Working in the Family Business
Those of you that are familiar with Elvis Presley will know that "TCB" (which stand for "Taking Care of Business") was Elvis’ personal saying. It was kind of a slogan. He even had a diamond ring made with the letters "TCB" on it.
Elvis was, in his day, bigger than life and his business was to be the King of Rock and Roll. His life of music, concerts, and movies was just his way of "taking care of business".
Elvis Presley died at age 42 on August 16, 1977. I remember the day because of a weird coincidence. I was driving in downtown St. Joseph MI and had just noticed a car with bumper sticker that proclaimed in brash bold letters, "Elvis - King Forever" the radio announcer broke into the regular programming to announce that Elvis Presley was dead.
Jesus is the forever King not Elvis!
While many were shocked by his sudden death I was both surprised and at the same time reminded that the only "forever" king is named Jesus and he is also "taking care of business".
Jesus’ way of taking care of business is far different than Elvis’ way. Instead of focusing on personal appearances, fame, and fortune, Jesus has turned His business over to His church.
The God of the universe, the son of God who came in the flesh, the spirit of God who is joined with us in new life has given us His work to do. Pretty amazing! But God does not give us the responsibilities of His business without giving us the resources we need.
Taking Care of Business
This Sunday we’ll be looking at Ephesians 4:11-16 and learning together the gifts that God has given all of us to use to take care of his business.
We all have a part of the work to do. Everyone of us is included. Let’s encourage each other as we "take care of business".
God has equipped His family to take care of His business. He’s given us a clear plan, an exciting purpose, and an effective method!
Question: If this is true - why isn’t it working in churches today?
Answer: Simple – Churches are not following the plan, they don’t understand the purpose and they’re not using the method!!!
Let’s make sure that MCC is the exception to the rule!
So, what is the plan, the purpose and the method? We find it in Ephesians 4.
Ephesians 4:11-16
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13 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.
14 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.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
16 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.
His Plan…
Part I is in Ephesians 4:11
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
In God’s plan some are called to lead and are gifted as apostles
Literally translated “sent with a message”
We speak of ambassadors and today what we commonly refer to as missionaries. In some ways they are like the Marines. The first troops in!
They bring the good news to peoples and cultures that never heard of such a thing
In God’s plan some are called to lead and are gifted as prophets
Literally: to speak forth. Prophets are truth tellers – they are powerful preachers. In some ways they are like the air force – bring air power to bear as they drop powerful realities that explode like bombs in the lives of rebellious and sinful people.
In Acts 2:36-38 Peter preached the first sermon and the words struck them in their hearts so powerfully that they were moved to say “What shall we do?”
Acts 2:36-38
Therefore, let the entire house of Israel understand beyond a doubt that God made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!"
When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart. They asked Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
Peter answered them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift.
In God’s plan some are called to lead and are gifted as evangelists. Literally: a good news teller.
Like the prophet he is a truth teller but he brings encouragement and help. He is emphasis is good news.
In a way he is like the Navy not bombarding with the artillery but bringing the support, the supplies and carrying the healing help of the Red Cross.
In God’s plan some are called to lead and are gifted as pastor’s and teachers. Literally, shepherds of the flock, guiding and feeding Jesus’ sheep
These are like the army. They are the infantry. The GI’s or grunts who slog their way through the mud and battle the elements as they take ground from the enemy and keep it for the Lord.
This is only the first part of the plan
Part II is in Ephesians 4:12
“…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
Every one of you has been given a spiritual gift that is to be used to serve others!
At your physical birth you received natural talents – talents are gifts of God given to us from our birth.
At your spiritual birth – when you were born again two things happened
You received new life
You also received new spiritual talents
Rick Warren says it this way:
“God gave me a gift,
not for me but for you,
and God gave you a gift,
not for you but for me.
If you don’t use your gift,
you’re depriving me;
if I don’t use my gift,
I’m robbing you.”
His Purpose…
Ephesians 4:13
“…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.”
Part I: Corporate strength - build up the body of Christ
Unity in the faith
We talked about that last week. How important it is that we work as one instead of functioning as individuals and lone rangers, intent on our own needs.
Knowledge of the Son of God
The more you know about Jesus and what he has done – the more you know Jesus and how much he loves you – the more that we are focused and strong as a body.
Part II: Personal Maturity – attaining to the fullness of Christ
We are supposed to grow and develop in our walk. Exciting to see how God wants you to become complete and whole as a person.
We see three characteristics in Ephesians 4:14-15
14 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.
Characteristics of Personal Growth
No longer infants blown about
Speaking the truth in love
Growing up into him
His Method
Ephesians 4: 16
“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.”
Body growing together
Joined and held together by every supporting ligament
How do I start with the Family Business?
It starts with a relationship to Jesus
You have to become part of the family
