Equipped for the Work of Ministry Studies in Ephesians 24 Equipped for the Work of Ministry Ephesians 4:12-16

For the equipping of the saints Leaders in God’s word provided for Equipping – to bring something to its completion (perfecting, preparing) 1 Cor. 1:10, Heb. 13:21, 1 Peter 5:10, cf. Matt. 4:21

For the equipping of the saints Equipping the saints – not just leaders, but all of us! We all have works to do in the word of God

For the equipping of the saints For the work of ministry Ministry – service. A result of being equipped. Luke 10:40, Acts 11:29, Romans 12:7, Revelation 2:19 Of preachers – Col. 4:17, 2 Timothy 4:5, Acts 12:25

For the equipping of the saints For the work of ministry One serving others for the sake of building up the body Not about social activities, but serving in the word

For the equipping of the saints For the edifying of the body of Christ The result of this “ministry” Edification means to build up - either the process of building or the result of the building

For the equipping of the saints For the edifying of the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 3:9 Romans 14:19, 1 Cor. 14:3, 5, 12, etc. Ephesians 4:16, 29 Often we fail to grow because we are not equipped OR we are not serving

Until…4:13 For how long is this work needed? We come to the unity of the faith – Eph. 4:1-12 Philippians 2:1-2 The faith – perfect agreement as to God’s word – Phil. 1:27 Agreement is crucial to true unity. We need understanding in matters of faith – Romans 12:2

Until…4:13 For how long is this work needed? And of the knowledge of the Son of God An understanding of who Jesus is. His nature and His work! If we are not united about who Jesus is, all else will be skewed – cf. Heb. 2:17-18, 4:14-16 What He did to bring us together - -Eph. 2:5, 13-16, 3:9, etc.

Until…4:13 To a perfect man Perfect – mature, fully developed Example – Abraham’s faith! Heb. 6:1, 5:14 – those of full age Colossians 1:28 2 Peter 1:5-11 – building upon our faith makes us sure Maturity of a congregation depends on the maturity of its members

There will always be room for growth! Until…4:13 To the measure of the fullness of Christ We seek to imitate Jesus in our lives. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Matt 4:19, “Follow Me” Matthew 28:19-20 – make disciples 1 Peter 2:21 Ephesians 5:1 There will always be room for growth!

So that…4:14-15 We should no longer be children We need to grow up cf. 1 Corinthians 13:11 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 14:20 Hebrews 5:12-14 God’s word is our “food” 1 Peter 2:1-2, John 4:34

So that…4:14-15 No longer tossed to and from… Children are often easily swayed – not mature yet. When mature, we can fend off the false predator – While elders must expose (Acts 20:28-32, Titus 1:9-11) and preachers (2 Tim. 4:2) As the flock, do we want to be totally dependent on them? Leaders equip the rest of us!

So that…4:14-15 Speaking the truth in love Maturity applies not only to our actions but our attitude as well Christian love is behind all that we do 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 16:11

When leaders are developing us in God’s word, these are the results So that…4:14-15 When leaders are developing us in God’s word, these are the results When we are mature, the church grows Ephesians 4:16 (our next lesson)

How is your growth?