what does it mean to be a “member” of the body of christ? to be a “member” of the lord’s...
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Otherwise, it would be wrong to claim His name! But as the “bride of Christ,” one can legitimately wear the name “Christian” (following or belonging to Christ). However, there are some aspects of this “marriage” that must be considered: How does one enter this covenant bond? What are the obligations and responsibilities of it? But as the “bride of Christ,” one can legitimately wear the name “Christian” (following or belonging to Christ). However, there are some aspects of this “marriage” that must be considered: How does one enter this covenant bond? What are the obligations and responsibilities of it?TRANSCRIPT
What does it mean to be a “Member” of the Body
of Christ?
To be a “Member” of the Lord’s
Church/Body (Eph.1:22-23) is to
be Married to Christ.
Otherwise, it would be wrong to claim His name!
But as the “bride of Christ,” one can legitimately wear the name “Christian” (following or belonging to Christ). However, there are some aspects of this “marriage” that must be considered:
• How does one enter this covenant bond?• What are the obligations and
responsibilities of it?
How do we become “married” to Christ? Ephesian 5:22-27• Christ “gave Himself up”- v.25
We must be willing to do likewise, Lk.14:25-27. One cannot be “married” unless self
ownership is surrendered, cf. 1Cor.7:4 > 6:19-20.
• He sanctified (set apart, dedicated)- v.26aWe must therefore be set apart, 1Pet.2:9-
12; and dedicated to His spiritual service, Rom.12:1.
• He provided cleansing by washing, v.26bSo we must become “clean”, Titus 3:5-7
As with any marriage, physical or spiritual,
blessings & benefits do not come without obligations &
responsibilities:> Respect Him as the proper Head, vv.23-24Obviously, this requires submission, v.22.But it also requires desire to please, 5:10
> Total Faithfulness, vv.27,31Unwilling to commit adultery, Rom.7:1-6;
2Tim.4:10; Rev.2:4; 2Pet.2:20-22
> Love Him and His, vv.1-2, 30-31We marry into Christ’s family! 4:1-2 > 15-16
As with any marriage, physical or spiritual,
blessings & benefits do not come without obligations &
responsibilities:> Say and do things pleasing to Him, vv.9-10As in 4:17 - 5:21, rather than saying and doing what pleases self.
> Be willing to die for Him as He did for us, v.25Spiritually, as in Gal.2:20 and 6:14.Physically, as in Heb.12:4; Rev.2:10; 1Pet.4:13
> Bear Fruit! vv.24,27It’s part of the point of marriage! 4:16; Gal.5:22ff Rom.7:4
Are you really “married” to Christ,
or just attempting to stay with Him from time to time as suits you in
some sort of unsanctified
relationship in which you desire all the
benefits of marriage without the
responsibilities of it?
Some might call that “living
in sin”!
I would agree.
