Empowered Unity: The Church's Mission and Gifts

 

Summary

The essence of the message revolves around the concept of the church as the body of Christ on Earth, tasked with a mission that encompasses redemption, reconciliation, salvation, and freedom from sin. The church is described as a community of transformed believers, uniquely representing Christ's presence in the world. The message emphasizes that while Jesus ascended to the Father, He left behind a church equipped with the resources to fulfill its mission.

The discussion delves into the competencies that Christ has bestowed upon the church, ensuring that it can carry out its divine purpose. The church is not left to its own devices but is gifted with individuals who, despite their flaws, are called to continue the work of the apostles. The message acknowledges the human imperfections of the apostles, yet highlights that they, like all believers, are empowered to serve.

The message draws from Ephesians 4, which speaks of the grace given to each believer in the form of spiritual gifts. These gifts are distributed by Christ to equip His people for works of service, building up the body of Christ until it reaches unity, maturity, and the fullness of Christ. The passage from Ephesians is used to illustrate the concept of the church growing and maturing in love, with each member contributing to the work.

The roles within the church are explored, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds (pastors), and teachers. Each role is vital for the ministry of the word and the health of the church. The message suggests that modern churches may have undervalued the roles of apostles, prophets, and evangelists, focusing more on shepherds and teachers. It calls for a balance, allowing for entrepreneurial leadership, prophetic messages, and cutting-edge evangelism.

The message also touches on the historical context of the church, referencing Matthew 16 where Jesus establishes the church and commissions it with a mission. The church is given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, symbolizing spiritual authority and the power to impact the world. The church's mission includes healing, teaching, and spreading the gospel to the ends of the Earth.

The message concludes by encouraging believers to bring their unique gifts to the table, emphasizing the importance of each individual's contribution to the church's mission. It draws an analogy with the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team," suggesting that when the church unites its diverse gifts, it becomes a formidable force, capable of accomplishing great things for the Kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The church is called to be the embodiment of Christ on Earth, continuing His mission of redemption and reconciliation. This mission is not a burden to be carried alone but a collective endeavor where each believer's unique gifts contribute to the whole. The church's strength lies in its diversity and unity, reflecting the fullness of Christ's love and purpose. [14:05]

- Spiritual gifts are not randomly assigned but are apportioned by Christ to equip believers for service. These gifts are meant to build up the church, fostering unity and maturity. Understanding and embracing one's spiritual gift is crucial for personal growth and the collective edification of the church body. [02:16]

- The roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers are all essential for the church's health and mission. Each role contributes to the ministry of the word and the church's overall function. A balanced appreciation and activation of these roles can lead to a more dynamic and impactful church. [22:30]

- The church's mission is deeply rooted in its divine establishment by Jesus Christ. With the authority given by Christ, the church is empowered to unlock spiritual realities on Earth, manifesting the Kingdom of Heaven through its actions and teachings. This authority is a call to action for the church to actively engage in transforming society. [11:22]

- The concept of the "Dream Team" serves as a metaphor for the church's potential when each member operates in their gifting. Just as the 1992 Olympic basketball team showcased individual talents working in harmony, the church is called to unite its diverse gifts to achieve its divine mission effectively. Every believer's participation is vital to the church's success. [34:30]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:7-16 (NIV)
> "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: 'When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.' (What does 'he ascended' mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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. 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 people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 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."

2. Matthew 16:16-19 (NIV)
> "Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 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. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.'"

3. Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV)
> "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:7-16, what are the purposes of the spiritual gifts given to believers? How do these gifts contribute to the unity and maturity of the church?
2. In Matthew 16:16-19, what authority does Jesus give to Peter and the church? How does this authority relate to the church's mission on earth?
3. How does Colossians 1:15-20 describe the supremacy and role of Christ in creation and the church? What implications does this have for the church's mission and identity?
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus left the church with a mission and the necessary resources to fulfill it. What are some of the roles within the church that were highlighted, and why are they important? [02:57]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the church as the body of Christ in Ephesians 4:7-16 shape our understanding of individual roles and responsibilities within the church? [02:57]
2. What does it mean for the church to have the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" as described in Matthew 16:16-19? How should this authority be exercised in today's context? [08:57]
3. Reflecting on Colossians 1:15-20, how does the supremacy of Christ influence the way the church approaches its mission of reconciliation and redemption in the world? [05:07]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of balancing the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. How can modern churches ensure that all these roles are valued and active? [22:30]

