No Longer Children
Notes
Transcript
Good morning, welcome to New Horizon Christian Church. Please open your Bibles to Ephesians 4.
Where have we been in chapter 4?
Paul encourages the Ephesian Christians to live as they should, as followers of Jesus.
While much was mentioned, Paul primarily focuses on the need for unity in the church.
Goes on to spell out the various reasons and causes for unity- the reasons are sevenfold.
Finally, breaks off from unity to discuss the necessary diversity that makes unity possible.
The Church is filled with believers of diverse backgrounds, personalities and giftings. All of them coming together as one is a fantastic expression of unity.
We now approach a statement of purpose. Why are unity and diversity and the gifts of Christ necessary?
Read Ephesians 4:11–14- “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 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, 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.”
Pray.
What is to be going on within the body of Christ?
We see unity and diversity, we see gentleness and patience and bearing with one another, so we have seen the qualities that describe the local church.
But what is to be the purpose, or the activity, of the gathered church?
Sang songs of anticipation, of preparation. What are we, the church, to do as we await the return of Christ?
It is here that Paul has turned his attention, and there is one main activity that is to be taking place.
1. Building up the body of Christ.
1. Building up the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:12- “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”
Equipping- word used for mending of the nets of the disciples.
Making something whole, or complete.
Kids playing hard outside. Coming in when they are injured, needing to be made complete.
God heals our world-caused wounds through the life and ministry of the church.
The church is both an army and a hospital for wounded soldiers.
The saints are equipped to do ministry in order to build up Christ’s body.
Here is the main function of the church, the activity of the church.
The body of Christ, the entire body of Christ, here referred to as the saints, are to seek after the work of ministry and the building up, or strengthening, of the body of Christ.
Please note what has been said, the saints, believers within the body of Christ, are called to the work of ministry and building up of the body.
So what is the point of leadership of the church? Pastors, elders, ministry leaders?
2. How does God build up the body of Christ?
2. How does God build up the body of Christ?
Ephesians 4:11–12- “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…”
Paul lists some of the gifts that are given to the Church for the purpose of building up the body of Christ.
Notice that what is listed are not spiritual gifts, but instead people who have been given to the Church for a specific purpose.
Not a full list- all of the gifts that are given here relate to the teaching of God’s Word.
What builds up the body of Christ?
Apostles- those appointed by Christ and entrusted with His life and teaching.
1st Century prophets- Those who are inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak on God’s behalf. Writers of Scripture.
Evangelists- Those who make known the gospel to people who have never before heard the good news. Church planters.
Preachers and Teachers- Shepherds and Proclaimers- Pastors and Elders.
All of these offices focus on making known the life and words of Jesus.
A firm grounding in and understanding of God’s Word.
Why is this the case?
God’s Word gives reality- explains the world as it truly is.
Through the work of these four offices, the church is equipped for the work of ministry, which is the building up of the body of Christ.
This is really important to understand. Leadership in the church is tasked with training and equipping the church body.
This is what is to be sought from church leadership, and it is still true today.
Not just here- wherever you go.
The leadership of the church ought to be training you to minister to your church and to the world surrounding you.
3. Why does God build up the body of Christ?
3. Why does God build up the body of Christ?
Ephesians 4:14- “…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.”
Constant barrage of threats facing us in the world.
These threats call us away from the gospel, to live a life contrary to the gospel.
Cardinal’s game with Z. “Dad, you’re cheering for the wrong team…”
Same is true in our faith.
Not meant to cause us to live in fear, but instead to live with caution.
Going to Mexico City with Niños. Go, live and enjoy, but also be aware of threats and live accordingly.
Let’s note three:
Every wind of doctrine.
So easy to get pulled into what seems right, especially what seems right to our sinful human natures.
Popular books about faith.
Tik Tok Ministry.
Human cunning.
Sleight of hand, trickery.
Making something in life seem one way when it is actually another way.
The very nature of life apart from Jesus- This seems good, seems satisfying.
Proverbs 14:12- “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Craftiness in deceitful schemes.
Subtle lying in wait with error.
Deceitful- error.
Temptations that are constant before man.
How can we possibly resist?
Know the Word of God.
For many- “I just don’t know the Bible very well.” And that’s the end of the conversation.
So much that we give our attention to, that we seek to learn and better understand.
Isn’t this of the utmost importance?
Always expect our kids to grow and learn, but somehow believe ourselves to leave all of that behind.
The result is that we have many children in the church- tossed around by everything that opposes them.
4. To what end does God build up the body of Christ?
4. To what end does God build up the body of Christ?
Ephesians 4:11–13- “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 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,”
Constant growth as a Christian and constant growth as a church.
Unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.
Unity and agreement on what matters most.
Who is Jesus and what is faith in Jesus?
Upcoming summer sermon series- How Firm a Foundation.
Mature manhood.
No longer children, we seek to grow up.
Steadiness of life and faith.
Leveling of the constant ups and downs.
Children have roaming interests.
Maturity- Eugene Peterson- A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.
The measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
This is what we are seeking after- the full measure of maturity that was gained by Jesus.
What goals do we have in life?
Goals for our family, goals for our career, goals for our earnings.
But who do we truly hope to become?
Conclusion:
Here is our aim every time we gather, not just on Sunday mornings, but in every aspect of ministry.
Grow in our knowledge and understanding.
As we grow, we find new ways of ministering to the body of Christ and to the surrounding world.