Body Building

Ephesians 4:7-16

• Each believer has a grace gift from Christ (v. 7). Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 2:10; John 15:5; 1 Samuel 17:39

• 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.
  

• Grace gifts are designed by God to help His children grow up (v. 12). Mark 1:19-20; Mathew 28:19

• 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.