So That The Body Of Christ May Be Built Up (Ephesians)

Appleton Gospel Church

So That The Body Of Christ May Be Built Up: Did you know you're needed for the ministry of the church? Even if you aren't on staff or are a leader? You are! The whole church, equipped by leaders through the ministry of the word, is called to do the works of ministry. By speaking the truth in love, the whole body grows in unity, maturity, and love until it reaches the whole measure of the fullness of Christ! Recorded on Jun 16, 2024, on Ephesians 4:7-16 by Pastor David Parks. Our series, Ephesians: The Gospel in Life, serves as an epilogue to Finding Life in Jesus’ Name from John’s gospel. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reveals much about how the life found by faith in Jesus actually works. This series will touch on themes of grace, identity, purpose, family, the church, spiritual warfare, and more. If you’re considering the life of Jesus or if you’re ready to follow him today, this series is for you. Sermon Transcript We’ve been working through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians in a sermon series called The Gospel in Life. And today, as we continue in Chapter 4, we’re going to consider the work of ministry that every member of the body of Christ has been called to do. This teaching touches on the very purpose of the church and of Christian ministry. This is something I’m so passionate about because this teaching must impact our very identity as Christians and everything we do as a church. Have you ever wondered what you’re doing here? Like what role do you play as a member of this church? I think most Christians think that if they show up for worship on a regular basis, and maybe serve or give, that’s all that they’re expected to do. But is that true? If so, then you might get the impression that you’re not really necessary, that you’re not really needed here. But that’s dead wrong. You’re vital. We need you as much as you need us. But if we fail to understand what ministry is or what it does, then we, as individuals and as a church, are headed for danger. If you have your Bible/app, please take it and open it to Eph 4:7. We’ll read through this and unpack it together. Ephesians 4:7–10 (NIV), “7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)” Last week, we saw how, because of our union with Christ in the church, we have already been made one. However, with so many forces threatening to pull us apart, it can be incredibly difficult to stay one. It takes humility, gentleness, patience, and so much more. And we saw that Paul shifted from a temple metaphor for the church to the body metaphor — that we in the church are members of the body of Christ. Here, starting in v. 7, Paul starts describing why the body needs to grow and mature and how that process works. He says that “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Now, of course, it’s true to say that every Christian has received the grace of God in their salvation. We are saved by grace through faith, right? So you can’t be a Christian and not receive the grace of God. But here, Paul uses the language of grace to describe more gifts after salvation — grace on top of grace already given. This is why Paul quotes Psalm 68. Now, if you go read Psalm 68, you’ll notice that Paul changes the language of v. 18 from people giving gifts to an exalted and victorious God to an exalted and victorious Christ giving gifts to his people. There are several theories about why he changes the meaning of this verse, but I don’t believe Paul was simply making the Psalm to say what he wanted it to say. If you read through the whole Psalm, it ends with God giving gifts to his people — gifts of power and strength. So,