Causing Growth in the body Ephesians 4:16

Eph. 4:16 Always good to reflect: where have we been, how can we grow. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, are gifts from Christ to help us grow (Eph. 4:11-12). To “equip” us—put tools into our hands. But we will only grow when “every part does its share” (vs. 16).

Faithfulness In Worship Is Only an Indicator Worship is the tip of the iceberg concerning the condition of a church. It is necessary, but in order for it to be profitable, much more needs to happen. Many churches do not grow because people see Sunday worship as only responsibility—that’s all they make time for. When this is the case, the church will sink!

Faithfulness In Worship Is Only an Indicator Worship Hospitality Brotherly Love Bible Study Encouraging Kindly Affectionate Distributing to Needs Associating Doing good Visiting those in need Collective Effort: 1 Cor. 11:33 Individual Effort: Rom. 12:9-21

As a Church What Can We Do to Grow? In we come together Sundays and Wednesdays—but what are doing the rest of the time? To answer this question we need self- examination.

James 1:27 Pure and Undefiled Religion Many go to church to “get religion.” Many go through the motions of worship because that makes them feel religious. James disagrees-James 1:22-23 If we want to be religious, we must show it through the way we live: –Controlling the way we talk (1:26) –Visiting and caring for those in need (1:27; 2:15-16) –Good conduct (3:13) –Works done in meekness of wisdom.

James 1:27 Pure and Undefiled Religion This congregation needs to be more religious. Not more religious just on Sunday… But Monday through Saturday, as individuals. “If any among you thinks he is religious…” What can we do better? Start taking our religion home with us!

Brotherly Love Widows in the congregation—most need of encouragement. –Are we visiting, encouraging, strengthening? –Many poor people may loose their homes, but widows have lost much more. Members who need spiritual strength. –Are we concerned? Are we encouraging? Are we trying to help? –Sin is the fire. We need to be willing to pull our brethren out of the fire (Jude 23).

Brotherly Love Brotherly Conduct –Cast off fleshly standards (2 Cor. 5:16) –Cast off selfish ambition (James 3:14-16) –Refrain from gossip, backbiting. –Use thoughts and mouths for righteousness, truth in love, encourage, etc.

Hospitality Worship requires that we assemble. Other good works require associating on an individual basis: –Sincere love of the brethren (1 Pet. 1:22). –Associate with humble (Rom. 12:16). –Kindly affectionate (Rom. 12:10-13).

Bible Study Men’s class: Are we taking leadership seriously? Women’s class: Are older teaching younger? (Titus 2:3-5) Individuals: Heb. 5:12-14 –Are babes willing to grow? –Are mature willing to teach?

Evangelism Matt. 28:18-20 –Is Jesus your King? –If so, are you spreading word of His salvation to those around? –We have good news, are we sharing it? –We have a treasure, are we sharing it? –Don’t be ashamed (Rom. 1:16-17).

Moral Conduct Gal. 5:24: Crucified flesh with its passions Are we fleeing (1 Cor. 6:18; 10:14; 2 Tim. 2:22). Modesty Speech Recreation Our sins will hinder our prayers: John 9:31

Excuses Hinder Growth “Too busy” – but not for recreation “Not enough money” –but not for recreation “Too tired”– but not for recreation “Live too far away” – but not for recreation 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” Be Careful! Mark 4:18-19 Cares of the world choke the word, We become unfruitful.

Goals to Pursue Study to be approved –Can’t work without knowing what to do –Sunday, Wednesday for everyone—care enough to be there –Home studies—Individual initiative (Heb. 6:1-2) Care for widows—everyone take initiative Associate with one another—like a body Evangelism—shod feet with the gospel Teach children respect in worship