Ephesians 4 - 01.25.24
SCRIPTURE -Ephesians 4:12
“Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people
for the work of serving,
to make the body of Christ stronger.
OBSERVATION
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul explains the very important function of the church.
Gifts are given—for a specific Purpose.
Here he speaks about the gifts of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers.
These specially gifted people were given to the church for One ultimate goal—to equip God’s people. But there’s MORE!
God’s people are then to go on to equip others!
APPLICATION
Making Disciples
At DSC our Mission Statement is: Love God, Love People, Make Disciples!
This is born out of the Two Most Important Commandments and Jesus Great Commission. If we Love God-
it is natural that we will Love and care deeply about what HE Loves.
God Loves and cares deeply about people—
“For God SO loved the world that HE gave his ONE and ONLY Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
(John 3:16 NIV)
In God’s Kingdom there are no spectators—
Everyone has been given gifts to grow His Kingdom and Bring Glory to His Name.
God gave gifts to the church SO that ALL believers would be equipped
to do the work of the ministry—of Sharing His GOOD NEWS!
“Christ makes the whole body fit 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.”
(Ephesians 4:16 NLT)
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
(I Peter 4:10 NKJV)
The church also grows AS it moves “out” to surrounding communities responding to Christ’s commission to GO.
“Jesus came and told his disciples,
“I have been given ALL authority in heaven and on earth.
Therefore, GO and “make disciples” of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””
(Matthew 28:18-20 NLT)
PRAYER
LORD Jesus,
Thank You for Your Very Great Love for me. I pray Your Love continues to Change my heart for the things that are important to You. Pour out Your Spirit on Your Church Lord. Give us all a hunger and thirst to serve You with our gifts. Help me to hear Your Voice and move in obedience to Your calling wherever You Lead.
Thank You that we don’t need to travel to another country to “make disciples”-we can GO right in our own community every and any day.
YOU say the harvest is ripe. Here I am Lord, send me.
Amen.
Tina L Kudelka