Message by Paul Mermilliod
[1] I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—[5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [7] But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. [8] Therefore it says,
“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”
[9] (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] 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.
Ephesians 4:1-16
BIG TRUTH:
THE CHURCH IS CALLED TO EQUIP THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY
Why Is Equipping Necessary?
We are called to unity, but unity is not natural. (Eph 4:1-6)
God has gifted leaders for this purpose. (Eph 4:11-12)
God has called every saint to the work of ministry. (Eph 4:12-13)
Our propensity as individuals is to remain spiritually immature by choosing to pursue independence over edification, which results in being “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.” (Eph 4:14-15)
What Is The Purpose Of Equipping The Saints?
Big Idea: The church equips the saints so that they might grow up into maturity, “the measure and stature of the fullness of Jesus.” (Eph 4:13, 15)
Big Idea: The church equips the saints so that they might equip one another by “building up the body of Christ” and “speaking the truth in love.” (Eph 4:12, 15)
How Do We Personally Engage In Equipping The Saints?
Big Idea: We actively commit to continually loving, pursuing, praying for, and helping one another become more like Jesus. (Eph 4:15-16)
MEMBERSHIP PROMISES
We Promise…
To pursue fellowship, equipping you to connect in community (Matthew 22:39; Acts 2:42-44, 4:32; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:14); to pursue mutual edification, equipping you to serve one another (Romans 12:3-5, 14:19; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11-13); to pray for you (Colossians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; James 5:14-16); to love you (Matthew 22:39; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Hebrews 10:24; 1 John 4:7,11).
I Promise…
To live in Christian fellowship, connecting in community with my church family (Matthew 22:39; Acts 2:42-44; 4:32; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:14); to discover, develop, and use my gifts, talents, and experiences to serve one another (Romans 12:3-5, 14:19; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11-13).
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16