Metaphors of the Church

The Flock of God (Questions based on pp. 4-9 of Bible Witness, Volume 14, Issue 1 – METAPHORS OF THE CHURCH)

1. Give some reasons why “the flock of God” is a most appropriate metaphor of the local church in this present world. (cf. Psalm 23:2-4)

2. Who is the Shepherd of “the flock of God” (Psalm 80:1)? What does this signify of His relationship with us? (Psalm 100:3; Isaiah 40:10-11)

3. From the following verses below, give the reasons why Christ indeed is the church’s True and Chief Shepherd.

a) John 10:11, 14 –

b) 1 Peter 2:24-25 –

4. How does the Holy Spirit effect God’s love and care in shepherding God’s flock? (Acts 20:28) In the light of this, explain Moses’ prayer for the congregation in Numbers 27:16-17.

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 1 5. Describe under-shepherds of Christ in the following aspects of their lives:

a) Spiritual qualities (Titus 1:6-8) –

b) Spiritual abilities (1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:15) –

c) Spiritual concerns (Acts 20:24; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-3) –

6. What treacherous enemies of God’s flock must under-shepherds guard against? (Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1)

7. What are certain distinguishing characteristics of the real flock of God’s pasture? (John 10:27; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Psalm 119:176)

8. List down the wonderful promises and assurances that the Chief Shepherd has given to His sheep in His Word.

a) Luke 12:32 –

b) Psalm 23:4 –

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 2 c) Revelation 7:17 –

The Bride of Christ (Questions based on pp. 10-14 of Bible Witness, Volume 14, Issue 1 – METAPHORS OF THE CHURCH)

1. As “a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2b), what responsibilities does the church have as she awaits the consummation of this relationship with Christ? (1 John 3:2-3; 2 Corinthians 11:2-3; Titus 2:13)

2. What particular ‘arena of conflict’ is a believer entered into upon conversion? (Romans 7:19). What steps should he take to gain the upper hand in this fight? (Ephesians 5:26; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8)

3. What is apostasy? (2 Thessalonians 2:3a). Where can we see this trend being manifested in present Christendom? What can you say about churches that have formed unholy alliances with contemporary culture and worldliness? (cf. Revelation 17:1-2, 5)

4. How would God view the spiritual “flirtations” of churches in the ecumenical movement? (cf. Jeremiah 3:8-9)

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 3 5. Discuss the dangers faced by present-day Christians with the onslaught of political, educational and even religious advocacies of modern society (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3). What is the Christian’s best defence against this influx of godless ideologies, liberalism and ecumenism? (Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 4:16)

6. Since Christ’s return will be at an unexpected hour (1 Thessalonians 5:2), how do we know it is possible not to get caught off-guard at the coming of the church’s Bridegroom? (cf. Matthew 25:1-13)

7. Meditate upon the following verses to glean some instructions on how the church ought to prepare before we finally get to hear the “midnight cry”: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!”

a) Luke 19:13 –

b) 2 Peter 3:10-14 –

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 4 The Army of God (Questions based on pp. 15-17 of Bible Witness, Volume 14, Issue 1 – METAPHORS OF THE CHURCH)

1. If Christians are supposed to be peace-loving people, why then is the church on earth a “church militant”? (Jude 3; cf. 1 Timothy 6:12)

2. What is the biblical way to engage our adversary in battle? (2 Timothy 4:2)

3. What error did John MacArthur teach some time ago about the Person of Christ? (cf. John 1:14, 18). Can you think of other vital doctrines being attacked or undermined today?

4. Why should Christians also need to contend against worldliness in the church? (1 John 2:15, 17). Cite the unbiblical practices that have crept into the contemporary churches as a result of accommodating worldliness.

5. Why must the church be in “battle mode”? (Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 24). What is our assurance that the faithful church of God will come out victorious in this battle? (Matthew 16:18)

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 5 The Body of Christ (Questions based on pp. 18-22 of Bible Witness, Volume 14, Issue 1 – METAPHORS OF THE CHURCH)

1. As born-again believers being joined with Christ and becoming members of Christ’s body, what emphasis is being pictured of the church? (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

2. Who is the Head of the church? What are the 2 particular aspects of His “headship” over the church? (Colossians 1:18; 2:9)

3. Why is spiritual unity in the church essential for a witness to the world? (John 17:21). What are some things you can do to guard against divisiveness in Christ’s body?

4. As there are no unnecessary parts in the human body, what does this truth tell us about the interdependence among members of Christ’s body? (Romans 12:4-6a)

5. Realising that every member’s gift is received from the Holy Spirit (and not of himself), how should believers exercise such gifts personally? (Romans 12:3)

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 6 Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 7