Growing Faith

Text:

Ephesians 4:11–16 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

Ephesians 4:7 “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”

Introduction:

Come and grow with us, with me should be Our Model.

Witnessed in Many of God’s people such as Jacob, Enoch, Moses, Abraham, the Apostles, unlike Saul, Samson, Cain, Diotrephes.

Everyone has been given some measure of Faith, that is what we want to water, cultivate, have bloom, Verse 16.

God has carved out folks to help us in these labors. Verse 11.

Listen without these diversity of gifts, the church cannot quite function any more than a body can function without arms, legs , hands or feet, etc. Ephesians 4:16 “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

I. Measuring: Ephesians 4:13 “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

A. Questions to ask self: Where I was ?, Where i am?, And where do I want to be? You will probable be no further than what you want to be, umm.

B. How are we in a goal to grow? Are we doing growing things, aiming for any target near and afar? Verse 15.

C. What does preeminence mean? Colossians 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

1. In ranking He is to be first.

2. Prominence, yes. Definition is surpassing all others… Distinction, peerless, super-eminence.

3. Idol, something in front of Him.

II. Means: Ephesians 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” Verse 7 By Leaders, By Relationships, By Bible (Modern day prophet), By Holy Spirit, By helpers, By obedience.

A. One ask: Why at 95 years old would a cello player need to practice 6 hrs. a day? He said “Because I am making progress.”

B. The Means:

1. In Leaders, In Relationships (Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend,”... Bible, Holy Spirit, Preaching, are some other good relationship He has given us.

2. In Refreshing not Reeking: 2 Timothy 1:16 “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:” “Refresh carries the idea of “To give new strength to or energy to...Reinvigorate, Revive… Fortify...Rejuvenate.”

3. In Growth: a must do, lets do it. 1 Peter 2:2 “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

C. In Diversity of Gifts (use them): Do not insult God by saying I have nothing to offer (Devils lie) Step up!! Romans 12:3,Romans 12:5–8 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

1. Prophesy- Forth telling the will of God, Preaching, relieving His well or word of truth.

2. Ministering - Helps service his people.

3. Teaching - Imparting Information orderly, Understandably, Movingly.

4. Exhortation - Encouraging, Inspiring, Up-lifting.

5. Giving - Cheerfully, none bragging, honestly, integrity wise.

6. Ruleth - Administratively, Example wise, Leading not herding. Verse 11.

7. Mercy - ability to feel others pain relating, Hurt relating, Feelings related. With cheerfulness is love.

8. Love - None hypocritical, genuine.

D. Gifts Given not to Sit, Soak and Sour us, but to GROW US! MATURE US!

E. Whatever nourishment you need, get it!! With out obedience you will stiffal your growth.

III. Marks: Ephesians 4:23–25 “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”

A. Vacillating are Marks of Immaturity: in the faith But, Stable, Sturdy,Steady. You can lean on and count on them. They are marks of Maturity, be on the grow.

B. Marks of Soundness: in doctrine, Ephesians 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”

1. Anchored.

2. Grounded.

3. Balanced.

4. Sound and sensibleness in grounded-ness, Amen! Peaceful, Biblical, Balanced. Very up lifting being around them. Yes, ones word would mean what they say. A yes is a yes, A No, will mean NO, Looking into it, will mean they will look into it. Not a guess what they strive for.

The Devil in his wiles: is out to Stumble, Trip, Hinder, Cripple, Stop, Maim one.

Note: 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”