Christ Equipping and Building His Church

Scripture Reading

Ephesians 4:7–16 NIV84

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Introduction

Flowing from ordination service.

It is indeed a great joy to participate in the work of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. This is a great work indeed. But we must realise, and I want the focus this evening to be, that each and every one of us form an integral and essential part of the work that Jesus Christ is doing in our midst.

Each and every one of us, as a member of this local body of believers, forms an integral and essential part of the work that Christ is doing in our midst.

As we consider this text together just briefly this evening, we will find that the focus truly is on Jesus Christ. Christ is the one that is to be exalted. But the focus is also on the working of Christ in and through the body, and so it is about us as the church.

What are we to be doing?

How is this body of Emmanual Baptist Church going to grow and thrive as a local expression of the body of Jesus Christ?

This is really the focus and emphasis, to demonstrate just how important the work of each and every one of us is within the local body.

The context up until this point has been the profound grace of God in bringing salvation, and this not only to Jews, but also to Gentiles.

Paul then goes on to convey the importance, in light of the gracious working of JEsus Christ in bringing salvation to all men, of unity within the body of Christ, and growth and development within the body of Christ, His church.

This evening we will consider something of the building work that Christ has done and is doing in the church today. So, firstly from our text, notice with me...

1. The Foundation Work of Christ (vv.7-10)

In verse 7 we read...

Ephesians 4:7 NIV84

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

You will note that this begins with a “but.” And so the context is important here. I won’t delve into it in too much detail, but simply to say that Paul has urged the Ephesian believers to be unified in the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s placed this great emphasis on the unity that is to exist among believers - both Jewish and Gentile.

Ephesians 4:3 NIV84

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

He then went into detail on all the unifying aspects pertaining to their faith.

Grace does not refer here to saving grace. That has been dealt with already earlier on in this letter.

Ephesians 2:8 NIV84

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

But beyond this salvation Grace, what is here being dealt with is a measure of the grace of Christ that is given to each and every believer in order to participate in the work of building up the local church.

I’m not going to delve too much further into this at this stage. I’ll touch again on verse 7 as we go on in the text. But what I would like us to see is where this giving of gifts flows out of.

Paul goes on in verse 8 to remind the believers of this great work that Jesus did as He prepared to distribute these gifts to his people.

Ephesians 4:8 NIV84

8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”

The quote that Paul uses here is from Psalm 68:18. I’m not going to delve into a full exposition of this verse and its links.

I simply want to point out that the reference here is speaking about the ascension of Jesus Christ as He was victorious following his death and resurrection. Christ conquered death. He arose victorious from the grave over the arch-enemy, and he would then ascend into heaven in order to rule and reign as the victorious king.

Keep in mind that in those days, a victorious leader would return to their home city after a battle and have the spoils that were gathered following that war following behind as a sort of procession, demonstrating and declaring to their own people that victory had been gained over the enemy. Very often this procession would include the giving of gifts as the victorious leader returned with the spoils of war.

This is the picture that Paul is alluding to here as he speaks about Christ ascending into heaven. It’s a picture of vitory from the battle. It’s a picture in which Christ himself is the victor, and he is putting this victory on display to be seen. Keep that in mind as we proceed further in our text.

But before we do, just one comment on verses 9 and 10… Those verses read...

Ephesians 4:9 NIV84

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?

Ephesians 4:10 NIV84

10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

Now there is some disagreement on the meaning of these verses. I’m quite certain based on the picture that is portrayed by Paul here that the descending refers to Christ leaving his father in heaven, and entering into humanity. There is a plentiful evidence of this picture within the Scriptures. And this is almost certainly what is referred to here.

Christ descended into the lower earthly regions - where you and I live and move - in order to redeem us. But we see also that this is the very one who ascended to the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.

Alternatively - could be speaking in the sense of Christ humbling himself, and then being exalted...

Again, the grand picture here is one of victory in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the context that Paul uses as he delves into the giving of gifts. In other words, the giving of gifts is founded upon the work that Christ did through his own humiliation, death and resurrection, and ascension, and what flows out of that as Christ seeks now to build His church.

But having looked at that, we must now move on to consider...

2. The Building Work of Christ (vv.11-15)

In Eph 4:11 we read...

Ephesians 4:11 NIV84

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

Paul begins with outlining these particular gifts that were given by Christ to his church for the purpose of building up His church.

Before we even begin to consider these various gifts, one important aspect to remember is that these gifts are given by Jesus Christ for the glory of His name. As such, there can be no boasting. All boasting must be excluded. And within the context of the local church, Christ’s body, I would suggest that there must instead be a profound sense of responsibility.

Christ has given gifts, whatever those gifts are, in order for the church to be built up. Thus we are to humbly work out those gifts to the glory of His name.

In verse 11, we see some of the gifts that were given to initiate the work of the establishment of the church. Particularly I’m referring to Apostles and prophets here. They were gifts that we hold were given for a specific time and season, and which are not continuing to operate today.

