WEEK 20

THE CHURCH IS HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH

Review of Previous Lesson (5 Minutes)

  1. What did you learn in the previous study?
  2. How has the Holy Spirit led you in witnessing?

Main Text: Philippians 2:14-16.

Memory Verse: That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. – Ephesians 5:27 (KJV).

Introduction

The word “blemish” could mean a stain, mark or imperfection that disfigures the appearance of something or destroys a person’s reputation. The Church is a holy nation (1 Pet 2:9) that is made up of faithful Christians who exemplify the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Perfect One. God expects the Church to be sanctified, holy and separated from sin. It is to be blameless and serve as a model of integrity. The Church without blemish is, therefore, an embodiment of Jesus’ ministry and righteous living.

Even in the Old Testament, sacrifices offered to God were to be without spot or wrinkle (Exo. 12:5; Deut. 17:1) and that presupposes the kind of Church that God established through the work of Christ on Calvary. In the same way, the Church must be an epitome of righteousness and godliness in this depraved world.

Questions for Discussion

  1. Explain in your own words why the Church should be without blemish. Ephesians 5:27.
  2. How do you explain the biblical command that Christians should be blameless in this “crooked and depraved generation”? Verse 15.
  3. In which way can we live a “blameless and pure” lifestyle? Verse 15.
  4. What benefit would the Church get if it remains blameless? Philippians 2:16a.
  5. Examine today’s Church in the light of the call for the Church to be blameless.

Conclusion

Instead of being blameless, today’s Church seems to be bedevilled with spots and wrinkles such as false teachings, corruption as well as carnality and materialism. These vices are contrary to the call for the believer to be blameless and live above reproach (Col 1:22). Building a Church without blemish must be the responsibility of every Christian. We are the light of the world and under no circumstance should we allow darkness to surround and overwhelm us. Every Christian must be a role model for society.