Study Guide for “A Glorious Church” Sermon

Introduction

In this powerful sermon, C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound love of Christ for His church, drawing parallels between the relationship of husbands and wives and that of Christ and His people. He emphasizes that Christ’s love is not based on the church’s inherent beauty or worthiness but is a transformative love that seeks to sanctify and cleanse. Spurgeon encourages believers to aspire to reflect Christ’s love in their own relationships and to understand the depth of Christ’s commitment to His church.

Discussion Questions

  1. Understanding Christ’s Love: How does Spurgeon’s description of Christ’s love for the church challenge or deepen your understanding of love in your own relationships?

  2. Imitating Christ: In what ways can you actively seek to imitate Christ’s love in your daily life, especially in your relationships with family, friends, or colleagues?

  3. The Church’s Imperfections: Spurgeon speaks of the church being filled with spots and wrinkles. How does this understanding of the church’s imperfections affect your view of the community of believers?

  4. Transformation Through Love: Reflect on a time when you experienced transformation in your life due to love—either from Christ or from someone else. How did that experience shape you?

  5. The Role of the Word: Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of the Word in cleansing and sanctifying the church. How can you incorporate more of God’s Word into your life to experience this cleansing?

  6. Hope in Christ’s Return: What does the promise of Christ presenting His church to Himself mean for you personally? How does this hope influence your daily living?

  7. Membership in the Church: Spurgeon mentions that true membership in the church is marked by saving faith in Christ. How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and actively growing?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible love You have shown through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to grasp the depth of His love for the church and to reflect that love in my own life. Cleanse me through Your Word and transform me into a vessel that honors You. May I be a part of Your glorious church, eagerly awaiting the day of Christ’s return. Strengthen my faith and help me to love others as You have loved me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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