SS Outline 7.26.2026

Week 18
The Church's Role in God's Story: Ecclesiology Through the Lens of Biblical Theology
Theme: The church is not God's "Plan B." The church is the covenant people of God, anticipated throughout the Old Testament, established by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and destined to display God's glory until the new creation.
Objective: Understand that the church occupies a central place in the unfolding story of redemption, serving as God's covenant community that displays His kingdom until Christ returns.

I. Introduction

• Where does the church fit within God's entire story from Genesis to Revelation?

II. God's Original Design: A People for His Presence
A. Creation. Genesis 1-2

• God did not merely create individuals. He created humanity to live together under His rule in His presence.
• Notice three themes: God's Presence, God's Rule, God's People
• Even before sin entered the world, redemption's goal was communal.
• God's purpose has always involved a people who reflect His glory.

B. The Fall. Genesis 3

• Sin shattered: fellowship with God, fellowship with one another, harmony with creation
• Humanity became divided: Cain murders Abel. Nations scatter at Babel. Idolatry replaces worship.
• The story of Scripture becomes God's work of restoring fellowship.

III. Israel: God's Covenant Assembly
A. Abraham. Genesis 12:1-3.

• God's promise includes: land, descendants, blessing to all nations
• God promises a people before He promises a nation.

B. Sinai. Exodus 19:4-6.

• Israel becomes: a treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation
• Why priests? A: represent God to the world. Israel was intended to display God's character among the nations.

C. Israel's Failure

• Israel repeatedly failed because of: idolatry, covenant breaking, injustice, unbelief
• The prophets promised something greater. Jeremiah 31. Ezekiel 36. Isaiah 2
• God would create a renewed covenant people.

IV. Christ Establishes His Church
A. Jesus Announces the Kingdom

• Jesus does not merely gather followers. He forms a new covenant community.
• Matthew 16:18—Church (ekklesia): “assembly.” The language echoes Israel gathered before God.

B. Pentecost

• Acts 2: The Holy Spirit creates God's new covenant people.
• Notice four characteristics. They devoted themselves to: Apostles' teaching, Fellowship, Breaking bread, Prayer

C. Jew and Gentile Become One

• Ephesians 2:11-22. Paul uses several images: One new humanity, Household of God, Holy temple, Dwelling place of God
• The church fulfills what Israel anticipated.

V. The Church's Mission in God's Story

• 1 Peter 2:9-10. Notice Peter applies Israel's covenant language directly to the church. The church is: chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, people for God's possession
• Why? "you may proclaim the excellencies of Him…" Mission always flows from identity.
• Three Primary Purposes

1. Worship: The church glorifies God. Romans 12. Hebrews 13.
2. Witness: The church demonstrates the gospel. John 13:35.
The church is God's visible apologetic. Our love authenticates our message.
3. Formation: God matures believers through life together. Ephesians 4.

VI. The Church in the New Creation

• Revelation 21:1-5. The Bible ends where it began. God dwells with His people. Notice the progression: Garden —> Tabernacle—> Temple—>Church—>New Jerusalem
• The church is preparing for the eternal dwelling of God with His redeemed people.

VII. Application

• Am I treating church as an event or as God's covenant family?
• How can our congregation better display God's kingdom together?
• Does our life together make the gospel believable?

Conclusion

• We gather each Lord's Day because we are participants in God's unfolding kingdom.