2009-05-17
Ephesians - Being Prepared for Your Calling
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction
First three chapters, and now action
God's glorious grace -- Destiny and purpose: joy!
We cannot accomplish God's purposes on this earth without being a part of community.

Ephesians 4: 2 - 3
Humility
Who are you going to please?
Doing things God's way, rather than my way
Division versus tension
Division slinks around and is bolstered by self-focus, self-pity, manipulation, flattery, etc.

Ephesians 4: 4 - 6
Our unity is not based on natural affinity for one another.

B. He Gave Gifts to Men

Each one has a gift, or many gifts to contribute to the worship, fellowship, partnership and outreach.

Daily living - this grace is unlimited and subject only to the lack of yieldedness.

Ephesians 4: 8 - 10
[John 14: 12 - 14] Promised that when He returned to the Father, He would provide gifts.
[1 Peter 3: 19, 1 Peter 4: 6] Ascending is like the victory march of a conquering king.

C. Church Structure

Ephesians 4: 11
Revelation 21: 14
Apostle: one who is sent, but this term is also used exclusively to refer to the 12.
There are no more legitimate claims to the Apostle authority.

Ephesians 2: 20
Ephesians 3: 5
Acts 15: 32
Prophet: Inspired utterance whose ministry of the Word was of great importance for the young church... to foretell the Word of God.

Acts 2: 17
2 Timothy 4:5
Evangelist: Only two references to evangelist in scripture.
Could be a church planter, missionary, evangelistic office, etc.

Acts 14: 23
1 Peter 5: 2
John 21: 15
Acts 20: 28
Pastor/Teacher: Shepherd, elder.
These elders were to shepherd the church.

1 Timothy 5: 17 - 19
2 Timothy 2: 2
Teacher: Plurality and unity.

Ephesians 4: 12
Perfecting the saints for their ministry.

Romans 8: 5
One of the secrets of intimacy with Jesus: ministry.

Allow God to prepare you for ministry. Be willing to be shepherded.