Does Jesus have Concerns for the Church?

JESUS’ CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH

“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

The Lord Jesus was always about His Father’s business. The main business of the Heavenly Father in the world today is the Church.

49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Let us consider today how the Lord Jesus was concerned about the Church.

I. The Lord Jesus was concerned about the purchase of the Church.

He (Jesus) purchased it by giving Himself: In , Paul tells the church in Ephesus, “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.”

25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her

He (Jesus) purchased the Church by shedding His precious blood for it: “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.”

II. The Lord Jesus was concerned about the foundation of the Church.

Jesus is the sure foundation: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.”

Jesus is the Chief Corner Stone: “Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.”

Jesus is the stone from Zion: “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.”

III. The Lord Jesus is concerned about the endurance of the Church.

The Church is built on stable pillars: “In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews.”

9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews.

The Church is built on the ground of truth: “so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

The Church is built so that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it: “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

IV. The Lord Jesus is concerned about the care of the Church.

The Apostle Paul recognized the importance of caring for the Church: In , Paul tells us: “Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.”

28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.

The minister of the Gospel is to take care of the Church:

V. The Lord Jesus is concerned about the doctrine of the Church.

Those in the Church are to reject strange, selfish, doctrine (ideas): “So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.”

Those in the Church are to recognize that strange doctrine is deceitful: “Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.”

Those who are in the Church are to speak and live sound doctrine: “As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.”

VI. The Lord Jesus is concerned about the members of the Church.

The members have been set in the Church: “But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.”

18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.

The members of God’s Church (US, WE, YOU AND I) do not have the same offices (RESPONSIBILITIES) ” : “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,”

4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,

The members are advised concerning the life that they should live. Paul is teaching and leading Titus to teach all of us how we are to be living. “11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”

Are we living the way God has instructed us to live?

11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, Are we living the way God has instructed us to live?

VII. The Lord Jesus is concerned about the prayer life of the Church.

The Church, God’s House is the house of prayer: “He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” How would we be rated in our church?

The Church is to be involved in prayer without ceasing: “But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.”

5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

Without Ceasing? Who does these prayers apply to in our world? Family, friends, opportunities, neighbors, communities, world leaders, our government, enemies, strangers, church members, bus drivers, teachers, law enforcement officers, the list goes on and on.

VIII. The Lord Jesus is concerned about the ministry of the Church.

The pastor is to lead the Church: “11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

The pastor is to recognize the gifts in the Church: “Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.”

28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.

The pastor is to preach so that souls may be added to the Church: “all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”

47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

The pastor is to preach so that the Lord Jesus may present the Church to the Heavenly Father as a spotless assembly: “He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.”

27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.

Adapted from Clyde C. Cox

AMEN

Clyde C. Cox, “Jesus’ Concern for the Church,” in Heart-Stirring Sermon Outlines, Dollar Sermon Library Series