Ephesians 4:11-16
Introduction:
1. Having seen that being His special people means being active members of His body/church last week, it behooves us to know what such activity is all about.
2. Though much more detail will follow, every function of the church fits into one of three broad categories: edification, benevolence, and evangelism.
3. As Seneca said concerning labor without knowing one’s aim, “If a man does not know to what port he is steering, no wind is favorable.”
Discussion:
I. Edificaiton
A. Gr. oikodomeo: “the act of building” (ISBE)
1. It can be used of constructing a literal building (Matthew 7:24-27)
2. In the New Testament, it is often a metaphor for spiritual and moral growth (Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 4:11-16; Jude 20).
B. Various means are used, all rooted in God’s word (Acts 20:32; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 14:3-5, 26; 2 Corinthians 12:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
C. We are to always build one another up in the faith (1 Corinthians 14:12, 26; Ephesians 4:29; Romans 14:19; 15:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25).
II. Benevolence
A. The term does not appear in the Bible, but the principle saturates it.
B. “Disposition to do good, act of kindness, a generous gift” (Webster)
C. Jesus went about doing good, especially healing souls (Acts 10:38).
D. God is the source of goodness (Matthew 19:17; Acts 14:17; James 1:17).
E. We are called to do good to all (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-28; Romans 12:14, 20-21; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 6:18; 1 Peter 3:9).
F. Two reasons: 1) imitating our Father (Matthew 5:43-48; Ephesians 5:1ff), and 2) pointing others to Him (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:12).
III. Evangelism
A. The end goal of building up the church and living out the benevolence of God is seeking and saving the lost (cf. Luke 19:10).
B. The church’s primary purpose is to share the good news with a lost and dying world (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-47; Acts 1-28; 2 Corinthians 5:20-21).
Conclusion:
1. Much like the Godhead is three persons with one seamless nature, so these three overarching functions of the church work in harness for His aims.
2. Evangelism grows out of a benevolent attitude which is generated by being built up in God’s will and ways.
3. May we do all we do to fulfil these goals to God’s glory.
Further Food for Thought
1. Have you ever set out with great zeal for a task without a clear understanding of the overarching purpose of the project?
2. If so, how successful were you in the pursuit?
3. How quickly did you lose interest in the task at hand?
4. Do you reference your work in His kingdom back to its overarching aims?