Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-19
Christ: The Head of the Church
Intro.
1. Eph. 1:20-23: Head: “metaph. anything supreme, chief, prominent.” (Thayer)
2. Christians are the church, the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27).
3. Affects how we live and whether we are saved, Col. 3:17.
I. IT HAD BEEN PREDICTED, Psa. 118:21-24.
A. Would be (was) Rejected by Men, 118:22 (Acts 4:11); Matt. 21:33-45.
1. Salvation is only in Him, Acts 4:12.
2. Will you reject Him?
B. God made Him the Chief Cornerstone, Psa. 118:23.
1. His resurrection from the dead proclaims it, Rom. 1:4.
2. Built His church upon the foundation that He is the Son of God, Matt. 16:18 (1 Cor. 3:11).
II. HE WAS APPOINTED BY GOD, Heb. 1:2; Eph. 1:20-22.
A. Crowned with Glory and Honor, Heb. 2:5-9.
B. Who Has Appointed… the pope? (College of Cardinals) …the king/queen of England? (Self) …Mormon prophet? (Their “apostles”)…
C. Christ is not the Head over Denominations; He is Head over His Church (the saved ones).
1. His body, His fullness – The head, Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18.
2. Saved ones (2:38, 41) compose His church, Acts 2:47.
III. HE HAS AUTHORITY IN ALL THINGS, Col. 1:18 (1 Cor. 11:3).
A. Authority over all Men, Matt. 28:18.
B. Authority in the Salvation of Men, 1 Tim. 4:10; Mk. 16:15-16.
(Plan of salvation)
C. Authority in Doctrine, Jno. 8:32; 12:48; Heb. 12:25 (1:2).
1. Inspired scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Jno. 9.
2. Apostolic teaching, 1 Jno. 4:1, 6 (Acts 2:42).
3. Perverters of truth not “holding fast” the Head! Col. 2:18-19
D. Authority in Matters of Morality, Jno. 8:12; Eph. 5:1-7; 1 Pet. 4:1-3.
IV. AS THE HEAD OF HIS CHURCH, JESUS CHRIST…
A. Commissioned His Apostles, Jno. 20:21; Matt. 28:19-20.
B. Has Given Gifts to Men, Eph. 4:8, 11-12.
C. He Saves the Body (His Church), Eph. 5:23, 25-27; Acts 20:28.
Conclusion
1. Will we truly honor Christ as Head of His church by:
a. Becoming a member of His church? (1 Cor. 12:13)
b. By being a faithful, devoted member of His church? (Eph. 4:16)
c. By doing all things in our lives by the authority (word) of Christ?
2. Do not call Him “Lord” if you are not doing what He says. Lk. 6:46