INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Divine Officers
2. Divine Operations
3. Divine Objectives
Remarks.
1. The time of this letter was written sometime around 60-64 A.D. This letter was one of Paul’s imprisonment epistles (Philippians, Colossians and Philemon) to the church at Ephesus and distributed throughout all the churches of Asia. It embodies the teaching of the oneness of the body of Christ. And the Lord being the head over it; and the means by which all believers secure salvation by the grace of God. Chapters 1-3, outlines our salvation and relationship in Christ Jesus. Chapters 4-6, outlines our relationship to each other as a community of believers. It is to this end we have gathered to discuss the theme: “the divine work of ministry.” Unity in the church is served by the diversities of gifts, 4:7-16. Paul introduces this section of text by pleading for the attitude of the man of Christ, before mentioning the Plan of Christ for unity. Unity cannot be achieved until all members, and especially ministers and leaders do as Paul suggest – “walk worthy of their calling and election in lowliness, meekness, with long suffering; and forbearing one another in love.” He further states: Christ has given different gifts to men or mankind, 4:7-11.
a. This is proven by a prophecy, 4:8-10.
b. The different gifts listed, 4:11.
2. First, we will first consider the divine officers given as gifts to this ministry. “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” These positions represent Christ’s gifts to the church. I vision to see the day that all believers will reverence these leaders as gifts for their salvation and hope of eternal life. These officers are divine in the sense that they are God directed and appointed.
3. Second, we will look at the divine operations assigned to this ministry, as result of “the perfecting (equipping) of the saints,” 4:12. They are:
a. “For the work of the ministry,” or the evangelistic efforts that are used to grow the church of Christ.
b. “For the edifying of the body of Christ,” or the building up and strengthening of the church, Ephesians 4:12, 16, 19; Romans 14:19; 15:2; 2 Corinthians 13:10.
4. Finally, we will review the divine objectives given to measure the achievement of this ministry, Ephesians 4:13-16. How will we know work within this ministry is successful and pleasing to God? Notice Paul, these gifts are given to be functional “Till we all come into the...”
a. Unity of the faith, 4:13. Not into the unity of these faiths, but, the faith!
b. The knowledge of the Son of God. Unto we obtain a full and complete understanding of who Jesus Was, and I, and ever Shall be. Jesus to John the Revelator: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty,” Revelation 1:8.
c. Unto a perfect or full-grown man or church. “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,” 4:14.
d. Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, 4:14.
e. That we may possess the courage and kindness to speak the truth, and to edify the body in love, 4:15-16. These are challenging objectives for the church then; and for the church now!
BODY OF LESSON
I DIVINE OFFICERS
A. Christ has given different gifts unto men, when he had lead captivity captive. 4:8, 10; Acts 2:33; John 3:13; 6:38, 62. The Lord is the giver of these gifts!
1. This is proven by prophecy. Psalm 68:18
2. The different gifts listed. Romans 12:4-8
B. “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers,” 4:11.
C. Apostles and prophets. Not continuing gifts unto the church. Temporary gifts, without successors. No apostles today, only men claiming such authority. The apostles and prophet’s authority in and over the church is unending. The early church continued in the apostles’ doctrine. Notice: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers,” Acts 2:42. Also, Jude 3, we are encouraged to remain faithful to the faith once delivered to the saint. “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.”
1. Their qualifications. Acts 1:21-26; 1 Corinthians 15:8-10
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2. Foundation of the church. Ephesians 2:20
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3. Apostle’s authority was not to end.
a. Apostles Doctrine. The apostles’ doctrine is also the doctrine of Christ and the Father. Jesus said: “He that heareth you, heareth me...,” Luke 10:16. He said to Peter after the announcement of the church - “And give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven,” Matthew 16:18-19. After Pentecost the early church: “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers,” Acts 2:42.
b. Doctrine of Christ. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine (that Christ is come in the flesh, Verse 7), do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds,” 2 John 9-11.
c. Doctrine of the Father. “And the Jews marveled, saying ‘how does this Man know letters, having never studied?’ Jesus answered them and said, my doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent me. If anyone wills to do his will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak of my own authority,” John 7:15-17.
