Join us Sunday for Worship at 10:30am

X Close Menu

Equipping the Saints for Service (Ephesians 4:12-13)

September 15, 2019 Preacher: Bob DeWaay Series: Ephesians

Scripture: Ephesians 4:12-13

This passage explains the purpose of God’s giving the five ministry gifts to the church. They are to equip all of the members of the church for doing the work of the ministry. We explain a translation issue which would either create a strong clergy/laity division where only clergy does the ministry or all of the saints are equipped. We defend the position that all are equipped from the Greek and the context of Ephesians. The “high church” idea which developed in church history that has layers of church authorities that are not defined in scripture has done much damage to the gospel and those who truly know Christ. We need to be grounded in a biblical definition of the church and not allow church history to determine our beliefs and practices. The point of the work of the ministry is the goal of all being conformed to the image of Christ. We show from Scripture that Christians need to be focused on the goal which is the unity of the faith and the “mature man.” We also explain how the knowledge of Christ is both cognitive and relational. The process of coming to “the stature of the fullness of Christ” goes on throughout the church age but is not completed until the return of Christ. The more the church and her ministries are in accord with “the faith,” the more the process of being brought to Christ’s intended goal is furthered.

Sermon slides and handout available under the Downloads tab.