The Structure of the ChurchThe Structure of the ChurchEphesians 4:11-16Ephesians 4:11-16

Sunday November 16, 2014Sunday November 16, 2014

Our Church Focus for 2014

Our Mission Statement2011-2016

Ephesians 4:7-16

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Ephesians 4:11-1611 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The Structure of the Church

Message Thesis: The Ascension

Gifts were given to govern the church.

Message Objective: To understand

that God wants us equipped, matured,

and settled.

Chapter Outline:

I. The Position of This New Creation (4:1–16)

A. The unity (4:1–6): Paul appeals for Christian unity based on seven wonderful scriptural facts.

1. There is one body (4:1–4a): Christ’s body.

2. There is one Spirit (4:4b): The Holy Spirit.

3. There is one hope (4:4c): Eternal life.

4. There is one Lord (4:5a): The triune God.

5. There is one faith (4:5b): The Christian faith.

6. There is one baptism (4:5c): The baptism of the Spirit into Christ’s body.

7. There is one God and Father (4:6): The heavenly Father.

Chapter Outline:

B. The Unifier (4:7–16): The work of Christ brings all these things together.

1. His gifts to believers (4:7–11)

a. When these gifts were given (4:7–10): It was after his ascension.

b. What these gifts were (4:11)

(1) Apostleship (4:11a)

(2) Prophets (4:11b)

(3) Evangelists (4:11c)

(4) Pastors and teachers (4:11d)

2. His goal for believers (4:12–16)

a. That they be equipped (4:12)

b. That they be mature (4:13)

c. That they be settled (4:14–16)

The Structure of the ChurchThe Ascension Gifts

Apostle Prophet Evangelist Pastor Teacher

The Congregational Gifts

1. The Perceiver

2. The Server

3. The Teacher

4. The Encourager/Exhorter

5. The Giver

6. The Ruler/Administration

7. The Gift of Mercy

Romans 12:4-8

The Ascension Gifts:(Governmental)

Help to EQUIP you.

Equip: To supply with necessities such as tools or provisions. To furnish with the qualities necessary for performance. To furnish.

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The Ascension Gifts:(Governmental)

Help to MATURE you.

Mature: To grow, progress, unfold, or evolve through a process. (Matured) Having reached full growth or development.12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

The Ascension Gifts:(Governmental)Help to SETTLE you.

Settle: To put into order, arrange, or

fix definitely as desired. To put

firmly into a desired position or

place, establish.14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.