The Power of the Pew
In last week’s sermon, we learned that when Christ ascended on high, he gave gifts to men. Now, in this morning’s passage, we learn more about those gifts and what their purpose was. It’s an important message for Christ’s church today, because it calls all who worship our Lord Jesus to work in His ministry. Ministry means “to serve,” and one of the greatest pitfalls of the modern church is that the ministry is left to those of the office of the clergy. Today, Paul teaches us that the gifts Christ left were actually the leaders in the church, and they are gifts because they equip us with what we need to serve - to minister.
Scripture
Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 11 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 12 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 13 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes 14.
Bible Study
One way, absolute unity.
What is the main point of the first six verses of the fourth chapter of Ephesians, and why do you think the passage mentions, One Father, One Lord and One Spirit in making this point?
Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The Apostles and the Prophets
Ephesians 4:11 ESV And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
We live in a time where there are abundant self-proclaimed Apostles and Prophets, and it often leads to a lot of deception within the church. Do you think the offices of the Apostle and Prophets exist in the church today, and why?
Ephesians 2: 20-21 ESV built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Evangelists, Shepherds and Teachers
Ephesians 4:11 ESV And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
What do you think the roles of the evangelists, shepherds and teachers are?
Acts 21:8 ESV On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
Acts 20:28 ESV Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
1 Peter 5:1-3 ESV So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: (2) shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; (3) not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
Equipping the Saints
Ephesians 4:12 ESV to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
Paul tells us that the officers of the leaders were given to the church, so that they could equip the saints for ministry, to build up the body of Christ. What do you understand this to mean and what can you do about it in your life today?
Acts 2:46 ESV And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
Acts 2:45 ESV And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
The Fullness of Christ
Ephesians 4:13 ESV until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
Paul says we must all attain to the unity of the faith… to the stature of the fullness of Christ. What do you understand by this verse and how does it apply to you?
Jude 1:3 ESV Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Hebrews 5:14 ESV But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
No Longer Tossed
Ephesians 4:14 ESV so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
Paul explains that when we receive the full measure of Christ, we are no longer tossed to and fro. This is highly appropriate for a lot of Christians and indeed, God’s people as a whole. What dangers do you think Paul is speaking about and how do you think they come about?
2 Timothy 4:2-5 ESV Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 ESV For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Serve
The message from this morning’s scripture is clear: The leaders of the church are a blessing to the church in that they are to equip the saints (lay congregants) to serve (minister). The leaders and the congregants work together in this model until we all attain to the unity of the faith. If you know of ways our church can serve the community better, while spreading the Gospel, please let us know.
Acts 1:8 ESV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”