Gifts for Maturity and Unity

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Gifts for Maturity and Unity

Ephesians 4:11-16

October 29, 2023 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • Ephesians 4:11–16

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Introduction:

Tonight, we complete our look at Ephesians chapter 4 and our concentration on what makes for unity at the local church level.

We have considered:

1. The ambition for local church unity (vs.1)

2. The attitudes for local church unity (vs.2a)

3. The actions for local church unity (vs.2b-3)

4. The awareness for local church unity (vs.4-6)

AND BEGINNING AT VERSE 7, WE HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING

5. The assets for local church unity (vs.7-16)

We looked at:

a. The distribution of spiritual gifts to individual believers (vs.7)

b. The explanation for spiritual gifts (vs.8-10)

And now tonight we finish by thinking about the distribution of spiritual gifts to the church (vs.11-16)

RUNNING THROUGH ALL OF THIS IS AN EMPHASIS ON THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH.

And so, tonight, it is not a detailed exposition that I’m after (which would take a few weeks). Rather, looking at the passage from an aerial point of view, I simply want us to see how Christ’s gifts to His church are meant to result in the maturity of His church, and therefore the unity of His church.

Tonight, we think about Christ’s gifts for the maturity and unity of His church.

I.THE MEN FOR THE CHURCH’S UNITY (vs.11)

Christ’s victory supplies for all that belongs to the church. This is true when we view salvation in its entirety, and this is true when we think about how salvation is worked out in time and history. Our salvation has been secured by Jesus — WE ARE SECURE IN JESUS — and yet we work out our salvation with fear and trembling in the sense of progressive sanctification.

For that work of progressive sanctification, Jesus has supplied gifts in the form of MEN.

Gifted men given to the church for the maturity and unity of the church.

Of those types of gifted men mentioned in verse 11, only some are permanent (or for those who see these as divided, it would be two). The men who go on teaching the church as pastors.

Shepherds who teach are given by Christ to His church for the maturity of His church and for the unity of His church.

Harold Hoehner — “After a study of the grammatical structure of one article followed by two plural nouns separated by a καί (as here), Wallace suggests that the first is the subset of the second and thus “all pastors are to be teachers, though not all teachers are to be pastors.” Hence, while there is a distinction between the two, the distinction is not total.”31

DIVISION — FOR SAVED PEOPLE — IS EXPLAINED BY IMMATURITY AND ERROR.

These teachers are used by Christ to overcome the problems that exist in immaturity and error.

II.THE METHOD FOR THE CHURCH’S UNITY (vs.12)

How is this accomplished?

This is accomplished through teaching.

The men are given for the equipping of God’s people.

The people are equipped for service.

That work of equipping, and that every member kind of ministry, results in the edification (the building up) of the body of Christ — the church.

WHY HAVE I BEEN SAYING THAT THIS IS CHRIST’S METHOD FOR THE UNITY OF HIS CHURCH?

It is because in the very next statement we see why these men have been given, and what the goal of their equipping ministry is.

“UNTIL WE ALL ATTAIN TO THE UNITY OF THE FAITH.”

Why kind of unity is this?

IT IS A UNITY IN KNOWLEDGE

IT IS A UNITY IN MATURITY (full grown manhood, which is to say, full grown Christlikeness.)

III.THE MARK FOR THE CHURCH’S UNITY (vs.13)

This is the goal of all church ministry.

This is the goal of all shepherding.

This is the goal of all preaching and teaching.

The mark at which we aim, the goal toward which we labor, the measure by which we measure our work — is Christlikeness.

“to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

THE WHOLE CHRIST IS THE DESTINY OF THE WHOLE MAN.

Obviously, that does not mean that we attain to deity. But what it does mean is that in every way God has destined that the last Adam is the goal of our redeemed humanity, we will one day arrive there. And THAT is what maturity aims at and is measured by.

Holiness in mind.

Holiness in motives.

Holiness in behavior.

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 (LSB)

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it.

IV.THE MATURITY FOR THE CHURCH’S UNITY (vs.14-16)

What does that maturity look like in development? As a church matures, and as a result can maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, what does that look like?

A. A MATURITY EVIDENCED BY DISCERNMENT (vs.14)

Understand that this divides churches. Bad doctrine. Immature thinking in the realm of doctrine. Spiritual gullibility. Doctrinal instability. Shepherd-teachers are given to the church so that churches KNOW what they believe and develop DOCTRINAL DISCERNMENT. That produces stable and unified churches.

B. A MATURITY EVIDENCED BY AMBITION (vs.15)

Now, we have already talked about this, but verse 15 underscores this. What is the spiritual aim of spiritually mature people?

It is that we would know THE TRUTH.

It’s not winning arguments. It is arriving at the truth. THIS REIGNS OVER THE WAY WE SPEAK TO OTHER PEOPLE, DOESN’T IT?

