The Equipped Church

Ephesians 4:1-16

INTRODUCTION: Much like the nation of Israel of old, we have forsaken much of the God-given resources whereby we are to draw closer to the Lord. We have replaced them with things God never designed and we are reaping the consequences of our disorderly conduct. It is high-time that we return to biblical Christianity and biblical church.

I. LAYING THE FOUNDATION

A. The Breakdown of the New Testament Epistles

1. Letters to Jewish believers
2. Letters to churches
3. Letters to individuals
4. Letters to pastors

B. The Historical Practice of the Letters

1. The words came from God
2. Through an apostle
3. To the intended audience in the form of a single written letter

C. The Foundation of Truth

1. The law and the prophets
2. Accounts of the earthly ministry of Christ
3. To which would be added letters or copies of letters written by the apostles

II. GOD’S GIFT TO GOD’S MAN

A. The Apostles’ Statement (Acts 6:1-4)

1. Men were to be chosen to serve the tables of the widows (Acts 6:1-3).
2. The apostles would give themselves continually to: (Acts 6:4)
a. Prayer
b. The ministry of the word

B. The Apostle’s Admonition (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 4:1-4)

1. Study to show thyself approved (2 Timothy 2:15)
2. Self-application of the word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
3. Proclamation of the word (2 Timothy 4:1-4)

III. GOD’S GIFT TO GOD’S CHURCH

A. The Call to Walk Worthy (Ephesians 4:1-3)

1. A worthy walk (Ephesians 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
2. A walk of love (Ephesians 4:2)
3. A unified walk (Ephesians 4:3)

B. The Gifts Given to Men (Ephesians 4:8-11)

1. The giver of the gifts (Ephesians 4:8)
2. The identity of the gifts (Ephesians 4:11)
a. Apostles
b. Prophets
c. Evangelists
d. Pastors
e. Teachers

C. The Purpose of the Gifts (Ephesians 4:12-16)

1. For strength (Ephesians 4:12-13, 15-16)
a. For the perfecting of the saints (Ephesians 4:12)
b. For the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12)
c. For the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12)
d. That we may grow up into Him (Ephesians 4:15)
e. That the body may edify itself in love (Ephesians 4:16)
2. For safety (Ephesians 4:14)
a. That we be no more children.
b. That we be no more tossed to and fro.
c. That we be no more carried about with every wind of doctrine.

IV. GOD’S DESIRE OF HIS CHURCH

A. From the Man of God

1. That he would labour in the word and in doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17)
2. That he would feed the flock of God taking the oversight willingly and not as being a lord over God’s heritage (1 Peter 5:1-3)

B. From the People of God

1. That they would honour the man of God who honours God (1 Timothy 5:17)
2. That they would obey those who rule over them (Hebrews 13:17)
3. That they would not forsake their chances to gather together (Hebrews 10:25)

CONCLUSION: The charge concerning the church is dual in nature: (1.) a charge to God’s man to preach God’s word and (2.) a charge to the church to follow God’s man only as he follows God.