2009-05-31
Ephesians - Being Prepared for Your Calling
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction

We cannot accomplish God's purposes on this earth without being a part of community
Humility: "Who are you going to please."; Doing things God's way
Our unity is not based on natural affinity for one another
Ephesians 4: 12 Perfecting the saints for their ministry
One of the secrets of intimacy with Jesus: ministry (Romans 8: 5)
Allow God to prepare you for ministry. Be willing to be shepherded

B. Perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry [KJV]

Ephesians 4: 11 - 12
Katartizo: Prepare, equip (to serve), complete.

Colossians 1: 28 - 29
Perfecting and conforming to the image of Christ.
To bring the saints to a condition of fitness of the discharge of their function in the body.

~Wuest

Colossians 2: 19
Colossians 4: 11 - 12
Willing to be shepherded in the local church

Perfecting for the work of the ministry... it's what is going on in your life right now.
Secret prayer and feeding on the Word... where He will reveal Himself to you.

Ephesians 4: 13
Unity and partnership in ministry should be the result of preparation/perfecting.

Investing in others has been a primary theme of the teaching
...in a John 7: 38 (streams of living water flowing from within) fashion.

Wrong motive in ministry and even wrong use of gifts.
Paul advised Timothy "in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men."

Exhort one another daily and to spur one another on to love and good deeds.

1 Thessalonians 1: 4 - 8 Example of ministry through the local body.
Galatians 2: 20 Motive in ministry.

Ephesians 4: 14
The truth changes our hearts and minds and actions.

Ephesians 4: 15 - 16
Kingdom outpost homes and taking on the cause of Christ as your core purpose in life.
Where are you? How is your ministry? Who are you investing your life in? For what purpose?