Growing the Church through the Spirit

Ephesians 4:1-16

Ephesians 4:1-16

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness,     with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit,   even as ye are called in one hope     of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Living According to Christ’s Standard

• Ephesians 4:1-6
  • Be humble
  • Be gentle
  • Be patient
  • Be accountable
  • Be a peacemaker

Serving According to Giftedness

• Ephesians 4:7,11-12a
  • Every believer…
  • has received grace
  • has specific gifts
  • is responsible to do the work of the ministry
• Every church…
  • has the people she needs

Growing the Individual to Grow the Church

• Ephesians 4:12b-16
• Believers are…
  • equipped to edify the church
  • matured to attain unity
  • strengthened to stand strong
  • melded together as they grow in Christ

What excuses are you making for not living your life ‘all-in’ for Jesus Christ?