4. Revealers of the divine mystery (apostles and prophets), Ephesians 3:1-7.
5. Church to make know the “fellowship of the mystery,” Ephesians 3:8-11.
D. Evangelist and pastors. The evangelists and pastors are continual gifts unto the church. Their authority is local, but sometime it may be outside the local church.
1. Evangelist. Work is preaching the word. Romans 10:13-18; Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Timothy 4:6
2. Pastors and teachers, or teaching pastors. Elders, bishops and pastors are the same office. They have a divine appointment in the church, just as the apostles and prophets, Ephesians 4:11; Titus 1:5, 7; Acts 20:17, 28; Philippians 1:1; 1Timothy 3:2.
a. Christ gave [didomi] them; bestow as gifts, 4:11.
b. Holy Spirit made [tithemi] them, Acts 20:28.
c. God set [tithemi] them; place them in the church, both saints and pastor-teachers, 1 Corinthians 12:18, 27-28.
3. These are spiritual men. Not elected from some back room leadership. Men who bear all these characteristic are qualified, 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11. Illustrate: Hen Pecked Men. These are not businessmen, but spiritual men.
a. They are selected and appointed by the congregation. The church has a participatory role in the identification, selection and appointment of its officers (elders and deacons). “Look ye out among yourselves and find seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word,” Acts 6:1-7.
b. To oversee and shepherd the flock. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock,” Acts 20:28. 1 Peter 5:1-4.
c. They are to teach and administer the word, 1Timothy 5:17-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14.
d. They must be “apt to teach,” 1Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
e. It is the evangelist (minister’s) job to assist in equipping the pastor-teachers in their work. He is to: “hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict (the gainsayer) those who contradict, For there are many insubordinate…,” Titus 1:9-11.
E. These all work together to accomplish several divine operations, that Christ gave to the church. These are positions of service. Not a position in which one is to be served. “And whosoever will be chief (Gr: protos) among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:27-28. Every officer is given to the church to teach it, to nurture it, and to serve it to glory and praise of God.
II DIVINE OPERATIONS
A. Christ gave these gifts of men to the church to accomplish several divine and important operations, 4:12. He gave gifts first in church leadership; then in membership development to accomplish two great operations: 1) evangelism, and 2) edification.
1. Gifts of leadership. Christ “gave some (to be) apostles; and some, prophets, and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” We have discussed these already. Parts have passed away; others to be passed on to faithful disciples.
2. Gifts for membership development. Notice Paul: “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us:
a. Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
b. Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering;
c. Or he that teacheth, on teaching;
d. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation;
e. He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;
f. He that ruleth, with diligence;
g. He that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness,” Roman 12:6-8.
h. Clearly Paul is addressing, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and members of the body of Christ. Christ gave gifts to the leadership and membership.
B. For (Gr: pros; to, towards, to advance or with regards to) the perfecting (Gr: katartismos; complete, furnishing or equipping) of the saints. This means to “equip the saints for service.” This equipping is done through teaching, through exhortation and admonition. Faithful men are charged teach faithful men, to teach faithful men, 2 Timothy 2:2. The equipping of the saints is to be done for two reasons.
C. The first operation “for the work of the ministry (Gr: diakonia), of service, ministering and evangelism),” Ephesians 4:11. See also Acts 1:17, 25; 6:1, 4; 11:29.
1. Apostles and prophets - revealers of the word; the doctrine; and the will of God. Each had their part in growing the church of Christ; they are the foundations stones for the church of Christ. Paul says: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself is the chief corner stone;” Ephesians 2:20.
2. Each officer has an area of ministry. So does each member; find yours.
3. Evangelist – He is charged with “preaching the word,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
4. Pastor and teachers – They are charged to “oversee and shepherd the flock.” Notice: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (bishops) to feed (shepherd) the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood..., And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified," Acts 20:28-32.
