Ephesians 4:11-16 Jesus Followers Equip One Another To Walk In His Likeness

April 21, 2024
Series: Ephesians
Teacher: Paul Mermilliod

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Ephesians 4:11-16
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] 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, [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. [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Big Truth:
Jesus Followers Equip One Another To Walk In His Likeness

Ephesians 4:12-13
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

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Big Idea:
Jesus Is The Head Of The Church And The Means Of Her Unity, Gifting, And Growth (4:15-16)

• We exist for Him. (4:1)
• We exist through Him. (4:4-10)

Colossians 1:16-18
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Big Idea:
Jesus’ Body Is Graciously Gifted (4:7-8, 16)

• We have been given saving grace. (Eph 2:8)
• We have been given gifts of grace. (Eph 4:7, 16)

Big Idea:
Jesus’ Body Has Been Gifted With Leaders (4:11)

• Leaders are a gift, not a burden. (4:11)
• Leaders are uniquely gifted to proclaim the gospel (4:11)

Big Idea:
Jesus’ Leaders Equip The Saints (4:12)

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Big Idea:
Jesus’ Saints Do The Work Of Ministry (4:12)

• Every member is a minister. (4:12)
• This “ministry” is “work.” (4:3, 12, 16)
• This “ministry” is service. (4:12, 15)

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Titus 2:13-14
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Big Idea:
The Work Of Ministry Is The Building Up Of Jesus’ Body (4:12)

• The work of “building up” includes bearing, teaching, caring, serving, speaking truth, loving, and protecting one another. (4:1-16)
• Every member is gifted for this purpose. (4:7, 16)
• The whole “body of Christ” is our responsibility. (4:12)

1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…

Big Idea:
Maturity Is The Goal Of Building Up Jesus’ Body (4:13, 15)

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