1. The Unity of the Church Part 2
Ecclesiology
The Unity of the Church
Part 2

2. Devotion
Unquestionably there is a necessary unity of the body in order to maintain its _________________. Each member must recognize and perform its role well or the body is __________. (1 Cor. 12:12-26)
The body of Christ whether eternal or local, is not so much loyal to the ______ as to the head of the body. As the body functions as a cohesive whole, it is able to render to its head the devotion and __________ required. Christ is head of the Church and ______ object of its worship. (Col. 1:17,18)
The head is more important than the body. The body cannot _______ without the head. Consequently the emphasis must be more upon the ______ than upon the body. At the same time, the body is the object of love by the head, who enables its function. (Col. 2:9-12,18-19)
The relationship is intimate, _________, and enduring. Cohesion in the body is the __________ of its relationship to the head.

3. Our Relationship with Christ
Because of devotion to Christ, the emphasis of the church, even in public worship is not upon the external ______ but upon the condition of the heart in loyalty to Christ.
Our Relationship with Christ
Christ is the great Shepherd of the flock – John 10
Christ is the Vine, we are the branches – John 15
Christ is the chief Cornerstone, we are the building – Eph. 2
Christ is the High Priest, we are a kingdom of priests – Heb. 1-10, Rev. 1,5,20
Christ is the Head, we are the body – Eph. 4,5; Col. 1,2
Christ is the Bridegroom, we are the Bride – Eph. 5, John 3, Mat. 25, Rev. 21,22
Disposition
Recognizing our common _______ in Christ, believers should by virtue of the new nature be kindly disposed to each other. Growth in grace should produce a spiritual maturity that recognizes our ___________. (Eph. 4:13)

4. Evidence of Biblical Unity
It is an unconscionable mark of ________ immaturity that would produce the effect of divisions and contentions. (1 Cor. 1:10-13 ; 3:1-10; 11:17-22)
By a supreme devotion to the head of the church which results in being conformed to His ___________, it is possible for believers to enjoy a relationship of mutuality. Christ demonstrated ___________ and compassion for others. (Phi. 2:1-8) The church is not a ____________; it is a _________.
Evidence of Biblical Unity
The bond of love that distinguishes the members from an unsaved world. (John 13:35)
Having the same care one for another. (1 Cor. 12:25; Rom. 12:10)
Bearing one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2)
Disciplining members who are divisive. (Rom. 16:17)
Receiving those who are weak. (Rom. 14:1)
Tolerance of each other. (Eph. 4:2)
Needless to say, this spirit is ___________ among unbelievers because it requires the work of the Holy Spirit to actuate and maintain. The Bible knows __________ of an unregenerated church member! We cannot have an effective unity without a vital ________ with Christ.

5. Direction
Without reviewing the subject, the mission of the church, it is important to understand the measure of _______________ that permits the accomplishment of that mission. Believers are privileged to use their individual gifts and talents for the mutual advancement of the cause of Christ. ___________ is not a hindrance; it is an ________. (1 Cor. 12:4-7)
The sheer ________ of Christ honoring work accomplished by a cohesive body of believers is delightful to behold. As each sublimates his own personality for the _______ of the whole, the body becomes recognizable, even by the unsaved as a true representation of Christ in the world. That representation is critical. (2 Cor. 5:18-21)