The Church is Our Stronghold (Part 2) - July 4, 2021

 

The Church is Our Stronghold

(Part II-The Method)

Text: Ephesians 4:11-16

Thesis: The Church is the Body of Christ, a Spiritual Stronghold, a refuge for the Saints, a hospital for sinners and well-fortified by capable Spirit-filled workers of Christ.

1. The Apostle Paul proclaims the plan of God for building the Church.
2. The Church is the body of Christ: a place of security, hope and harmony. (See last week’s sermon)
3. Paul reveals it was Jesus himself who called “some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” (vs11)
4. These positions were not self-appointed or created by another human.
5. The Divine call of God is to be taken seriously by those who are called and by those who will be served by those called.

Jesus speaks about those who failed to recognize those God sent out and includes himself in the discussion. (Read Mark 12:1-12)

Moses’ own sister-Miriam and brother-Aaron were punished by God for failing to recognize the calling of the brother. (Read Numbers 12:1-13)

1. The Apostle Paul clarifies the job description of those called by God.
2. Paul states, “it is to prepare God’s people for works of service.” (vs17)
3. There is much confusion in Christendom on what the job description of the “Pastor” (vs11) is.

“I believe my main responsibilities as a Pastor are 1) Love the people, 2) Feed the people and 3) “Prepare God’s people for a work of service.” (Find people a Job. 😊)

                                                       Pastor Chuck Ryan

 

their Spiritual gifting is and engage in a “Work of Service”.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

The “Work of Service” may be performed in the Church, out of the Church or both.

III. The Apostle Paul reveals the positive result of this is “that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Vs 12-15)

1. Christ is calling us to be spiritual bodybuilders. (vss. 13)
2. As Christians, Christ wants us to be strong in the Lord and not “infants”! (Vs 14)
3. This will protect us from the terrible spiritual deception that Jesus speaks about that will take place in the last days. (See Matthew 24: 21-25)
4. The Apostle Paul reemphasizes the vital role that each individual plays as a member of the body of Christ. (vs16)

“As Each Part Does its Work”