God’s Health Plan
Ephesians 4:11-16
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NLT)
He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. [12] Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ,
A Precious Gift
God has given spiritual leaders
Apostles - Initiate
Prophets – Cast vision
Evangelists – Proclaim salvation
Pastors – Nurture the flock
Teachers – Instruct
Unique giftings and calls
A twofold call
Equipping the body for ministry – outward
Building up the body for maturity - inward
Ephesians 4:13 (NLT)
until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
The End Result
Growing in knowledge of Christ
Experiential
Intimate
Taught
Identifies the fullness of Christ
Maturing in Christ
Transformed thinking
Transformed actions
A perfect reflection of Christ
The individuality of the person or church is no longer seen – Only Christ is visible
Ephesians 4:14 (NLT)
Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth.
Firmly Grounded
Immaturity leads to instability
Boundaries are not clearly defined
Judgment is based on feeling not absolutes
God’s will and leadership is not factored into decisions
Maturity provides a firm foundation
All doctrine and teaching are weighed against God’s will and direction
Acts 17:11
Acts 17:11 (NLT)
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)
Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Speaking the Truth in Love
Speaking the truth
Done in two ways
In love
In the flesh
1 Corinthians 13:1
1 Corinthians 13:1 (NLT)
If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.
Speaking the Truth in Love
Speaking the truth
Done in two ways
In love
In the flesh
1 Corinthians 13:1
Staying true
Our faithfulness to Christ transforms us
Into his image
He is the head of the body
Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)
Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
A Perfect Fit
Put together according to plan
Christ has gifted each of us uniquely
We are gifted to fit in harmony with those He has placed around us
There are no mistakes
Doing your part
When we live out our full potential, the body is built up
When we don’t the body suffers
Growth is hindered
Full potential is not realized
Key Points
God has given you leaders to help you grow
God desires your maturity
Maturity leads to stability
You are gifted to serve and your service promotes good health
**Powerpoint available on request
