1.  ntroduction ~ we’re supposed to grow into likeness of Christ Col 3:9-10 

2.  Context ~ our passage today is 1 long run-on sentence Eph 4:11-16 

     2.1.  this follows from vs 7 through the word “Christ” Eph 4:7 

3.  Background ~ generally “gospel” means “good news” 

     3.1.  this refers to what Jesus has done for us 1 Cor 15-4 

     3.2.  when we ignore Scripture our stabilizing foundation is lost  

            3.2.1.  God provides what we need to prevent this Eph 4:11-12 

4.  Gifted People ~ are provided by God to equip His people for ministry

     4.1.  apostles (the same word is used for missionaries; i.e. “sent ones”) 

     4.2.  prophets-who deliver the words of God

     4.3.  evangelists who lead people into saving faith

     4.4.  pastors who lead & protect the converts

     4.5.  teachers who bring these converts into maturity

            4.5.1.  believers are equipped & the church changes Eph 4:14 

     4.6.  as his happens God’s purposes are met Eph 4:15  Eph 4:15-16 

5.  The Church ~ must come under consideration 

     5.1.  fundamentally we make more Christ-followers Matt 28:18-20 

6.  Spiritual Organism ~ describes the nature of the Church-it is alive

     6.1.  our status before God changes instantly Phil 3:20-21 

7.  Social ~ also describes the Church since it is made up of people

     7.1.  alone we stagnate & gradually wither Heb 10:24-25 

8.  Not Undivided ~ we are not a homogeneous collection of people 

     8.1.  there will be unsaved people in our midst Matt 13:30 

9.  Application ~ ea member of the body is needed if we’ll fulfill our mission

     9.1.  that will always, 1st, require death to self Rom 12:1 

     9.2.  w/out that we’ll always experience change in the wrong direction  

            9.2.1.  are we becoming more like Jesus? Eph 4:13 

 

For Contemplation:

Am I ready to contribute to the needed changes in my church?

 

Homiletical Idea:

As a church we are called and equipped to become mature in Christ.

 

For Prayer:

Father, move in my heart to be ready to be used for change in my church