Ephesians 2:20 speaks about God’s house, the church, being...

Ephesians 2:20 NIV84

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

So that was foundation work.

But there are these continuing gifts of evangelism, pastors and teachers. All of these should be seen to be Word gifts. In other words, they are gifts particularly relating to the ministry of the Word of Jesus Christ, the Scriptures.

Evangelists are those that go out into the world and have a particular gift for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to those who do not know him. This would include missionaries that are sent out by churches. They take the word of Christ out into a world in darkness.

Then we have pastors and teachers. These are those within the church context that convey the truth of God’s word. Some have suggested these are one and the same person - pastors who teach. But the wording doesn’t really support that. What we should keep in mind is that there is significant overlap in the functions, but they’re not identical. All pastors teach, but not all teachers pastor. \

But again, their great responsibilty is that of proclaiming the truths of Scripture to the people of God. Within the context of the local church, the ministry of the word is fundamental and essential. The accurate and careful proclamation of the word is essential.

But notice what Paul then goes on to say in verse 12...

Ephesians 4:12 NIV84

12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

In other words, the evangelisis, pastors and teachers, through the proclamation and accurate teaching of the Word of God, the Scriptures, results in God’s people, the church, being better prepared for works of service.

Before we continue, we must note what this “works of service” is referring to.

The word is used in various ways in the Scriptures, but the context of this passage particularly shows that this refers to the ministry of each member of the congregation within the local body as they themselves do the good works that God has prepared in advance for them to do. And this is according to the gifts that they have been given by Christ.

Remember, in verse 7, we read that “…to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it...”

And at the end of this section, in verse 16, we read...

Ephesians 4:16 NIV84

16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

So the emphasis on this section is on the working of each individual part of the body as each part of the body exercises their own spiritual gifts within the context of the local church.

The word is used in a similar way in 1 Corinthians 12, which also speaks about the church as a body, and each member doing its work...

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 NIV84

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

And so again, from verse 12, we find that the ministry of the Word is used in order to better equip other believers within the church to also carry out their minsitry within the body.

I will come back to come application on this towards the end. But for now, let me ask you this question.... Have you come to realise just how important your participation is within the local church. Not just being present at worship services, which is important, but actually serving the people of God around you within this local body? This is what Christ has equipped and called you to…

What a glorious truth!!!

With that in mind, we must consider what the consequences will be as these things take place within the local church.

I’m going to be loosely outlining these consequences, but I do trust we will be getting a sense of just how glorious the work is that we’re called to...

2.1. The Body (Church) is Built up (v.12)

In verse 12 we read that these gifts given, and the ministry of the Word by those appointed by God leads to the preparation of God’s people to carry out their works of ministry....

“...so that the body of Christ may be built up...”

This is really the key summary of what will happen as ministers play their part, and the other members of the body consequently play their part within the context of the local church. The body of Christ will be built up.

If we would see the church of Jesus Christ strengthened; if we would see Emmanuel Baptist Church strengthened and built up as a body, the each and every one of us as members is to carry out our part within this local body. This is essential.

But the promise is that this will be done. Remember always that it is Christ that does the work. Christ builds the church. The Scriptures are very clear on this.

1 Corinthians 3:5–7 NIV84

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

In the context of this church here, we all have our different parts to play. We all have ministry work to do within this local body of the church. But as we do that work, God will be pleased to build the church up.

What follows this, then, are a number of goals (and characteristics) that will increasingly mark the church as it is built up through each one of us exercising our gifts.

The first goal and characteristic is that...

2.2. Unity is Developed (v.13)

Verse 13 tells us that these gifts will be exercised, and the church built up...

...until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God...

Unity within the body of Christ flows out of a careful ministry of the Word of God, coupled with the working of all believers according to the gifting as given by the Lord.

But this is what will increasingly become evident within local expressions of the body of Christ.

Notice the two aspects that are mentioned in terms of this unity. There is the unity in the faith; and in the knowledge of the Son of God.

Now, these two will have some disctinctions, but in another sense they are saying something very similar. The faith that is spoken of here is not a subjective faith. In other words, it’s not speaking about your faith that you have placed in Jesus Christ. Rather, it’s speaking about an objective, body of teaching that makes up what we believe.

Already, Paul has mentioned this “one faith” that we have in verse 5.

Jude wrote to Christians in order to call them to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. This is the faith that is referred to here.

And then the knowledge of the Son of God. In other words, our unity will be based on a correct and deep knowledge of Christ. This knowledge comes through a knowledge of the Scriptures. But it is correct to say that Christ is the object of our faith. In other words, our faith really centres on the person and work of JEsus Christ.

And so in this sense, Paul is saying similar things.

Further to unity being reached, there will also be...

2.3. Maturity is Reached (v.13)

Verse 13 says...

“...and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

This is not an individualistic maturity that is being spoken of (although personal maturing in the faith is important). Rather, what is being spoken of here is the maturing of the church body as it continues to be faithful to carry out it’s functions as the body of Christ.

