How To Grow In Christ Eph. 4:14-16 Purpose: living out the result of Christ’s gifts in the body of Christ! 1. No Longer Children Ephesians 4:14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; We are no longer to be children see Heb. 5:11-14 “solid food” How are the children described? 1.tossed here and there by waves 2.carried about by every wind of doctrine “by . . .” the trickery of men and “by. . .” craftiness in deceitful scheming 2. Growing Up Ephesians 4:15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, “BUT,” Speaking the truth in love we are to grow up in all respects into Him. Jesus is the head of the body. Always pointing to & focused on Christ! 3. Biblical Body Building in Love Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. “From Christ comes . . .” Note the action, process, and purpose of this verse. Action: being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies Process: according to the proper working of each individual part Purpose: causes the building up of the body in love (Compare with Ps 127:1; Rom. 12:4-5!; 1 Cor. 12:12ff; Eph. 2:16, 3:6, 5:23; Col 1:18)
How To Grow In Christ Eph. 4:14-16 Purpose: living out the result of Christ’s gifts in the body of Christ! 1. No Longer Children Ephesians 4:14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; We are no longer to be children see Heb. 5:11-14 “solid food” How are the children described? 1.tossed here and there by waves 2.carried about by every wind of doctrine “by . . .” the trickery of men and “by. . .” craftiness in deceitful scheming 2. Growing Up Ephesians 4:15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, “BUT,” Speaking the truth in love we are to grow up in all respects into Him. Jesus is the head of the body. Always pointing to & focused on Christ! 3. Biblical Body Building in Love Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. “From Christ comes . . .” Note the action, process, and purpose of this verse. Action: being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies Process: according to the proper working of each individual part Purpose: causes the building up of the body in love (Compare with Ps 127:1; Rom. 12:4-5!; 1 Cor. 12:12ff; Eph. 2:16, 3:6, 5:23; Col 1:18)
Spiritual Gifts? For What? Ephesians 4:7-13 The Church’s Purpose: God gives gifts for growing the body to maturity in Christ 1. The Giver Ephesians 4:7-8 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.” Who gave the gifts? Jesus Christ To whom? ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ each one of us/to men Ephesians 4:9 Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things. Doctrinal section: Where did this Giver come from and go to? far above the heavens 2. The Gifts Ephesians 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, What are the specific gifts mentioned here? Some as apostles Some as prophets Some as evangelists Some as pastors & teachers 3. The Growth Ephesians 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; Why were the gifts given? “For . . .”the equipping of the saints To do what? for the work of service “To. . .” the building up of the body of Christ 4. The Goal Ephesians 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. “Until we all” what? attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God! “To a . . .” a mature man (note the singular “a man” made up of “we all”) “To the measure of . . .” the fullness of Christ (see 3:19)
One Salvation, One True Church! Ephesians 4:4-6 Purpose: true Christian unity in the church flows from God’s Oneness 1. Our Oneness Flows From God’s Oneness Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. List the “ones” of the passage: One body (that’s us under Jesus Christ) Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:11-22 One Spirit (that’s God) Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 8:9 One hope (that’s us looking to God) See Ephesians 2:12 One Lord (that’s God) Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 12:3 One faith (that’s us believing God) John 14:6; Jude 3, 20 One baptism (that’s us uniting with God) 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27-28 One God and Father of all (that’s God) 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Timothy 2:5 We must live inseparably intertwined with and under Christ Himself! 2. Living as One How? See Colossians 3:14-16 and all of Ephesians What unity is not: What unity is: Isaiah 43:10-11
Live the Life, Walk the Walk! Ephesians 4:1-3 Purpose: to live as those called by Jesus, for Jesus 1. Live the Life Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, In light of Christ’s supremacy in all things, Paul charges us to”¦ Walk, in a manner worthy of what? your calling This ties us to whom?! Jesus Christ If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then answer these questions: What were you saved or called FROM? What are you saved or called FOR? Who are you called TO? See Titus 2:11-15 2. Walk the Walk Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. FIVE Ways True Christians Walk 1 all humility 2 all gentleness 3 with patience 4 showing tolerance for one another in love 5 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
Beyond All We Ask or Imagine Ephesians 3:20-21 Purpose: to be the church that glorifies Christ in Worship Discipleship and Mission 1. Beyond All We Ask or Imagine Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, In Psalm 115:3, what can God do? whatever He pleases John 14:26, how Holy Spirit works within us? bring to remembrance all Jesus said 2. To God Alone Be the Glory Ephesians 3:21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. To whom be the glory? God Where? 1) in the Church and 2) in Christ Jesus For how long? to all generations forever and ever Are you in His church? In Psalm 115, who gets the glory? God, not us In Isaiah 48:11, who gets the glory? the LORD, nobody else In Luke 24:26, who gets the glory? the resurrected Jesus Christ In these passages, who gets the glory forever? Jesus Christ Romans 16:27; Philippians 2:11; Hebrews 13:21; 1 Peter 5:10; 2 Peter 3:18; Jude 25 In 1 Corinthians 10:31, how then should we live? do all to the glory of God
Christian Ministry: Part IV ““ A Prayer for Strength Ephesians 3:14-19 Purpose: seeking Christ’s love in and through us 1. Pray to The Creator Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, The Father is Creator 2. Pray For The Strength of God Ephesians 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, The Prayer’s Content: God would grant us to be strengthened mightily The Prayer’s Source of Provision: according to the riches of His glory The Prayer’s Agent: How? with power through His Spirit The Prayer’s location or sphere: Where? in the inner man 3. Our Hearts Propelled by Christ Dwelling Within Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. For what purposes? 1) so that Christ may dwell in our hearts 2) being rooted and grounded in love How? through faith With who? all the saints What? breadth, length, height, depth 3) to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, 4) that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God
Christian Ministry: Part III – A Ministry of Suffering for the Church Ephesians 3:13 Purpose: Christian Ministry is a life of suffering for the glory of God and salvation of others 1. Don’t Lose Heart When Suffering for Christ! Ephesians 3:13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. Christ’s perspective on our ministry and suffering – Matthew 5:10-12 Paul’s ministry beginnings – Acts 9:15-16 Paul is both willing to suffer himself and wants to encourage others 2. Suffer for Who? Ephesians 3:13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. Paul suffers in Christ for the benefit of others – Colossians 1:23″“29 3. Suffer Why? Ephesians 3:13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. One man’s Christian suffering is another’s glory! Belief and Suffering both granted – Philippians 1:29 4. Christian Ministry: A Call to Suffer Well Eternal perspective on Christian suffering – Romans 8:17″“18 & 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Unashamed soldiers, God’s Word never chained – 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:3, 9 Christ perfected through sufferings to bring many to glory – Hebrews 2:10 Suffering rightly – 1 Peter 2:20; 3:14, 17; 4:19 Perseverance in suffering and the crown of life – Revelation 2:10 Suffering now, glory later!
