The Maturity Of The Church Series

The Maturity of the Church

Text: Eph. 4:7-16

Introduction

1. Illustration: There are no short cuts to maturity. It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. The development of Christlike character cannot be rushed. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time. When you try to ripen fruit quickly, it loses its flavor. In America, tomatoes are usually picked unripened, so they won’t bruise during shipping to the stores. Then, before they are sold, these green tomatoes are sprayed with CO2 gas to turn them red instantly. Gassed tomatoes are edible, but they are no match to the flavor of a vine-ripened tomato that is allowed to mature slowly (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, 217).

2. Pastor Rick is correct in saying there are no shortcuts to maturity, however, God does give us things that helps us on our journey to maturity.

3. God wants to help us along the way to maturity so he…

a. He Gives Us Gifts

b. What Are the Gifts?

c. The Need for Maturity

4. Read Eph. 4:7-16

Proposition: It is necessary for us to grow in our faith so that we can fight the battle against Satan.

Transition: The first thing that God does to help us mature is…

I. God Gives Us Gifts (7-10).

A. Each One of Us a Special Gift

1. Last week we talked about the fact that as members of the body of Christ we are all one. Although we are united as the body of Christ, each of us is unique and we bring something special to the church.

2. In v. 7 Paul says, “However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.”

a. Back before Christmas, I said that we are all an important part of the church and that we all have some special role to play.

b. Here is the reason why, we have all been given a special gift.

c. The phrase “special gift” is from the Greek word charis, where we get the English word grace. What is grace? It is an unearned gift from God.

d. So, each of us is a special gift to the church. We are all important and necessary parts to the church and we each have an important role to play in the church.

e. Furthermore, we were all given these gifts through the generosity of Christ. You are all special!

3. In v. 8 Paul says, “That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”

a. This is a reference to Ps. 68:18, where the Psalmist is talking about the Ark of the Covenant being returned to Zion in triumph by King David.

b. As he does this, he also brings back the spoils of war as gifts to the people.

c. Paul uses this to paint a picture of Christ’s triumphant return to heaven.

d. David triumphed over the enemies of Israel, and Christ triumphed over the enemy of God’s people Satan. When he did, he gave us, his people, as gifts to the church.

B. Use Them Well

1. Illustration: Pastor Charles Swindoll had this to say about spiritual gifts, “Too many Christians are not serving. When you ask them to do something they say, "Well, uh, sorry, but that is not my spiritual gift." Trouble is they seem to think they have no spiritual gift because they say that about everything. Brethren, I tell you the truth in Christ that are no such gifts as pew warming and sermon or music listening’!! All of the spiritual gifts are proactive. You will be doing something. If you tell me that you are sold out to the Lord and not doing anything I will try not to be rude and call you a liar, but I will have to ask you to explain your definition of consecration to me.”

2. We need to discover what our spiritual gifts are and use them to God’s glory.

a. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Rom. 12:6-8)

b. I think that people have an issue with spiritual gifts because they think of them only as the charismatic gifts.