Eph 4:7-16

Introduction:

     In yesterday’s inaugural speech, president Bush made it clear that his goals for the next several years were to bring unity and healing to a deeply divided nation. This is certainly a tall order to fulfill.

During these past few weeks in our study of the book of Ephesians, we see a very different picture. God brought together two different, diverse and antagonistic groups: the Jews and the Gentiles. Through Jesus Christ, these two groups are brought together to God and to each other. Out of the two, a new humanity, a new community is formed. Even to this day, when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we too are brought together and become one with each other.

This oneness is not based on external programs or activities, but on the one God we believe. We believe in one God the father, son and the spirit. Therefore among us, is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism and one Hope. The moment we put our faith in Jesus Christ, there is unity among us.

In this Christian community, our responsibility is to maintain this unity through humility, gentleness, patience and bearing each other in love. The hallmark of this unity is a community of love.

In today’s passage we continue to learn about the maintenance and expression of this unity. We’ll see a very basic truth: in this diverse community, a diversity of gifts is given for the purpose of building up the body of Christ.  

I.   Christian unity is characterized by the diversity of gifts.

In verses 1-6 there is this clear and unmistakable message on the unity of the Christian church. One God the father, the son and the spirit. Out of this unity of God, there is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism and one Hope. And then immediately in vs 7, “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” In chapter 3 it moves from diversity to unity. Here, its from unity to diversity. To different people, different gifts are given, and in vs12, for different services. In a united community, there is the diversity of gifts and services.

1. The giver of the gifts(8-10). V8 is a quotation of Psalm 68:11. In the ancient world, after every conquest, the conqueror would distribute to his people what he captured. Together with vs 9,10, this passage is telling us how Jesus came into the world and become man. He humbled himself and died on the cross. On the third day he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Yes, he was humiliated, but eventually he was glorified. He was the ultimate victor over sin. In his victory, he has given his children different gifts. He is the giver of the gifts.

2. The diversity of the gifts (7, 11). In 1Cor 12:4, “the variety of gifts…”. In the NT, there are a total of 5 listings of the spiritual gifts. Each list is different. All together, there are over 20 different kinds of gifts. It appears that none of the list is intended to be an exhaustive one. In different churches and organizations, for their own practical and theological reasons, different gifts are given special attention. This morning lets take a look at the gifts mentioned here in Ephesians 4. 

First, there is the gift of Apostles. In our earlier studies, we discussed that apostles are those chosen by Jesus Christ, they were witnesses of his resurrection. They were sent by Christ, their spoken and written words are from Jesus, therefore, they are authoritative and without errors. Based on this understanding, there can be no apostolic successors.

However, having said this, we also recognize that in this day, there are individuals who carry out the apostolic ministry, such as pioneering missionaries and church planters. They are not apostles, but their ministries are similar to the apostles.

Secondly, the gifts of Prophets. According to the biblical understanding, prophets are God’s spokesmen. They clearly and accurately communicate God’s word to the people. This is especially evident in the OT. They are vehicles of God’s direct revelation to man. Again, according to this definition, there are no prophets today.

However, there are individuals who may function as prophets. This person may have an unusual degree of insight into God’s word or a very sensitive understanding of the contemporary society. He/she is able to skillfully apply God’s word to the present day world.

Thirdly, the evangelist. By definition, an evangelist is someone who spreads the gospel message. In the NT, we know that this is a responsibility given to every Christian. Every believer is an evangelist.

In today’s Christian church we take this gift to mean that there are some among us who have a special ability to make the gospel message plain to others. Some are gifted in doing mass evangelism. In china, we think of John Sung in the 30’s, bringing thousands of people to Christ. His influence is still evident in today’s Chinese churches, especially in SE Asia. In NA, we can think of Billy Graham, whose evangelistic ministry has brought hundreds of thousands of people to Christ.

Then there are also individual gifted in personal evangelism. It is so easy and natural for them to share the gospel message with others. I think of a brother in Norway, in one semester he was able to bring about 30 university students to Christ. There are also those gifted in radio, literature and film evangelism.

     Fourthly, there are the pastors and teachers. In many translations, pastors and teachers are put together due to the lack of an article before teachers. In the NT, pastors are shepherds. As a shepherd, pastors are to care for the sheep, God’s people. In John 21, it is clearly stated that the shepherd is to feed the sheep. With what? With God’s word. The early apostles clearly understood this responsibility. As the church was growing rapidly in that first century, they found themselves being surrounded by many physical and administrative responsibilities. So they selected 7 deacons to take care of these responsibilities. What was their reasoning? Act 6:3,4, “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them, and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” They know their priority is prayer and the ministry of the word. To spread and teach God’s word.