If my goal is to win an argument, then love is not at the forefront.

But if my goal is that you and I arrive at the truth out of love for Christ, then even the way I address you will be transformed.

In addition, if my goal IS CHRISTLIKENESS, then my aim is not SELF-EXALTATION, it is GRACIOUS LIFE TRANSFORMATION.

My desire is for everything in me contrary to Christ to be conquered.

AND THIS IS IN “ALL ASPECTS.”

There is nothing in my life that is off-limits.

There is nothing excluded from that work of transformation.

C. A MATURITY EVIDENCED BY ACTIVITY (vs.16a)

Here is the wonder of that LIFE-TRANSFORMING work of God. It is accomplished through people who are undergoing that work of God.

God is working THROUGH the very people IN WHOM He is working.

God is working THROUGH the very gifts that He has GRACIOUSLY imparted to His people.

We have been SAVED FOR ACTIVITY.

We have been SAVED FOR MUTUAL INVESTMENT.

We have been SAVED TO PROGRESS IN COMMUNITY WITH THE SAINTS OF GOD.

So that God is at work through what is produced in the individual members to bring growth and transformation IN THE WHOLE BODY.

A MATURE CHURCH IS A MUTUAL MINISTRY CHURCH.

A UNIFIED CHURCH IS A MUTUAL MINISTRY CHURCH.

Ephesians 2:8–10 (LSB)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

D. A MATURITY EVIDENCED BY AFFECTION (vs.16b)

A mature church is not just a discerning church. It is not just a Christ-exalting and pursuing church. It is not just a church active in ministry. It is a church MARKED BY LOVE.

LOVE FOR GOD.

LOVE FOR EACH OTHER.

This is what will characterize a unified church.

It will be a loving church.

The Lord’s Church - It’s Importance Part 2

September 1, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Timothy 3:14–15

Introduction: The importance of the church is on display in Paul’s life and ministry. We saw it in Paul’s passion for the church. We saw it in Paul’s patience with the church. We saw it in the urgency and authority of the message committed to the Lord’s church. We saw it in the detailed instructions given to the Lord’s church. We saw it in the problems faced by the Lord’s church. BUT NOW WE SEE IT IN YET ANOTHER WAY. The importance of the church is seen in its GOD-GIVEN IDENTITY. What is the church? How are we to understand ourselves? Why are we here and what are we to be about? I. THE CHURCH IS THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD (The church considered as a family) When the church is described as a household — the FAMILY OF GOD — it communicates several truths. This speaks of HONOR — His name is upon us. This speaks of AMBITION — We desire to please our Father. This speaks of UNION — We belong to a family so that we have been brought into a union with our God in Christ and are members of each other (brothers and sisters). This speaks of AUTHORITY — We are under His headship — His rule (Christ is the head of His church). This speaks of NEW BIRTH — We are God’s by means of adoption, but also by means of new nature. There are two families in the earth. Those who have God as their Father, and those who are of their father the devil. This speaks of RESPONSIBILITY — We have care for each other that has been assigned to us. ESV 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler-- not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you." II. THE CHURCH IS THE ASSEMBLY OF THE LIVING GOD (The church considered as an assembly) ἐκκλησία ekklesia Meaning: an assembly, a (religious) congregation We are not just God’s family, we are, at the same time, His assembly. A. THIS SPEAKS OF ORGANIZATION As we said earlier, there is a proper way to conduct ourselves in the Lord’s church. There is a leadership structure. There is an organization God has set forth. ESV 1 Corinthians 14:37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ESV 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. So, the church is the family of God, organized in accordance with the Word of God, for the purpose of carrying out the ministry of the local church that has been assigned by God. B. THIS SPEAKS OF REPRESENTATION The church of the LIVING (the God who really exists) God. In a sea of paganism and multiplied false gods, the church belongs to the true and living God. This is a test of a healthy church — do they represent God in the FULLNESS of His character? Do they preach the whole counsel of God about EVERYTHING, including what God has revealed about His own NATURE and ATTRIBUTES? C. THIS SPEAKS OF PROTECTION The church is cared for by its OWNER. ESV Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The Lord’s Church - It’s Importance Part 1

