May 10, 2020
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. Fractures Result From Improper Focus

Ephesians 4:7-8
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

Unity has not resulted in uniformity

II. Finished Mission Fills Us With Hope

Ephesians 4:9-10
9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

The finished mission of Christ calls us to faithfully multiply

III. Faithful Service That Multiplies

Ephesians 4:11-13
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.

Unique Spiritual Exercises:
Service: Hebrews 6:10
Prayer and Preaching: Acts 6:4
Relief to community: Acts 11:29
Serving the church family: 1 Corinthians 16:15
Generosity: 2 Corinthians 9:12-13
Financial support for full-time ministers: 2 Corinthians 11:8
Support of others: 2 Timothy 4:11

Every member is a minister, and every minister should have a ministry

What is maturity in the church measured by?
1. Unity of faith
2. Knowledge of Christ

Colossians 2:2-3,
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

3. Maturity in Christ

Next Steps

• I recognize my need to put my trust in Jesus and make Him King of my life.
• I choose to be a part of this church family and desire to become a member.
• I commit to using my gifts to serve here at Calvary.

Deep Dive

1. Read Ephesians 4:7-8. If Christ is the Gift-giver, why are we jealous of other’s gifts rather than trusting Christ’s plan?
2. Read John 3:13-15. Why is it crucial that our focus is on Jesus and that we point others too Him?
3. Ephesians 4:11-13 paint a picture of a growing church that is exercising its gifts. How has God gifted you to serve His church and how can you maximize that gift for His glory?

Springboard

1. Share a time when someone played a trick on you. How did you feel? Ephesians 4:14 describes an immature believer who has been led astray by false teaching. Why is this an important warning?
2. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to grow “in every way” in Christ. Talk about some ways that we should each strive to grow in our faith?
3. Ephesians 4:16 tells us that Jesus causes His church to grow and work together. Share a time when you have experienced the body of Christ truly loving and serving one another.