#### Application Questions
1. Considering the spiritual gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:7-16, have you identified your own spiritual gift? How are you currently using it to build up the body of Christ? If not, what steps can you take to discover and utilize your gift? [02:57]
2. The sermon highlighted the church's mission to unlock spiritual realities on earth (Matthew 16:16-19). How can you personally contribute to this mission in your daily life? What specific actions can you take this week to make a spiritual impact in your community? [08:57]
3. Reflecting on the analogy of the "Dream Team," how can you better collaborate with others in your church to achieve its mission? Are there any barriers to teamwork that you need to address? [34:30]
4. The sermon mentioned the need for a balanced appreciation of all church roles (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers). How can you support and encourage individuals in your church who serve in these different capacities? [22:30]
5. In what ways can you help your church grow in unity and maturity, as described in Ephesians 4:13-16? Are there specific areas where you see a need for growth or improvement? [02:57]
6. The sermon emphasized the church's role in healing, teaching, and spreading the gospel (Matthew 16:16-19). How can you actively participate in these aspects of the church's mission? Are there specific ministries or opportunities you feel called to join? [11:22]
7. How can you ensure that your unique gifts and contributions are not left "undone" within the church? What practical steps can you take to fully engage in the church's mission and encourage others to do the same? [34:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Christ's Mission
The church is a collective of diverse individuals, each bringing unique gifts to fulfill Christ's mission on Earth. Together, they embody the love and purpose of Christ, working in harmony to redeem and reconcile the world. This unity is not just a goal but a reflection of the fullness of Christ's love. [14:05]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
Reflection: How can you better appreciate and engage with the diverse gifts of others in your church community to strengthen the unity of Christ's body?

Day 2: Empowered by Spiritual Gifts
Believers are equipped with spiritual gifts from Christ, intended to build up the church and foster unity and maturity. These gifts are a divine provision for service, and understanding them is essential for personal growth and the edification of the church body. [02:16]

Romans 12:6-8 - "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
Reflection: What spiritual gift do you believe you have been given, and how are you currently using it to serve and build up your church community?

Day 3: Valuing All Roles in Ministry
The church thrives when it recognizes and activates the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. Each role is crucial for the ministry of the word and the health of the church, contributing to a dynamic and impactful community. [22:30]

Ephesians 2:19-22 - "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: Which of the five roles within the church do you feel most drawn to, and how can you actively pursue or support that role in your local congregation?

Day 4: The Church's Divine Authority
The church is established by Jesus Christ and given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, symbolizing its spiritual authority and power to impact the world. This divine commission calls the church to actively engage in transforming society through healing, teaching, and spreading the gospel. [11:22]

Matthew 18:18-20 - "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
Reflection: In what ways can you participate in the church's mission to unlock spiritual realities on Earth and manifest the Kingdom of Heaven in your community?

Day 5: Uniting in Our Diverse Gifts
When the church unites its diverse gifts, it becomes a formidable force, capable of accomplishing great things for the Kingdom of God. Each believer's participation is vital, much like the individual talents on the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team" working in harmony. [34:30]

1 Peter 4:10-11 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What unique gift do you bring to your church's "Dream Team," and how can you commit to using it more effectively in the coming weeks?

Quotes

1) "Jesus has secured the resources for us so that we can do it. Christ has ensured that his church is competent to fulfill its Mission through his gifting of his people." [15:26] (Download)

2) "Put us all together and guess what we are, we're the dream team. God has put us together for a Time like this and you're in on it." [34:30] (Download)

3) "The church is to share the message of Salvation, we're the community of transformed Believers, we are the presence of Christ in this world in a unique way that no one else fills." [14:46] (Download)

4) "The church needs all of it and guess what, church members individually gifted church members are drawn to each one of these areas of Ministry." [24:17] (Download)

5) "It's in community that's where this is lived out, each one of us engages in our responsibilities and together we accomplish the mission." [25:22] (Download)

6) "Jesus gifts the church... Jesus has outfitted the church... Jesus is awesome and Jesus gifts the church." [29:53] (Download)

7) "Jesus Christ established his church... and he's given the church a unique role in society nothing else compares to it." [10:49] (Download)

8) "The church can be competent and the spirit of God is going to make sure all of this can happen." [18:39] (Download)

9) "Jesus says all authority has been given to me now I am commissioning you, you go into all the nations of the world make disciples baptize them teach them to obey what I've commanded you." [12:44] (Download)

10) "The church, Jesus established the church so you might say well that's great... so what's the church supposed to do? Jesus said I'm going to build it and all these spiritual forces of Darkness Gates of Hades whatever you want to refer to it as it's not going to overcome it." [10:13] (Download)

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Transcript
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