5. Other areas of ministry - song or praise; benevolence; prison; pastoral counseling; drug rehabilitation; etc. James the Lord’s brother says: “Pure and undefiled religion is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep himself unspotted from the world,” James 1:27. Illustrate: Nursing Home Ministry.
6. When the congregation grows, so will the ministries to serve it.
D. The second operation “to edify (Gr: oikodome, edifying or building up the body of Christ),” Ephesians 4:12, 16, 19. Edifying is the act of one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, sanctification or holiness.
1. Paul with the church of Thessalonians. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you: and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded (fainthearted), support the weak, be patient toward all men,” 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14.
2. Church at Rome. “Let us therefore follow after the things which makes for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another,” Romans 14:19. Notice also: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification,” Romans 15:1-2.
3. Church at Corinth. 2 See 1 Corinthians 14:5, 12, 26; 2 Corinthians 13:10.
4. Church at Ephesus. See Ephesians 4:12, 16, 29.
E. The body of Christ. The church [Gr: ekklesia], “the called out, was a common term to describe a congregation or the ekkletoi, those called out or assembled in the public affairs of a free state; a body of free citizens called together by a herald..,” Matthew 16:18.
1. Peter, the Apostle of Christ states, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath out (ek) of darkness called (kalesantos) you, into his marvelous light,” 1 Peter 2:9.
2. The church is a called out, delivered group of believers who have been, “translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son,” Colossians 1:13. The “converted, the saved, and the born again” have become members of the church of Christ, just as the Lord has promised, Matthew 18:3; Matthew 19:24-25; John 3:5.
3. The church according to Paul is the body of Christ. Paul clearly states these simple trues:
a. The church is His (Christ’s) body, Ephesians 1:22b.
b. The body is Christ’s church, Ephesians 1:23a.
c. There is only one body, Ephesians 4:4.
d. The body is of Christ, Ephesians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 12:27-28.
e. Therefore, the church is of Christ, Romans 1:16.
f. Christ is the head of the body, Colossians 1:18.
g. Christ is the head of the church, Ephesian 5:23.
h. Christ is the savior of the body, Ephesians 5:23.
i. Therefore, Christ is the savior of the church, Ephesians 5:23.
J. Hence, no salvation outside of Christ or the church, 2 Timothy 2:10.
4. All that are in the church have been “baptized into the body.” Paul says to the Corinthians: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit,” 1 Corinthians 12:13.
5. Being baptized into the one body – same as being baptized into Christ. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ,” Galatians 3:26-28. See also Romans 6:3-4.
III DIVINE OBJECTIVES
A. Objectives to be reached by this divine ministry, Ephesians 4:13-16. Some officers and all operations were to continue “till we all come in....” An adverb of time. Come into obedience and complete practices outlined in the “faith.” Have believers come into the unity of the faith, yet? He is not speaking to denominations? But to saints.
B. Unity of the faith. The oneness of the faith, 4:13. What does that mean?
1. There must first prevail among the leaders and members of the church, an attitude which desires the “unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace,” Ephesians 4:1-3.
2. We are charged by Paul that the saints must: “endeavor to keep (maintain) the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” Ephesians 4:3.
3. But we are charged to: “come into the unity of the faith,” Ephesians 4:13.
C. The knowledge of the Son of God. We all must “believe on him according to the scriptures,” John 7:38; Isaiah 28:9; Nehemiah 8:8.
1. His deity before the world began, Philippians 2:5-8.
a. That Jesus is the Son of God; and God himself. John 1:1-3, 14 “In the beginning...” “Word was made flesh, and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth,” John 1:14.
b. Christ is the originator of the creation of God, not the creation of God. Paul says of Christ and the mystery: “Which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 3:9.
c. The Apostle John describes Christ as the “faithful and true witness, the beginning (Gr: arche, beginning, origin) of the creation of God,” Revelation 3:14. See also Hebrews 1:8-12. The creator; the “express image of his person” the Son of God
d. The preeminence of Christ. Paul says: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature…And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn (Gr: prototokos) from the dead: that in all things he might have the preeminence (Gr: proteuo), Colossians 1:15; 18-19.
e. The idea here is “chief in position.” The same word use by Paul about his sinfulness. “Christ…of whom I am chief” (Gr: protos, first in rank, without succession of or in a thing or person), 1 Timothy 1:15.
f. Therefore, Christ is the preeminent one; the chief; and without succession by any other. Christ is the unique Son of God, “the only begotten Son of God.” Christ is not the first created being (as the JW claim); but he has preeminence – as the creator of and chief over; the entire creation of God.
