Is the Body of Christ Called Sheep or a Flock

Understanding Biblical Metaphors Through Right Division

Key Scripture

Body identity revealed: "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:22-23 KJV)

Introduction

Understanding which biblical metaphors apply to the Body of Christ requires right division. The terms "sheep" and "flock" belong specifically to Israel.

1. Time Past - Sheep Metaphor

A. Israel's Identity

• Sheep of Israel

  • Limited mission: "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24 KJV)

  • Kingdom promise: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32 KJV)

  • National relationship: "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and we his sheep" (Psalm 100:3 KJV)

B. Prophesy

• Shepherd-Sheep Relationship

  • Israel's comfort: "The LORD is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1 KJV)

  • Kingdom promise: "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd" (Isaiah 40:11 KJV)

  • Covenant basis: Connected to Israel's special relationship

2. But Now - Body Metaphors

A. Paul's Different Terms

• Our Identity

  • Body members: "For we are members of his body" (Ephesians 5:30 KJV)

  • New man: "Having abolished... for to make in himself of twain one new man" (Ephesians 2:15 KJV)

  • Temple of God: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God" (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV)

B. Grace Relationship

• Unique Connection

  • Head and body: "Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body" (Ephesians 5:23 KJV)

  • One spirit: "He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV)

  • Complete in Him: "And ye are complete in him" (Colossians 2:10 KJV)

3. Important Distinctions

A. Israel's Terms

• Sheep/Flock Identity

  • National focus

  • Kingdom related

  • Earthly not heavenly

  • Covenant based

B. Body Terms

• Mystery, Body of Christ

  • Heavenly focus

  • Grace based

  • Spiritual unity

  • Mystery truth

4. Proper Understanding Today

A. Our Identity

• Body Truth

  • Members of Christ

  • Heavenly position

  • Grace relationship

  • Mystery time period

B. Israel's Future

• The Kingdom

  • Sheep gathered

  • Flock restored

  • Promises fulfilled

  • Shepherd rules

Conclusion

Understanding Metaphors:

• Sheep/Flock = Israel

• Body = Current Church

• Different Times

• Different Relationships

Remember

• Not sheep today

• Body members now

• Mystery is But Now

• Grace relationship

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