship between Christ and the church. 4. In our lesson we are studying a number of passages that reveal 3 basic principles relating to "the glorious church" mentioned in vs.27. Discussion: I. FIRST, THE GLORIOUS CHURCH IS THE LORD'S BODY
A. The church is identified as the Lord's body in Ephesians 1:22-23. B. Unfortunately, many people are confused about how many bodies and churches there are, but the Scriptures clear up any confusion that exists. 1. Ephesians 4:4 plainly states: "There is one body." 2. Also, in Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, "I will build my church." C. Being a member of the Lord's body is very important because we are reconciled to God in the one body (Ephesians 2:14-16). II. SECOND, CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE GLORIOUS CHURCH
A. Christ is identified as the head of the church in Ephesians 1:22-23. B. In addition to being the head of the church, Christ has all preeminence (Colossians 1:18). C. As the head of His church, Christ has a special relationship with it that is compared to the husband-wife relationship (Ephesians 5:22-33). 1. Christ is "the head of the church" and "the savior of the body" (vs.23). 2. He "loved the church and gave Himself for it" (vs.25; Acts 20:28). D. To be the Lord's church we must be "subject unto Christ" (vs.24) and submit to His authority (Colossians 3:17). III. THIRD, THE GLORIOUS CHURCH [THE LORD'S BODY] IS COMPOSED OF MEMBERS
A. The members of the Lord's church are identified in Ephesians 5:30; 1:1. B. Additional passages include: 1. Romans 12:4-5 2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27. C. According to 1 Corinthians 12:13, the members of the body [the church] have been baptized into it. 1. This what the people in Ephesus did (Acts 19:5). 2. This harmonizes with Acts 2:38, 41, 47. D. We learn from Ephesians 4:16 that each member is to contribute his/her part to the edifying of the body. Conclusion:
1. We have studied passages to help us learn about the glorious church. 2. To be the Lord's glorious church today we must follow His plan as it is revealed in the Bible. 3. Have you complied with the Lord's will so He can add you to His glorious church?
