The Church Can Be Built Up VS The Church Cannot Be Built Up
• Matt 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
• Matt 16:18-19 "I will build My church...I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven."
• Eph 2:22 "In whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in spirit."
|
Item |
The Church Can Be Built Up |
The Church Cannot Be Built Up |
|---|---|---|
|
Meaning |
The church is built up under the reality and authority of the kingdom, with substantial content and life |
The church lacks the reality of the kingdom, becoming an empty form |
|
Distinctions |
• Has kingdom life and reality as content • Operates under authority • Has building power |
• Lacks kingdom content • Lacks authority implementation • Cannot produce genuine building |
|
Explanation |
When believers: 1. Live in kingdom reality 2. Under kingdom authority 3. Coordinate together corporately 4. Build up one another |
When believers: 1. Not in kingdom life 2. Not submitting to authority 3. Individualistic 4. Acting independently |
|
Examples |
• Peter and apostles building church in one accord • Early church sharing all things in common • Serving one another in love |
• Corinthian church divided in parties • Focusing on gifts without love • Individualistic practices |
|
Application |
• Exercise living in kingdom reality • Submit to spiritual authority • Participate in church life and coordination |
• Need to repent and turn • Learn to submit to authority • Put aside self-will |
|
Relationship between the Two |
They are opposites: genuine church building can only occur with kingdom reality; without kingdom reality, genuine building is impossible |
|
|
Related Scripture |
• Rom 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." • Col 2:19 "Holding the Head...the Body...grows with the growth of God." • Eph 4:15-16 "Holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, Christ." |
|
Additional Notes:
- 1. The reality of the kingdom and church building are inseparable
- 2. Without kingdom reality, church building cannot proceed
- 3. Kingdom life produces church life; they complement each other
- 4. In practice, we need to:
-
- * Exercise living in kingdom reality
- * Submit to spiritual authority
- * Practice the Body life
- * Focus on life growth
*Please refer to October 2024 International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones
General Subject: Living in the Reality of the Kingdom of God Week 3: The Kingdom and the Church
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