Lesson 26
2:21-22 The church as a building!
Focus here is the whole structure that is being constructed on the foundation of Christ, on the doctrine taught by the apostles and prophets, that became the Canon of Scripture;
Those in Christ, "living stones" are "being fitted together";
"is growing into a holy temple in the Lord."
But there is something else; "you, Eph believers, as living stones, are being built together into [
eij] a dwelling of God, in the Spirit."
Point here: Each believer has an important role and as they grow and advance spiritually they will be prepared to fulfill that role.
The H/S is the agent of the building process, beginning with His convicting ministry; to regeneration at the point of faith in Christ; making us alive in Christ, so that we're living stones; enters us into Christ and therefore putting us into the building; through His illuminating, and teaching ministry He is clearly instrumental in our spiritual growth.
Some applications of the metaphor of the building!
1. Since God is the master architect, the placement or function of the stones in the building is by His choice.
2. We are placed into this bldg. into a position in relationship to Christ. [in Him
3. There is a linking together of the stones, an interdependence, each one has an important part in the overall structure being built.
4. The stones of the building are shaped and skillfully placed, not to draw attention to themselves, but to contribute to this dwelling place of God.
5. This placing of each stone in the building began on the day of Pentecost, when 3000+ responded to Peter's message, and continues each time someone believes, all the way down through history to the Rapture.
Where do we build our Doctrine, our understanding of truth on?