<p> The Flock of God (Questions based on pp. 4-9 of Bible Witness, Volume 14, Issue 1 – METAPHORS OF THE CHURCH)</p><p>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)</p><p>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)</p><p>3. From the following verses below, give the reasons why Christ indeed is the church’s True and Chief Shepherd.</p><p> a) John 10:11, 14 –</p><p> b) 1 Peter 2:24-25 –</p><p>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.</p><p>Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 1 5. Describe under-shepherds of Christ in the following aspects of their lives:</p><p> a) Spiritual qualities (Titus 1:6-8) –</p><p> b) Spiritual abilities (1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:15) –</p><p> c) Spiritual concerns (Acts 20:24; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-3) –</p><p>6. What treacherous enemies of God’s flock must under-shepherds guard against? (Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1)</p><p>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)</p><p>8. List down the wonderful promises and assurances that the Chief Shepherd has given to His sheep in His Word.</p><p> a) Luke 12:32 –</p><p> b) Psalm 23:4 –</p><p>Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 2 c) Revelation 7:17 –</p><p>The Bride of Christ (Questions based on pp. 10-14 of Bible Witness, Volume 14, Issue 1 – METAPHORS OF THE CHURCH)</p><p>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)</p><p>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)</p><p>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)</p><p>4. How would God view the spiritual “flirtations” of churches in the ecumenical movement? (cf. Jeremiah 3:8-9)</p><p>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)</p><p>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)</p><p>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!”</p><p> a) Luke 19:13 –</p><p> b) 2 Peter 3:10-14 –</p><p>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)</p><p>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)</p><p>2. What is the biblical way to engage our adversary in battle? (2 Timothy 4:2)</p><p>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?</p><p>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.</p><p>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)</p><p>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)</p><p>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)</p><p>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)</p><p>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?</p><p>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)</p><p>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)</p><p>Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 6 Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 7</p>