Sunday, August 9, 2009

Body Building

Ephesians 4:7-16

  • Through grace gifts God provides what is needed for service (v. 11-12).
    • Apostle: a delegate, a messenger, one sent forth with orders. John 13:16
    • Prophet: one with the supernatural ability to receive and speak truth given by divine revelation from God.
    • Evangelist: one who has the God-given ability to present the Gospel with unusual effectiveness.
    • Pastor/Teacher: one who has the God-given capacity to nurture God’s people and effectively explain God’s truth for life change.
  • Our grace gifts are planned by Christ Himself – the very one that came from heaven and has returned to heaven (v. 8-10).
  • Serving is at the core of all Christ’s grace gifts (v. 12). Luke 12:35-38
    • “We may easily be too big for God to use, but never too small!” D.L Moody
  • Unity through maturity is a goal of Christ’s grace gifts (v. 13). Philippians 1:6
  • An immature church
    • An immature church allows circumstances to dictate (v. 14)
    • An immature church is misled by false teaching (v.14). Acts 20:30-31
    • An immature church is strongly influenced by self-centered people (v. 14).
      • “craftiness”: skill in manipulating the dice
  • A maturing church
    • A maturing church is careful how they talk with each other (v. 15). Ephesians 4:29
    • A maturing church keeps Christ in charge.
    • A maturing church builds up each other with love.

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