Empowered to Serve: The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
Summary
In Ephesians 4:7-16, we explore the profound purpose of spiritual gifts within the church. These gifts are not for personal enjoyment but for the edification and maturation of the church body. The local church is the highest endeavor one can commit to, as it is the only institution God promised to build. It is the gathering place of true worshipers, purchased by Christ's blood, and the earthly expression of a heavenly reality. The church is the proclaimer and protector of divine truth, the realm of spiritual fellowship, and the launching pad for world evangelism. It is where strong leadership develops and matures, and where the Great Commission is fulfilled through disciple-making.
The misuse of spiritual gifts for personal experiences, as seen in the Corinthian church, is a cautionary tale. The gifts are not for ecstatic experiences but for serving others and building up the church. Prioritizing service in the church is essential, as it leads to spiritual growth and maturity. The gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers are for equipping the saints for service, leading to unity, knowledge, and maturity in Christ. The church is where we find our identity and purpose, and it is through serving others that we fulfill our calling.
The local church is a place of fellowship, spiritual growth, and world evangelism. It is where we develop strong leadership and fulfill the Great Commission. Our spiritual gifts are for the maturing of believers and the edification of the church. We must prioritize service, serve with purpose, and aim for results. By doing so, we contribute to the spiritual growth of the church and the fulfillment of God's plan.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts are given for the edification and maturation of the church, not for personal enjoyment. They are meant to build up the body of Christ and contribute to the spiritual growth of believers. This understanding shifts our focus from self-centeredness to serving others. [03:11]
2. The Significance of the Local Church: The local church is the only institution God promised to build, making it the highest endeavor one can commit to. It is the gathering place of true worshipers and the earthly expression of a heavenly reality. Our lives should be wrapped around the church and its mission. [04:59]
3. Misuse of Spiritual Gifts: The Corinthian church's misuse of spiritual gifts for ecstatic experiences serves as a cautionary tale. Spiritual gifts are not for personal experiences but for serving others and building up the church. We must guard against similar abuses today. [11:54]
4. Prioritizing Service in the Church: Service in the church should be prioritized, as it leads to spiritual growth and maturity. The gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers are for equipping the saints for service, leading to unity, knowledge, and maturity in Christ. [15:33]
5. Finding Identity and Purpose in Christ: Our identity and purpose are found in Christ and through serving others in the local church. By fully engaging in the church's mission, we fulfill our calling and contribute to the spiritual growth of the body of Christ. [32:39]
YouTube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:11] - The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
- [04:59] - The Significance of the Local Church
- [06:17] - The Church as a Launching Pad for Evangelism
- [08:22] - Misuse of Spiritual Gifts
- [09:46] - The Corinthian Church's Cautionary Tale
- [11:54] - Modern Misuses of Worship
- [13:22] - Prioritizing Service in the Church
- [15:33] - Equipping the Saints for Service
- [16:57] - Spiritual Growth and Maturity
- [18:19] - Unity, Knowledge, and Maturity in Christ
- [20:22] - Guarding Against Deception
- [21:53] - Spiritual Growth Stages
- [23:46] - Speaking the Truth in Love
- [27:11] - Finding Identity and Purpose in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:7-16
- Matthew 16:18
- 1 Timothy 3:15
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 4:7-16, what is the primary purpose of spiritual gifts within the church? How does this purpose differ from personal enjoyment? [08:22]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the local church as the only institution God promised to build? What biblical evidence supports this claim? [04:59]
3. What were some of the ways the Corinthian church misused spiritual gifts, and how does this serve as a cautionary tale for us today? [11:54]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the local church serves as a launching pad for world evangelism? [06:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of spiritual gifts as tools for the edification of the church shift a believer's focus from self-centeredness to serving others? [08:22]
2. What does it mean for the local church to be the earthly expression of a heavenly reality, and how should this influence a believer's commitment to the church? [04:59]
3. How can the misuse of spiritual gifts for personal experiences lead to division within the church, and what steps can be taken to prevent this? [11:54]
4. What role do evangelists, pastors, and teachers play in equipping the saints for service, and how does this contribute to unity and maturity in Christ? [15:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual gifts. How are you currently using them to serve and build up your local church community? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with the purpose of these gifts? [08:22]
2. Consider the significance of the local church in your life. How can you prioritize your involvement and commitment to the church's mission and fellowship? [04:59]
3. Have you ever witnessed or experienced the misuse of spiritual gifts in a church setting? How did it affect the community, and what lessons can be learned to prevent similar situations? [11:54]
4. In what ways can you contribute to the church's role as a launching pad for world evangelism? Identify one specific action you can take to support this mission. [06:17]
5. How can you actively participate in the development of strong leadership within your church? Consider ways you can mentor or support others in their spiritual growth. [06:17]
6. Reflect on your identity and purpose in Christ. How does serving others in the local church help you fulfill your calling? What steps can you take to deepen your engagement in this area? [32:39]
7. Think about a time when you felt disconnected from your church community. What practical steps can you take to re-engage and strengthen your relationships within the church? [04:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Gifts for Church Edification
Spiritual gifts are bestowed upon believers not for personal gratification but for the edification and maturation of the church. These gifts are meant to build up the body of Christ and contribute to the spiritual growth of believers. By understanding this purpose, believers are encouraged to shift their focus from self-centeredness to serving others. The misuse of spiritual gifts, as seen in the Corinthian church, serves as a cautionary tale against using these gifts for personal experiences. Instead, they should be used to serve others and build up the church. [03:11]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: Identify a spiritual gift you possess. How can you use it this week to serve and build up someone in your church community?