Maturity is spoken of regularly within the Scriptures in terms of the goal of the church. Immaturity is rebuked and spoken against. Maturity is exhorted and encouraged. Hebrews 5:11 and following particularly speaks of this maturity that ought to be evident within the body.

In this case, the goal of that maturity is none other than the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

The Letter to the Ephesians 2. Diversity in Unity that Leads to Maturity, 4:7–16

‘The glorified Christ provides the standard at which his people are to aim: the corporate Christ cannot be content to fall short of the perfection of the personal Christ’

In other words, we want to so mature, that all of that which marked the nature and character of Christ is to be communicated and lived out by believers within the church. That is a high calling indeed, and calls for a great and committed work on our part.

One commentator rightly remarks...

Ephesians: An Introduction and Commentary b. Diversity in Unity (4:7–16)

Whether the goal can be realized in this life or not is irrelevant. The point is that the Christian is to press forward with no lesser ambition than this. This is human life as it is intended to be, measured only by all that we can understand of the human life of Christ himself.

Further to this, we will find that...

2.4. Spiritual Discernment is Developed (v.14)

In a sense, this is a consequence that flows out of what we have already considered. Once the above are being achieved, we will find these further results evident in the church…

Ephesians 4:14 NIV84

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

In other words, we as the church will become steadfast in our faith. We will thus be established, and will not be so easily swayed by every different teaching that arises in the church, as false teachers infiltrate and begin to teach contrary doctrines.

We see this regularly within churches. False teachers and teachings, and people becoming so caught up in these different teachings. And friends, this all flows out of a lack of maturity, which flows out of a lack of the people of God working and exercising their gifts, which flows out of a failure on the part of Pastors, teachers, to teach sound doctrine.

There are consequences in all of these matters.

On the opposite side, what we will find in the church where ministry is being faithfully carried out by the body as a whole, is that...

2.5. Wise Counsel is Developed (v.15)

Notice what Paul says in verse 15...

Ephesians 4:15 NIV84

15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

There is a contrast being drawn over against the previous verse...

Notice again the emphasis on the ministry of the word. Speaking the truth in love speaks about using the Scripture to build up and to exhort and encourage. When the members of the church are equipped with sound teaching, they too will begin to use the Scriptures correctly, and so apply those Scriptures and even speak those Scriptures as they serve within the context of the body. And this will ultimately lead to growing up into him who is the head, that is Christ.

Paul says to the Colossian believers...

Colossians 3:16 NIV84

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

In other words, all of the members of the body of Christ are to have the word of Christ dwelling richly within them, and they are to teach and admonish one another with all wisdom - in other words, they are to use the Word of God wisely for the building up of others within the community.

Finally and briefly, we must note...

3. The Maintaining Work of Christ (v.16)

Ephesians 4:16 NIV84

16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Just two very brief things that we can see in summary from this verse.

Firstly, this flows from Christ himself. From Him - referring to Christ, the body is grown and built up. He gives the growth. Without Christ’s powerful working in our midst, there will be no growth whatsoever.

In other words, we must do all that we do in humble submission and dependence upon Christ.

But that brings us to the second aspect, and that is that each part must do its work. As each and every member, no matter what the function, exercises the gifts that Christ has given, the church will slowly be built up. We must be working out the grace of God that has been given to each one of us.

Application / Conclusion

Just few words by way of conlucison...

A.1. Faithful Ministry of the Word is Essential

The word of God, the Scriptures, must be faithfully procalimed by the Elders and teachers in the church. This can never be compromised by the church.

One of the great responsibilities that falls to the pastor of the church is to proclaim the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. If I fail in that task, if I begin to preach my own wisdom and motivational speaking, words that do not faithfully exposit and teach what the Scriptures teach, then I ought not to be in the pulpit.

This is the great duty and responsibility of the Elders. (particularly myself…?)

But secondly, realise...

A.2. Faithful Participation of the Members is Essential

If Emmanuel Baptist church is going to be a growing and maturing body marked by these various glorious results as Christ builds his church, then each and every member needs to be carrying out their function within the body.

A church that relies entirely on one man, or a handful of people, to have the church become strengthened is going to find itself at a severe deficit. We need each other, and we all need to be working at and exercising the measure of grace that Christ has given to us.

Some people have the notion that because they don’t have the gifts of others, or they don’t have some of the more prominent gifts, that they are somehow less important and significant, and so sink back into the shadows, and fail to even exercise the gifts that God has given them. This should not be.

Whatever the gifts are that have been given, it is perfectly in accordance with Christ’s perfect wisdom. You are simply called to exercise those gifts within the body to the extent that you have received. If you have been given little, be faithful with the little, and Christ will reward you. If you have been given much, be faithful with that much, and Christ will reward you.

Dear friends, let us all seek to be faithful, and serve one another faithfully. And may the Lord be pleased to grow and mature us as He does the work of building His church.