Sermon for 4/26/2009 on Ephesians 3:6-11
Why Be Part of the Church?
Introduction:
Signs you’re in a Bad Church
10. The church bus has gun racks. 9. The church staff consists of Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor and Socio-pastor. 8. The Bible they use is the "Dr. Seuss Version." 7. There’s an ATM in the lobby. 6. The choir wears leather robes. 5. Worship services are B.Y.O.S.: "Bring Your Own Snake." 4. No cover charge, but communion is a two-drink minimum. 3. Karaoke Worship Time. 2. Ushers ask, "Smoking or Non-smoking?" 1. The only song the organist knows is "I Wonder If God Likes Country Music"
WBTU:
A. There are good churches and bad churches.
C. I, and many others, have been hurt by the church. Many have given up on the church and no longer want to have any part of a local church.
B. The New Testament lifts high the church. Vs. 10- His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known.
D. This verse (vs. 10) is difficult but this verse does contain some practical, relevant principles for all of us who are followers of Jesus Christ. In fact, Paul deals with a fundamental issue for all of us. He gives us several reasons why all of us need to be part of the church.
Thesis: Why Be Part of the Church?
For instances:
1. To play my part in God’s plan (vs. 11- according to his eternal purpose)
A. The church is not just an afterthought in the mind of God. From the beginning of time, the church was part of God’s plan to redeem His people and to bring all of them together as one. Before God created Adam and Eve, he intended to break down all the dividing walls that separated people and bring them together through the work of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
B. We see in vs. 10 that God is using the church as His primary means of carrying out his plan that is leading to the time when God will restore all things. God is still using the church as His tool for advancing His plan here on earth.
C. Pat Damiani- When I was in elementary school, our school held a Christmas pageant every year. And every student in the school was part of that pageant. But there were a few special roles that only the 6th graders were allowed to try out for- the 3 wise men, the shepherds, the speaking angel, and of course, Mary and Joseph. Certainly the highlight of my entire elementary school experience was to be selected to play Joseph. Not only that, the girl selected to play Mary with me was the girl I had a crush on. Doesn’t get much better than that!
D. But the great thing about the church, in contrast to the Christmas pageant, is that there is no starring role. The only starring role is left to Jesus. (Eph 1:10 NIV) to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
E. Within the Body of Christ, there is no role that is more important or less important than any of the others. Some may be more visible, but that doesn’t make them any more crucial to God’s plans through the church. (1 Cor 12:22 NIV) On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, (1 Cor 12:23 NIV) and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty,
F. We need to play our part in God’s plan. God has a plan for our lives. Do we want to focus on ourselves or do we want to be a part of something that is bigger?
G. Dead Poets Society- The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?
2. To witness to Christ’s work (vs. 11- which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord)
A. The church is a result of what Jesus has done. (Eph 1:22 NIV) And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, (Eph 1:23 NIV) which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
B. (Mat 16:18 NIV) And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
1. Some have taken this verse out of context. Not going to talk about this in depth this morning, but let me just say that the language and context of that passage makes it clear that Jesus is referring to Himself in his role as the Messiah as the rock on which His church would be built.
2. (Eph 2:20 NIV) built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Eph 2:21 NIV) In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
3. Jesus called the church “my church.” Monterey Church is not my church or your church, or even our church. It is Jesus’ church. It is His church because He is the one who has done everything to bring the church into existence.
4. When we come together in the church and we become the church that Jesus died to create, we testify to everyone that Jesus has indeed done everything that Paul claims He has done in creating his body, the church.
5. A lady came to church who couldn’t hear a thing. She stood when people were told to sit. She sat when people were told to stand. She spoke loudly when there was a quiet moment. The church did not have any sign language ministry and the lady could barely read lips. She was a distraction. Finally some church members asked her (they had to do it loudly), "Why are you here? You don’t know what is going on and you definitely can’t hear the preacher." She said, "I’m here because I want everyone to know what side I am on."
3. To educate angels (vs. 10- made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms)
A. Don’t have time for an extended word study on this but it means angels. Both the good and the bad. Don’t want to focus on the bad angels.
B. The angels are observing the church here on earth and the church is demonstrating God’s wisdom to these heavenly beings.
C. Not just to witnessing to people here on earth, but also in the heavenly realms.
D. We are making a difference that we do not even see.
E. The angels have never sinned and therefore have not personally experienced the need for redemption; they see it through the church.
F. (1 Pet 1:12 NIV) It was revealed to them (the prophets) that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
G. With all of our whining and in-fighting and disagreeing, and despite the picture we often display to the world, we must remember that God sees the church as the Bride of Christ. (Eph 5:25 NIV) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her(Eph 5:26 NIV) to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,(Eph 5:27 NIV) and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
H. Angels know nothing of marriage ((Mat 22:30 NIV) At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.) and they know nothing of redemption. The only things they know are by observing us.
I. A. B. Simpson called the church the angels’ graduate school. They cannot comprehend the church, and so they watch and learn as God prepares His bride for the consummation of all things.
J. (Luke 15:10 NIV) In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Invitation and concluding point:
A. Dr. Gresham brought something to my attention that applies to this verse. He says that we cannot be in Christ and not part of the Church. We cannot separate Christ and His church. It is like a marriage, cannot have one without the other.
B. Look at (Acts 2:41 NIV) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
C. (Acts 2:47) the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
C. All those who are in Christ are members of the church. Talking with one fellow and he was asking me about my beliefs and I said, “Baptist is essential for salvation.” He gave Scriptures on what it is not essential. I gave several more Scriptures on baptism and then we discussed church membership.
D. In many churches around here one is saved and then they are baptized not for the forgiveness of sins but for church membership.
E. In the church we have brothers and sisters, but we also have mothers and fathers. Look at what Jesus said in (Luke 8:21 NIV) He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice."
F. Paul said in (Phil 2:22 NIV) But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
G. Everyone who comes to Christ has a human spiritual parent. It is the one who baptizes them. No one is saved apart from the church because everyone had some human who came and baptized them. Here is the problem with this. God does not allow his babies to be born without any parents.