Day 2: The Local Church as God's Promised Institution
The local church is the only institution God promised to build, making it the highest endeavor one can commit to. It is the gathering place of true worshipers and the earthly expression of a heavenly reality. Our lives should be wrapped around the church and its mission, as it is where we find our identity and purpose. The church is the proclaimer and protector of divine truth, the realm of spiritual fellowship, and the launching pad for world evangelism. [04:59]
1 Timothy 3:15 (ESV): "If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth."
Reflection: How can you more deeply integrate your life with the mission of your local church this week?
Day 3: Guarding Against Misuse of Spiritual Gifts
The misuse of spiritual gifts for ecstatic experiences, as seen in the Corinthian church, is a cautionary tale. Spiritual gifts are not for personal experiences but for serving others and building up the church. We must guard against similar abuses today by prioritizing service and focusing on the edification of the church. This requires a shift from seeking personal experiences to seeking ways to serve and build up others in the church community. [11:54]
1 Corinthians 14:12 (ESV): "So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you may have focused more on personal spiritual experiences than on serving others. How can you redirect your focus towards building up the church?
Day 4: Prioritizing Service for Spiritual Growth
Service in the church should be prioritized, as it leads to spiritual growth and maturity. The gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers are for equipping the saints for service, leading to unity, knowledge, and maturity in Christ. By serving others, believers contribute to the spiritual growth of the church and the fulfillment of God's plan. This service is not just an obligation but a pathway to personal and communal spiritual maturity. [15:33]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: What specific act of service can you commit to this week that will contribute to the spiritual growth of your church community?
Day 5: Finding Identity and Purpose in Christ
Our identity and purpose are found in Christ and through serving others in the local church. By fully engaging in the church's mission, believers fulfill their calling and contribute to the spiritual growth of the body of Christ. This engagement is not just about attending services but actively participating in the life and mission of the church. Through this participation, believers find their true identity and purpose in Christ. [32:39]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully engage with your church's mission to find deeper identity and purpose in Christ?
Quotes
"Take your Bibles, if you would, please, and turn to the book of Ephesians. Ephesians chapter 4, verses 7 through 16 is where we're at, and this is Spiritual Gifts Part 2. And we're going to be thinking on the subjects of this. The spiritual gifts are for the maturing of the church. And so, Christians are the makeup of the church. And so, the spiritual gifts that each one has been given are for your personal experiences, right? Your personal enjoyment, right? The gifts that God has given you are for your personal enjoyment. No, the gifts that God has given you are for others, or for the maturing of the church." [00:00:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And just for some ammunition, I want you to know that the Bible says that the church is the only institution that God promised to build. There's no other institution that has that promise. That God actually promised that He will build the church. In Matthew chapter 16 and verse 18, the Bible says, I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." [00:01:47] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Here in our text in Ephesians chapter 4, we see that spiritual growth happens as a result of the gifts being utilized, such as pastors and teachers and evangelists and more, gifts of help and administration and hospitality. All the gifts come together for the edification of believers and the maturing of believers, resulting in spiritual growth. And the church is the launching pad for world evangelism." [00:05:36] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The Corinthians were using, misusing the spiritual gifts for personal experiences. Especially the gifts of tongues and prophecies and stuff like this. But back in Greece, there was a mystery religion that indulged in what they defined as ecstasy. And this mystery religion capitalized on these ecstasies. And according to those involved in these mystery religions, they were cultivating a sensuous communion with deity." [00:09:03] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Prioritize service for the church. In Ephesians chapter four, we're going to go through the text and we're going to see that this is for the maturing of Christians and obviously magnifying Christ. Everything is to be to the glory of God, whether you're eating or drinking or whatever you're doing. First Corinthians 10 31. But now as we see the gifts, especially in the local church, are for, okay, specifically." [00:14:30] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Now, the gifts of the evangelists, pastors, and teachers are what are primarily used for today, okay? The prophet's role is done. We talked about that. And the apostle's job is done. We talked about that last week. Now, verse 12, for, okay, these gifts of evangelists and pastors and teachers are for the equipping of the saints, for the work of service. And so, we are to be, we pastors, we teachers, we evangelists, we are to be all about you and equipping you and developing you, spending time with you." [00:15:58] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Christians who are close to Christ absolutely cannot stand disruptions in unity in the church. It bothers their soul. They pray about it and do everything they possibly can to be an answer to the... Problems. They want to help lead everyone to be in unity, and that glorifies the Lord. And so, we work towards unity to the best we possibly can." [00:18:19] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Your job to continue to equip the saints to a full knowledge of God, well, that's an impossible job description, but enjoy the journey. Amen? Every time you find something else new about Christ, it's invigorating. It is so satisfying, and it makes you long for more and more and more." [00:18:53] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Your purpose is to be here for others. You know, I've heard so many times throughout the years, I mean, I can have church out on the lake fishing with God. You know, I can have church out in the woods in the deer stand, or I can have church, driving down the road with Christ. That is not, that is not, I mean, that makes it all about you, right? The exact opposite of what is being perpetuated here in the text." [00:27:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Have any of you ever struggled with identity? Have you had an identity crisis in your life when you dress like this clique or you want to be part of this crowd or who am I? Hey, struggle no more. Ephesians chapter 1 verses 1 through 14 talk about how we, talks about how we are in Christ." [00:32:24] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so you need to look no farther as to where your true joy lies other than being in Christ. If you are having an identity crisis, it's not logical, my friend. It's theological. Simply study who you are in Christ and you'll no longer have an identity crisis." [00:33:29] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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