     Only God’s word can help a believer to grow spiritually. Therefore all pastors must be teachers of God’s word. We are fully aware that different congregation will have different expectations of their pastors. Some expect him to be like the CEO of a company, or the persuasive salesman. Some expect him to be a jack of all trades. He is the one who shovels snow from the church’s main entrance.

If our understanding of the biblical teaching is correct, a pastor’s main and primary responsibility is to be a student of God’s word so he can teach and feed God’s people. I certainly appreciate in my first pastorate, the congregation and the leaders constantly encouraging me by saying, “pastor, you be a good student and preacher of the word, we’ll do our best to help you with other aspects of the ministry.” With their encouragement, I was able to focus on my primary priority: the ministry of the word.

II.   The diversity of gifts is to equip the believers for service.

Yes, Jesus Christ has given different gifts to his church. What are they for? Vs12, “for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up……”. The immediate purpose is for service and the ultimate purpose is for the building up of the body of Christ. What does this mean to us pastors?

First, we are to recognize that each believer is given one or more gifts. Some have the gift of teaching, others, caring, mercy or service. They are to use it to serve others. We pastors must not guard the ministries as our own. Everyone in this congregation is to serve others, both in and outside of this church. In one church’s bulletin they have these words: Senior Pastor: so and so, Associate Pastor: So and so, ministers: Congregation.

Secondly, what then is our responsibility? The scripture is very clear on this: vs 12, “to prepare God’s people”. Our primary responsibility is to prepare, to equip God’s people for their particular service. We are to teach and prepare them so they can be unleashed to serve God and others. Again, how do we equip? Yes, certain ministry skills are important and necessary. But what is even more important is: God’s word. Without God’s word, we are just teaching people management and counseling skills. They can be taught by any secular professionals. Yes these skills are important, but they must be deeply rooted in God’s word.

III.    The diversity of service will lead to maturity.

The immediate purpose of diversity of gifts is for serving others. The ultimate objective is to build up the body of Christ (vs12). What does it mean to build up the body of Christ?

First, to reach unity in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Vs13, “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Our teaching and service is to help individuals in this church to know Jesus Christ. That we will know him more and more clearly and intimately. Not just head knowledge. Biblical understanding of knowledge always needs to change in life. Together we are to know more and more about Jesus Christ. Christian unity cannot be separated from our knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Secondly, building up the body of Christ means maturity. The church, the new community is one. But it also needs to become mature. Vs14-16, ‘Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” One hallmark of children is instability. Constantly influenced by new ideas and doctrines. Without his own mind or conviction. Easily persuaded by impressive words and appearance.

A mature person, or congregation has a good understanding of God’s word. When we hear something that is new or different from what we have learned, we always ask, “is this compatible with God’s word? Is it in harmony with the rest of the Bible?” Again, we see the importance of teaching and explaining God’s word. I often share this with individuals, “Instead of focusing on the errant doctrines and cults around us, we need to emerge ourselves in God’s word. So that when false doctrine comes along, we can spot it right away.”

Thirdly, what is another sign of maturity? Vs.15,”Speaking the truth in love.” We may have all the right doctrines and proper understanding of the Bible, but without love, it is only hard and harsh facts. You are right, but you will turn people away.

Finally what becomes of the church and the people when we are more and more mature? Vs13b, “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Simply put, we become more and more like Jesus Christ.

So what is the purpose of the gifts of teaching? To equip God’s people for their service. What is the final objective of the service? To build up the body of Christ, that we, individually and corporately, will become more and more like Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

     In this passage, it is cleared stated that God has given pastors/teachers to his local and universal church. Their mission is to feed God’s people with God’s word. To equip them with God’s word so they can fully develop their individual gifts to serve one another, so that the body of Christ will be built up. Individuals and the church will stand firm in God’s truth, not easily persuaded by new and errant doctrines. We will attain the fullness of Jesus Christ.

     It is important that churches from time to time need to set and examine their ministry objectives. And for this reason, during this year, the pastoral staff and the council want to focus our ministry to build a web of life. It is our desire and prayer that this church will be like a spider web. Once you come into contact with this community, you will be surrounded by people who love and care, and becoming a part of it. We want to encourage the leaders to be care-givers by developing an extensive visitation ministry. We will continue to strengthen and develop our fellowship and small group ministry. And also develop a Family life ministry to train and educate so we can build strong marriages and families. As we pursue such objectives, we’ll see this church becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. We will be connected with love, growing together with Jesus as our head.

     Five years from now, we ask ourselves not necessarily how big this church is, how many more people we have. We are to ask: does people in this church know Jesus Christ more than before. Is the fullness of Jesus Christ more and more evident in our lives?

Rev. William Hsueh    Jan. 21, 2001    Houston Chinese Church,  Houston, Texas