WhatBaptistsBelieve

Study3–TheChurch(2)

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Section1:ReadEphesians4:1-16.a) Whatimageisusedinthispassagetodescribethechurch(vs4,12,15-16)?

b) HowisChrist’srelationshiptothechurchdescribed?(v15)Whatdoesthissayaboutauthorityorruleinthechurch?

c) WhatstatementsteachthatallChristianshaveapartintheministryofthewholeChurch?Howdoesthisrelatetothedescriptionofbelieversas“priests”in1Peter1:5,9;Revelation1:6and5;10?

d) AllchurchmembershaveequalstatusinthechurchandallaretoofferspiritualservicetoGod,butnotallhavethesameroleorfunction.Whichversesestablishthis?

WhatBaptistsBelieve

Study3–TheChurch(2)

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e) Comparev11withch2:20.Whyare“apostlesandprophets”describedas“thefoundation”?

f) Evangelistsandpastors-teachersarenotdescribedasfoundational.Whatdoesthisreachusaboutthenatureoftheseoffices?

Section2:Read–1Timothy3:1-13andTitus1:5-9a) Whattwofunctionsorofficesinthelocalchurcharedescribedhere?

b) Whatdoyounoticeabouthowthetwoterms“elder”(presbyter)and“overseer”(bishop)areused?Compare1Timothy3:2withTitus1:5-6andTitus1:5with1:7.

WhatBaptistsBelieve

Study3–TheChurch(2)

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d) Listthequalitiesandgiftstobeexpectedinanelderoroverseer.

e) WhatevidenceisthereinthesepassagesofScripturethatPaulregardedtheappointmentofsuchmenasimportant?Why?

f) Listthequalitiesandgiftstobeexpectedindeacons.Howdothesecomparewiththequalificationsofanelder?

g) Acts6:1-6isbelievedbymanyasthepatternsetfortheministryofdeacons.Whatdoyoulearnfromthispassageaboutthenatureofdeacons’responsibilitiesandtheirrelationtotheworkofelders?