Christian Ministry: Part II ““ God’s Eternal Purpose! Ephesians 3:11-12 Purpose: for the church to live in accordance with God’s eternal purpose 1. God’s Eternal Purpose Accomplished in Christ Ephesians 3:11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord In accordance with the eternal purpose Carried out where? Christ Jesus our Lord 2. Faith in Christ: Our Access to God Ephesians 3:12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. In Christ we have boldness and confident access How? in Him “¦ through faith in Him
Christian Ministry: Part I – Not For Wimps! Eph. 3:7-10 Purpose: for God’s people to surrender to God’s ministry of the gospel 1. God’s Gracious Gift “¦ to the Least Ephesians 3:7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, How did Paul become a minister? according to the gift of God’s grace (see Acts 9:1-14) If you are in ministry, or plan to be, are you called? Does this apply to you and me? See 1 Corinthians 1:22-31 2. The Creator’s Ambassadors Ephesians 3:8b to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; For what action was this grace given to Paul? to preach To whom? the Gentiles What’s the message? the unfathomable riches of Christ And to bring to light the administration of the mystery, the gospel now revealed That was hidden in whom? in God This is nothing less than the purpose of creation itself Does this apply to you and me? See 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 3. Our Super-Natural Purpose Ephesians 3:10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. What’s the final outcome? that the manifold wisdom of God now be made known Through? the church To whom? the rulers and authorities in heavenly places Conclusion: We must never “play” with Christianity
The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed! Eph. 3:5-6 Purpose: rediscovering God’s crystal clear will all along to save the nations in Christ 1. The Gospel Mystery Now Revealed Ephesians 3: 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; Though not revealed before, how is the mystery revealed now and to whom? To His holy apostles and prophets In the Spirit (think about God revealing first) See 2 Timothy 3:16 & 2 Peter 1:20-21 & Ephesians 3:8-12 Point? Every word counts! See again Ephesians 3:3-4 2. The Gospel Mystery Includes All Nations Ephesians 3: 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, What specifically is the mystery (Eph. 3:3) which is now revealed? The Gentiles are described how? 1) fellow heirs (think inheritance) 2) fellow members of the body (think membership, identification) 3) fellow partakers of the promise (think covenant) How? 1) in Christ (think about the cross and resurrection) 2) through the gospel (think good news) The eternal gospel of salvation now revealed is defined in: Luke 24:45-47 & 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 & Acts 2:22-24 & Galatians 3:6-9 Is the gospel for you? Is the gospel only for you? What’s the implication of God’s gospel revealed this way?
“Christ Revealed in His Word” Ephesians 3:1-4 Purpose: to understand Christ by reading His mystery revealed 1. Paul’s Responsibility, Our Rescue Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles 2 if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you Paul is a prisoner of Christ Jesus for who? Gentiles Paul is a steward of God’s grace, given to him for who? Gentiles 2. Revelation Revealed Ephesians 3:3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. How did Paul receive this stewardship? By revelation What exactly was made known to Paul which he now shares with us? the mystery What did Paul do with the revelation? wrote it down Therefore this is directly from God, through Paul, to you and me! 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21 3. Read the Revelation Ephesians 3:4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ How can we see the mystery of Christ? when you read
The (Bigger) Story of Christmas Purpose: to rediscover God’s providence over all of history to bring Christ 1. God’s Providence in the King’s Ancestors Why all the names? Matthew 1:1-17; 1 Samuel 8; 2 Samuel 7; Ruth 2. God’s Prophecy About the King This was all foretold for centuries Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, 11:10, 62:11; Daniel 7:13-14, 27; Micah 5:2; Psalm 118:26 3. God In Person The King, God in the Flesh, is Born Matthew 1:18-25 4. God’s People Matthew 21:1-9; Luke 24:45-47; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Titus 2:11-15 Are you one of the King’s very own?