Sermon Tone Analysis

Eph 4.11-

Continuing in The Practical part of Ephesisans

Instructed to “walk worthily of the Calling”

To maintain he Unity of the Spirit

One Body, One Spirit, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of All

One Body, One Spirit, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of All

There is One Church, but many callings.

One God, One Body, but many offices.

He begins to describe what are sometimes called the “ministry gifts” or “five-fold ministry callings”, or “offices” of ministry, etc.

He Gave Some to Be...

Verse ten ends with “That He might fill all things” Now Paul continues

He gave some to be Apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some teachers and pastors.

Some scholars see this as “gifts” that are given to Christians empowering them and calling them to these certain “offices” or functions in the church.

in other words, the “gift’ is the ability to perform the function, or occupy the position, given to the person who performs it.

Others may read this as the “gift” being the people who occupying this office given tot he church

in other words, the church itself is the recipient of the gifts, being the people God has given us to fulfill this ministry.

There can be no question that the “He” is Jesus.

He is the giver of the gifts

This is true in both senses

Jesus has given the church the gift of Apostles and Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers

Jesus has given these Apostles and Prophets, and others, not only the ability to perform the job, and the position, but also the “unction” to want to.

This also is a gift.

There is nothing greater than knowing your purpose and fulfilling it

To know that you are doing what you were created to do.

requires no title, worldly remuneration, recognition, or reward

Is not discouraged by failure, tribulation, lack or loss.

These five “ministry gifts” are listed

could be more

these are foundational

The body must have these to be healthy, and to grow

We must have these.

Ministry Calling

Some people understand this to apply to those who are called to “full time” ministry

If that were so 1/3 of Pastors might be disqualified from this definition

These are specific and essential functions of the body that must be fulfilled, and there are some people who are specifically “called” and equipped for this purpose, whether or not they are “full time” or receive a salary at all

In fact, Paul was a tent maker, but certainly an Apostle.

Every believer is called to “ministry”

You will not be likely to feel fulfilled in your Christian walk unless you are active in Christian ministry

This may not be full time, or even daily, but should be a regular part of life

You may or may not know what “your calling” is.

most people have natural tenancies toward one or more of these as they grow in their faith

A Church or pastor can appoint someone to a position, but unless they are inwardly called, and equipped, they won’t be this gift to the church, that He is describing.

You can be appointed an Evangelist, but you need an anointing from God, and a love of seeing people saved in order to do it effectively.

Calling requires preparation

Just because you are called does not mean you are ready

Paul said a novice should not be put into ministry

too many people sense an overwhelming unction or internal drive toward this calling, and run off half cocked into failure and error

Just becasue you are called doesn’t mean that you are called alone

A teacher may be called to teach under another teacher, or part of a teaching staff

there are many pastoral roles that don’t include Sunday morning in the pulpit but are no less pastoral

In fact, this may be one of the most misunderstood (or most distorted) of the gifts int these days.

Many of those who are considered the most successful pastors may actually be the least pastoral.

We are called to be part of the body, not separate bodies

Apostles

The Apostles - Those who are “sent”.

Those who begin the work, establishing a church or minsitry

The original twelve disciples were all apostles.

They were sent and established the church

Paul was also an aposlte

The misty of apostles continues today

Although they establish new churches or ministries, these are still part of the body - not new religions or doctrines

They do not do this without preparation

Paul “immediately” began to preach that Jesus was Christ (acts 9)

But did not begin his apostolic ministry until more than 14 years later ()

He began sharing his faith, (immediate) and then became prepared for ministry.

He grew in his faith

A person may have an apostolic calling, and yet require many years of preparation in other areas of calling.

There may be considerable overlap in these.

Prophets

Old Testament prophets, Moses, Elijah, etc.

New Testament Prophets: The disciples, Paul, Agabus, Silas, others.

Often we think of prophets as those who tell the future.

Actually, this is more of a by-product of prophecy than prophecy itselfe

Prophet is One who speaks for God, or proclaims God’s Word.

This may or may not include announcing future events and consequences.

Very often it deals with present tense.

What God is saying to us today.

Often confrontational

Often includes exhortation

Those who have this “calling” have an internal drive to speak - even when they know it may not be good for them

This still requires preparation

Too many people with a genuine prophetic anointing or calling are not willing to do the work of preparation necessary to be effective

Just becasue we have an internal whim, does not mean it is “God” speaking.

Just becasue God shows us something does not mean we are supposed to share it, or share it now.

It requires time in prayer and in God’s Word, to learn to discern When ant What to speak for God.

Also requires experience: learning to discern God’s Word and to separate that from the other spirits (test the spirits)

Evangelists

This is a distinct calling, also often misunderstood or distorted today.

The sharing and spreading of the gospel.

The good news.

Evangelists are most concerned with leading others into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

There is a unique joy from seeing others come into the family

This may or may not be one who travels.

Would include missionaries.

Many people being called evangelists today would better be describes as teachers, or motivational speakers, but not evangelists.

Pastors

Pastor means “Shepard”

Can often be understood by thinking of what a Shepard does.

He cares for the flock

This includes many if not all of the other gifts, but not exclusively