Episode 125 - Celebrating Our GrowthWho We Are In Jesus - A Study In EphesiansEphesians 4:11-16

Continuing the thought from our Unity as a church family in the first 10 verses of Ephesians 4, Paul now shares the incredible ways we are designed to grow as a body to achieve His purposes in the world.

We grow:

1. From the equipping of our Leaders – v11

a. They are given asgifts to the church i. Apostles - Plant ii. Prophets - Preach iii. Evangelists - Share iv. Shepherd/Teachers – Care/Prayer

b. They equip us for ministry i. Follow their lead

ii. Hebrews 13:7, 17 iii. I don’t think there is a more joyful pastor than me. really don’t. iv. That is because of God, who placed me here; and because of you – I know I am here as your shepherd – God has made that very clear to me; and your response to my leadership is so encouraging. Thank you!

2. By ministering to one another – v12

a. Think how we do that: i. Teachers teach ii. Servants serve iii. Singers sing iv. Players play v. Counters count vi. Bakers bake vii. Ushers ush viii. Deacons deac… ix. Encouragers encourage x. Witnesses share xi. Friends are friendly…

3. Until we are completely like Jesus – v13

a. Our goal isprogress, not perfection

b. In unity

c. In knowledge – 1:18-20; 3:18-19

d. To maturity –progress! Are you a more mature Christ-follower than you were 5 yrs ago; 2 years ago; 6 months ago? How are you measuring your progress?

e. By following Him closely

4. For our own protection – v14

a. There are dangers associated with not growing

b. Immature

c. Defenseless

d. No stability

e. No anchor

f. No purpose

g. No direction

h. No Impact!

5. By speaking the Truth in Love – v15

a. Truth, by itself leads to legalism, and judgmentalism

b. Love, by itself leads to license to sin, love does not mean you can do whatever you want – love is accountable

c. Jesus is the perfect balance of both –John 1:14, 17 i. Not 50/50; but, 100/100!

d. This is intentional, not accidental – Hebrews 10:24-25

6. Wheneach part of the body functions properly – v16

a. You are necessary!

b. Your contribution matters – large or small – 1 Corinthians 12:18-27

c. Whole body, every joint, each part, the body

7. Together, in Love!

a. 4:2 – bearing with one another in Love – our Umbrella

b. 1 Corinthians 12:27- – the still more excellent way!

c. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Friends, this is who we are and how we are to operate – The body of Christ, equipped to grow, all contributing as He fits us together and gifts us to serve one another in Love.

Let’s keep on growing, together!

Amen!

Are you in on this? Do you have a relationship with Christ? - ? ? - You can’t mature in Christ, until you are in Christ!

Are you a part of a church family? When you talk about something that happens at church, or a decision that is made, do you say, ‘we’ did that; or, ‘they’ did that. Our language gives away what we really think. Let’s be ‘we’, together!

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