Topical Bible: Church: Not to be Despised

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The concept of the Church holds a central place in Christian theology and practice, serving as the body of Christ and the community of believers. The Church is not merely a human institution but is divinely ordained and cherished by God. Throughout Scripture, believers are exhorted to honor and uphold the Church, recognizing its sacred role in God's redemptive plan.

Biblical Foundation

The Church is established by Jesus Christ Himself, as seen in Matthew 16:18, where He declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." This foundational statement underscores the divine origin and enduring nature of the Church. It is not to be despised or taken lightly, as it is built upon the revelation of Christ as the Son of God.

The Body of Christ

The Apostle Paul frequently refers to the Church as the body of Christ, emphasizing its unity and diversity. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, Paul writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This metaphor illustrates the interconnectedness of believers and the importance of each member's contribution. Despising the Church is akin to disregarding the body of Christ, which is a grave error.

The Bride of Christ

The Church is also depicted as the bride of Christ, a symbol of purity, devotion, and love. Ephesians 5:25-27 states, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." This imagery conveys the deep affection Christ has for the Church and the lengths to which He goes to purify and protect her.

The Pillar and Foundation of Truth

In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul describes the Church as "the pillar and foundation of the truth." This designation highlights the Church's role in upholding and disseminating the truth of the Gospel. To despise the Church is to undermine the very institution that God has appointed to preserve and proclaim His truth in the world.

Community and Fellowship

The early Church exemplified a vibrant community of fellowship and mutual support. Acts 2:42-47 provides a snapshot of this communal life: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." The Church is a place where believers gather for worship, teaching, and encouragement, fostering spiritual growth and unity.

Warnings Against Division

Scripture warns against actions and attitudes that sow division within the Church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul appeals to the believers, "I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." Despising the Church often leads to discord and fragmentation, contrary to the unity that Christ desires for His body.

Respect for Church Leadership

The New Testament instructs believers to respect and submit to church leaders, recognizing their God-given authority. Hebrews 13:17 exhorts, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account." Disregarding the Church often involves a failure to honor its leaders, which can hinder the Church's mission and effectiveness.

Conclusion

The Church, as the body and bride of Christ, is a sacred institution that plays a vital role in God's plan for humanity. It is to be respected, cherished, and upheld by all believers, serving as a beacon of truth and a community of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 11:22
What? have you not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise you the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Human Directions not to be Despised, Though God Makes the True ...
... Chapter 16."Human Directions Not to Be Despised, Though God ... or that the Apostle Paul
should not have given ... obtained the position of a teacher in the Church. ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 16 human directions not to.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... For what, pray, will they make of it, but just that the consent of the Church, a
consent never given but to the word of God, is not to be despised? ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

The Presentation of the Church by Christ to Himself.
... of sin shall be found in the Church, and not a "wrinkle ... which tells of the presentation
of the Church is to ... Him when He endured the Cross and despised the shame ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/6 the presentation of the.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... This method of education not to be despised. Useful to us in two ways. This utility
destroyed by those who despise the pastors and teachers of the Church. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

The Millennium in Relation to the Church.
... The Church will be with Christ throughout the Millennium, and not ... Yes, it is written,
"Do ye not know that the ... who really walk as such) are despised and hated ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 the millennium in relation.htm

Because of Its Bearing Upon Christ Himself.
... predestined member to be added to the Church which is ... Nay, may we not go further,
and reverently say, from ... that was set before Him that He despised the cross ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 because of its bearing.htm

Our Hope is not the Conversion of the World.
... During the first generation of the Church's history, wonderful ... their Master, they,
too, were despised and rejected ... it is that their labors were not entirely in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/1 our hope is not.htm

On Christian Doctrine In Four Books.
... Chapter 16.--Human Directions Not to Be Despised, Though God ... 21.--Examples of the
Various Styles, Drawn from the Teachers of the Church, Especially Ambrose ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /

On Assembling in the Church.
... its glory for that which will not profit." [2845] How, therefore, will any one make
his apology who has despised or absented himself from the church of God? ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vii on assembling in the.htm

His Arrival in Apulia, Venice, Ferrara, and Genoa --He is ...
... AND GENOA"HE IS APPREHENDED AS A SPY"HE IS DESPISED AS A ... time, he asked his teacher
to come to the Church of Blessed Mary of the Sea, not far from ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter v his arrival in.htm