Ephesians 4:11-16

Introduction:

1. Knowing the church’s great value, what do we do as part of the church?

2. Future discussions will consider this more closely, but all her activities fit into three broad categories: edification, benevolence, and evangelism.

3. It is helpful to consider how various practices build towards these ends.

Discussion:

I. Edification

A. Gr. oikodomeo: “the act of building” (ISBE)

1. It can mean a literal building (Matthew 7:24-27)

2. In the NT, 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, but all are 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 called to always build one another up (1 Corinthians 14:12, 26; Ephesians 4:29; Romans 14:19; 15:1-2).

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).

Conclusion:

1. Much like the Godhead is three persons with one seamless nature, so these three overarching functions of the church work in harness to bring about God’s ends.

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 that we do for the purpose of fulfilling these goals to God’s glory.