2. Physical resurrection of his body, John 2:19-21; Luke 24:36-47; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27.
3. Personality of the Godhead, Colossians 2:9; Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20-21; Ephesians 4:4-6; Matthew 3:14-17. Illustrate: Three glasses of tea.
4. Baptized in the name of Jesus Only, Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; 19:1-7.
D. Unto a perfect or full-grown man - unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, 4:13-16.
1. We cannot remain babies or children, 4:14.
a. Children are tossed about, Ephesians 5:6.
b. Children are carried about... every wind of doctrine, 2 Corinthians 4:1-3.
c. We are to grow up into Christ, 4:15-16.
d. Strong should bear the infirmities of the weak – but not into eternity, Romans 15:1. The church must become able to discern between – good and evil, Hebrews 5:12-14. Illustrate: Bottle Babies.
2. The church must become an adult. And become a full-grown man in Christ.
3. The “part” has to become “complete,” 4:13.
a. The word is “teleios” or complete or full grown. It is the same word Jesus used in describing the Father. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” Matthew 5:48. Full and complete in his love for all mankind.
b. Now the perfect church wants to become an imperfect church! The adult church has become an infant church, 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Illustrate: Tongues speaking, prophesy, and claims of miracles are signs of an infant church.
c. The mature church stands on the full and complete word and will of God, James 1:25. “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty....” See also Psalms 19:7, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
d. And, “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God (breathing out of his mouth), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect (complete), thoroughly furnished unto all good works,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 4:10.
E. Speaking the truth in love. (The church can accomplish these divine operations and objectives only when it):
1. “Walk worthy...forbearing one another in love...,” Ephesians 4:1-3. Love enables us to be patient and forbearing with and towards others. Before the plan of unity can be implemented; the church must first cultivate an attitude for unity; and “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…”
a. Walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye are called, 4:1.
b. Walk in good works for which we were created, 2:10.
c. Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, 5:2.
d. Walk circumspectly, 5:15.
e. Don’t walk according to the course of this world, 2:2.
f. Don’t walk as other Gentiles, 5:17.
2. “Speak the truth in love...,” Ephesians 4:15. Our goal in this lesson was to preach the truth in love. I understand that love is the only way we can help others to change their present position and accept the truth. See also Galatians 4:16.
3. “Edify itself in love,” Ephesians 4:16. Paul wanted the church to be built up in love. As the church grows in its ministries it must also grow in love for its members, leadership and first and foremost – to Christ.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Divine Officers
2. Divine Operations
3. Divine Objectives
B. Summarize main points.
1. Christ has given different gifts to each member.
2. Officers are given as gifts. “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”
3. Operations are established to obtain this ministry, 4:12. “For the...” “With a view to the perfecting of the saints:”
a. For the work of the ministry. Evangelism is the process of growing the church.
b. For the edifying or building up of the body of Christ. Edifying is the process of strengthening the church.
4. Objectives are given to measure the success of this ministry, Ephesians 4:13-16. “Till we all come into the...”
a. Unity of the faith, 4:13.
b. The knowledge of the Son of God. Knowledge of His Sonship & Godhead.
c. Unto a perfect or full-grown man.
d. Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, 4:15-16.
e. Speaking the truth in love. “Love shall cover a multitude of sins,” 1 Peter 4:8.
C. Invitation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation, Acts 2:26-41. Illustrate: Jesus in the preaching of Philip.
E. Motivation/persuade. “Today is the day of salvation,” 2 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