September 1, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Timothy 3:14–15

Introduction: To love the Lord Jesus is love what He loves. It is to be devoted to all that He would have us be devoted to. And if you love what Jesus loves, then you must love the local church. If you are devoted to what He would have you be devoted to, then you must be devoted to the local church. He loved the church and gave Himself for her, and He has promised to build His church, and He has, and He is. But we are living in times when there is a gross misunderstanding of the local church. We don’t know who we are, and we don’t know why we are here. And what is sad and amazing about that is that God has given us His Word for the very purpose that we would never find ourselves in that position. As the title of one book about elders reads, “When all else fails, read the directions.” Well, here in the word of God, and specifically, in the Pastoral Epistles, we have the directions. What do they teach us? I. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CHURCH This is perhaps the first thing that we have forgotten, just how important the Lord’s church is. There is error on both ends of the spectrum when it comes to this issue. **There are those who treat the church as if it isn’t important to God, or to genuine Christianity. -Some place the church on the same level with any Christian teaching organization. -Some place the church on the same level with Christian television or radio -Some see the church as a tragic failure and abandon it altogether -Some give the church their time and their attendance as it fits into their schedule *If it doesn’t interfere with their work, or their pleasures *If it gives them what they want *If it can be fit into their retirement plans and travel plans **There are others who treat the church as important, but they don’t really understand why it is important. They see the church not through the eyes of the New Testament, but through the eyes of their own ideas. They see the church as important, but not for the reasons that they should and what they really desire is not at all what the Lord intended His church to be. Indeed, it is a sad reality that with many professing Christians the more the church becomes what it was intended to be, the less they desire it. A. SEEN IN PAUL’S PASSION FOR THE CHURCH 1. RECENTLY RELEASED FROM ROMAN IMPRISONMENT 2. VISITING CITIES WHERE HE HAD MINISTERED, LEAVING TIMOTHY IN EPHESUS TO SET CERTAIN THINGS IN ORDER 3. HOPING TO COME TO THEM PERSONALLY IN A SHORT TIME 4. GIVING THEM CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS UNTIL HE CAN BE PRESENT Why did Paul have such a passion for these assemblies? HE CARRIED THESE CHURCHES IN HIS HEART. ESV 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one-- I am talking like a madman-- with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. BECAUSE OF HIS LORD’S LOVE FOR THE CHURCHES ESV Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, To love the Lord Jesus is to love what He loves.

A Sure & Steadfast Hope

July 14, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • Lamentations 3:19–24

Introduction: The sorrow expressed in the book of Lamentations is something foreign to us. There are different kinds of sorrow. In some respects, a broken heart is a broken heart, but there are some things that will be unique to each one of us in our particular sorrow. There are tears that we will shed, at some point in our life, that no one but our Great High Priest will ever be able to fully understand. We do our best to comfort one another in the love of Christ, but we sense, even as we desire to be ministers of mercy, our great limitations. We sense our own limitations in trying to help those who are hurting, and we sense the limitations of others when WE are hurting. And when you have tried to pour your heart to another human being who hasn’t faced your particular trial, you can appreciate their love toward you, but there is also a loneliness felt in knowing that they really don’t completely understand. What the prophet Jeremiah describes in this book, we read, and we benefit from, but in a sense, we can only sit in silence and listen as he tells us what he feels, and as he tells us what he has seen. For we have never seen anything like what he saw. For over 40 years this prophet gave to his people the warnings from God. He told them that destruction was coming. They despised him for it. They mocked him, they persecuted him, and they rejected him. But what he was given to proclaim — arrived. Everything that God said, through the prophet Jeremiah, one day came. And what came was horrific. Jeremiah writes this sometime between the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., and when he was forced to depart to Egypt in 583 B.C. (Jeremiah 43:1-7) Throughout the book he tells us of his sorrow in 5 poems. You get a taste of the entire book and a context for our verses by paying attention to his 3rd lament which is found here in this 3rd chapter. In chapter 3 he is the afflicted man. He is telling us of his overwhelming grief. *He is in absolute darkness with the hand of God turned against him again and again all day long. (vs.1-3) *His flesh and skin waste away, and God has broken his bones, and enveloped him with bitterness and tribulation and made him to dwell in darkness like the dead. (vs.4-6) *He is a man who is walled in without escape, and his chains are heavy. He calls and cries out for help but God shuts out his prayers and his ways are blocked, and his paths are crooked. (vs.7-9) *His despair makes him feel like God has become like his enemy. Like a bear that has ripped him to pieces, or a lion. He has been reduced to desolation. He is the target for the bow and the arrows of God and the arrows have gone right to his innermost parts. (vs.10-13) *He is a laughingstock. He is taunted. (vs.14) *His life feels like nothing but unending bitterness and misery (vs.15-16) *He is so sorrowful that he can find no peace, and he can’t remember goodness, he has forgotten what happiness is. (vs.17) *His mindset is that he cannot endure anymore and he has no hope. All he can think about and remember are his afflictions. (vs.18) And before you think Jeremiah to be a bit dramatic, realize what he has seen. His people, God’s people, have been conquered by Babylon. The city walls are broken down. The walls, the towers, the homes, the palace, and the temple have all been destroyed. It was in mid-July when the city fell and it was in mid-August when the temple was burned. (MacArthur Commentary – 883) It is the HEAT OF THE YEAR time in Jerusalem. So conditions would have been miserable. The enemies of God have triumphed, and they are gloating. The children of Zion are treated like trash. Many, many have been slain by the sword, and in fact their bodies lie in the dust. Many have been carried away captive, and those who live and remain are in misery.