Church Membership
The Doctrine of the Church - Lesson # 6
I. The concept
A. Rom. 12:3-8 - explain
B. 1 Cor. 12:12-31 - explain
C. What significance would these passages have on the use of diverse talent within a congregation?
D. Some reasons for church membership rather than solitary Christians
1. We are social beings with social needs - Gen. 2:18
2. We need help in the struggle against temptation
3. We need those with whom we can be in visible relationship in order to express our fellowship with the invisible God - 1 Jn. 4:12, 19-21.
4. Can you think of other reasons?
II. Obligations of church membership
A. To the head, Christ - Eph. 1:20-23
B. To church leaders - Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 5:17-18
C. To other members, one another - Heb. 10:24-25; Rom. 12:15; Gal. 6:10; Jn. 13:34-35; 1 Thess. 5:14-15
1. Since we are a part of the body as a member, how should we talk about the body of Christ when speaking to outsiders?
2. Since every Christian is a member, should we speak of the church as "they" or "we"?
3. If one's body has a disease or an infected part, what should be done? What should be done with the spiritual body in such a circumstance?
4. Some people think of their church membership as being wherever their "letter" is. Think of this under the analogy of a body with its various parts or members. Does it make sense?
D. To non-members - 1 Pet. 2:9; Mt. 28:18-20
III. How does one become a member?
A. What is the significance of being "in Christ"? - 2 Cor. 5:17, 21; Gal. 3:26-28; Rom. 8:1
B. How does one get "into" Christ? - Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:26-27
IV. What are the privileges or benefits of membership? - Eph. 1:3; 5:23; 2 Tim. 2:10
V. Memory verse - 1 Cor. 12:27