Part 2 of the Anatomy of the True Church series
Matthew 20:26-28; 22:36-40
Luis Cruz, GCF Durham
Borrowing from Paul’s analogy of the human body, we’re moving on to the body's inner part, the internal organs. This is meant to describe the spiritual attitude of the church. These attitudes are spiritual markers of the body of Christ. As human internal organs separate man from the rest of creation, so are these spiritual attitudes separates a biblical church from other religious organizations.
1. The attitude of humility.
“26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28
A mother had asked Jesus for a place of prestige and honor for her two sons – James and John, Jesus’ disciples.
Greatness is not something disciples must aspire.
Humility is the heart that pumps life to the church.
Disciples are to pursue humility.
Other’s first mind-set.
Follow the examples of Christ.
Serve to benefit others.
Death to selfish desires.
Humble people are teachable.
Humility brings life to the church.
2. The attitude of love.
“36Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’40 Matthew 22:36-39
A humble person has enough love in himself to give.
Love comes from the mind.
It is the brain that signals the whole body to act.
Love is an action word.
Love seeks the good of others.
It is not based solely on emotions or feelings.
Loving with our total being.
Places the interests of God and others above self.
Makes time to accommodate the needs of others.
Love grows the church.
3. The attitude of obedience.
“All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:40
The kidney filters blood, while obedience filters our life.
Dependence on God to obey.
It works together with humility and love.
It filters “sin deposits” in our life.
It spares us from spiritual pain and sickness.
It must work together with humility and love.
It prohibits the growth of self-righteousness.
Obedience makes the church healthy.
Three reasons for obedience: (Malachi 3:10-12)
It proves the truthfulness of God’s Word.
It is enveloped in the promise of overwhelming blessing.
It affirms that we belong to God and God belongs to us.
Questions to ponder on this week.
What spiritual attitudes do we need to embrace?
Where do we need to improve on?
When can we start acting on it?