The Church Can Be Built Up VS The Church Cannot Be Built Up

 

The Church Can Be Built Up VS The Church Cannot Be Built Up

• Matt 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

• Matt 16:18-19 "I will build My church...I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven."

• Eph 2:22 "In whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in spirit."

 

Item	The Church Can Be Built Up	The Church Cannot Be Built Up
Meaning	The church is built up under the reality and authority of the kingdom, with substantial content and life	The church lacks the reality of the kingdom, becoming an empty form
Distinctions	• Has kingdom life and reality as content • Operates under authority • Has building power	• Lacks kingdom content • Lacks authority implementation • Cannot produce genuine building
Explanation	When believers: 1. Live in kingdom reality 2. Under kingdom authority 3. Coordinate together corporately 4. Build up one another	When believers: 1. Not in kingdom life 2. Not submitting to authority 3. Individualistic 4. Acting independently
Examples	• Peter and apostles building church in one accord • Early church sharing all things in common • Serving one another in love	• Corinthian church divided in parties • Focusing on gifts without love • Individualistic practices
Application	• Exercise living in kingdom reality • Submit to spiritual authority • Participate in church life and coordination	• Need to repent and turn • Learn to submit to authority • Put aside self-will
Relationship between the Two	They are opposites: genuine church building can only occur with kingdom reality; without kingdom reality, genuine building is impossible
Related Scripture	• Rom 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." • Col 2:19 "Holding the Head...the Body...grows with the growth of God." • Eph 4:15-16 "Holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, Christ."

 

Additional Notes:

1.      The reality of the kingdom and church building are inseparable

2.      Without kingdom reality, church building cannot proceed

3.      Kingdom life produces church life; they complement each other

4.      In practice, we need to:

o   Exercise living in kingdom reality

o   Submit to spiritual authority

o   Practice the Body life

o   Focus on life growth

*Please refer to October 2024 International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones

General Subject: Living in the Reality of the Kingdom of God   Week 3: The Kingdom and the Church