Empowering the Church: Embracing Our Gifts and Unity

 

Summary

In this sermon, I reflect on the journey of our church, celebrating the growth and the diverse community that God has brought together. We began as a small group, and now, with a worship team of 80, we see the fruits of God's blessings. This growth is not just in numbers but in the spiritual empowerment of each member. As we look forward to 2025, we focus on empowerment, activation, and mobilization, ensuring that every member is a participator, not a spectator. Each of us has unique gifts, and it's crucial to discover and use them for the body of Christ, the world, and Jesus.

Ephesians 4 serves as a foundation, emphasizing our identity in Christ and how we should walk in that identity. The passage highlights the gifts given to us by Christ for the edification of the church, aiming for unity and maturity. We are called to grow into the fullness of Christ, manifesting spiritual completeness and exercising our gifts in unity. This unity is maintained through a culture of honor, recognizing that every gift is valuable and necessary for the body of Christ.

The fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—plays a crucial role in equipping the saints for ministry. Each role has a unique function, from governing and guiding to gathering and grounding. These roles are essential for the church to function effectively and for believers to be empowered as ambassadors of the kingdom in every sphere of society.

As we embrace our roles, we are reminded that we are all ministers, whether in church-based or marketplace ministry. Our work is our ministry, and we are called to serve society with the gifts God has given us. This year, we focus on empowering the church, ensuring that everyone is equipped and encouraged to fulfill their calling. We are on a mission from God, and as we align with His priorities, we will see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Key Takeaways:

1. Empowerment and Participation: God desires every believer to be an active participant in the church, using their unique gifts to serve the body of Christ and the world. This year, we focus on empowerment, ensuring no one is left as a spectator. Discovering and using our gifts is essential for personal growth and the edification of the church. [01:41:56]

2. Unity and Maturity in Christ: Ephesians 4 teaches us about our identity in Christ and the importance of unity and maturity. We are called to grow into the fullness of Christ, manifesting spiritual completeness and exercising our gifts in unity. This unity is maintained through a culture of honor, recognizing the value of every gift. [01:41:56]

3. The Role of the Fivefold Ministry: The fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—equips the saints for ministry. Each role has a unique function, from governing and guiding to gathering and grounding. These roles are essential for the church to function effectively and for believers to be empowered as ambassadors of the kingdom. [01:41:56]

4. Ministry in Every Sphere: We are all ministers, whether in church-based or marketplace ministry. Our work is our ministry, and we are called to serve society with the gifts God has given us. Embracing our roles and aligning with God's priorities will lead to the fulfillment of His kingdom on earth. [01:41:56]

5. The Call to Action: As we embrace our roles and gifts, we are reminded of the mission God has given us. We are on a mission from God, and as we align with His priorities, we will see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. This year, we focus on empowering the church, ensuring that everyone is equipped and encouraged to fulfill their calling. [01:41:56]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:05] - Reflecting on Church Growth
- [00:45] - Celebrating Diversity in the Church
- [01:30] - Empowerment and Activation for 2025
- [02:15] - Discovering and Using Our Gifts
- [03:00] - Ephesians 4: Our Identity in Christ
- [03:45] - Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ
- [04:30] - The Role of the Fivefold Ministry
- [05:15] - Apostles and Prophets: Governing and Guiding
- [06:00] - Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers: Gathering and Grounding
- [06:45] - Ministry in Every Sphere of Society
- [07:30] - The Call to Action: Aligning with God's Priorities
- [08:15] - Empowering the Church for the Harvest
- [09:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:7-16

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 4:7-16, what is the purpose of the gifts given by Christ to the church?
2. How does the sermon describe the growth of the church from a small group to a worship team of 80? [00:45]
3. What roles are included in the fivefold ministry mentioned in the sermon, and what are their unique functions? [01:41:56]
4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of unity and maturity in the body of Christ? [01:41:56]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that every believer can be an active participant in the church? [01:41:56]
2. How does the concept of a "culture of honor" contribute to maintaining unity within the church, according to the sermon? [01:41:56]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between personal growth and the edification of the church? [01:41:56]
4. How does the sermon interpret the role of the fivefold ministry in equipping believers for their mission in society? [01:41:56]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your unique gifts. How can you actively use them to serve the body of Christ and the world this year? [01:41:56]
2. The sermon emphasizes empowerment and participation. What steps can you take to move from being a spectator to a participator in your church community? [01:41:56]
3. Consider the idea of unity and maturity in Christ. How can you contribute to fostering a culture of honor in your church or small group? [01:41:56]
4. The sermon discusses the fivefold ministry's role in equipping believers. How can you seek guidance or mentorship from those in these roles to grow in your spiritual journey? [01:41:56]
5. How can you align your daily work or marketplace ministry with God's priorities, as discussed in the sermon? [01:41:56]
6. The sermon calls for action in embracing our roles and gifts. What specific mission or calling do you feel God is leading you to pursue this year? [01:41:56]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about being on a mission from God. How can you practically align your life with this mission to see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven? [01:41:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Empowerment through Active Participation
God desires every believer to be an active participant in the church, using their unique gifts to serve the body of Christ and the world. This empowerment is not just about being involved in church activities but about discovering and utilizing the gifts God has given each of us. When we actively participate, we grow spiritually and contribute to the edification of the church. This year, the focus is on ensuring that no one remains a spectator. By stepping into our roles, we fulfill our calling and experience personal growth. [01:41:56]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Identify one gift you believe God has given you. How can you use this gift to actively participate in your church community this week?


Day 2: Unity and Maturity in Christ
Ephesians 4 teaches us about our identity in Christ and the importance of unity and maturity. We are called to grow into the fullness of Christ, manifesting spiritual completeness and exercising our gifts in unity. This unity is maintained through a culture of honor, recognizing the value of every gift. As we mature in our faith, we contribute to the overall growth and unity of the church, reflecting the love and character of Christ to the world. [01:41:56]

Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: Consider a relationship within your church where unity is lacking. What steps can you take to promote peace and maturity in that relationship today?


Day 3: The Role of the Fivefold Ministry
The fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—equips the saints for ministry. Each role has a unique function, from governing and guiding to gathering and grounding. These roles are essential for the church to function effectively and for believers to be empowered as ambassadors of the kingdom. By understanding and embracing these roles, we can better support one another and fulfill the mission of the church. [01:41:56]

Ephesians 4:11-13 (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, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on which of the fivefold ministry roles resonates with you the most. How can you support or learn from someone in that role within your church?


Day 4: Ministry in Every Sphere
We are all ministers, whether in church-based or marketplace ministry. Our work is our ministry, and we are called to serve society with the gifts God has given us. Embracing our roles and aligning with God's priorities will lead to the fulfillment of His kingdom on earth. This perspective encourages us to see every aspect of our lives as an opportunity to minister and serve others, bringing God's love and truth into every sphere of society. [01:41:56]

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: Think about your current job or daily activities. How can you view them as a ministry opportunity and serve others with the gifts God has given you?


Day 5: The Call to Action
As we embrace our roles and gifts, we are reminded of the mission God has given us. We are on a mission from God, and as we align with His priorities, we will see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. This year, we focus on empowering the church, ensuring that everyone is equipped and encouraged to fulfill their calling. By taking action and aligning with God's mission, we become active participants in bringing His kingdom to earth. [01:41:56]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to align more closely with God's mission for your life? How can you encourage others in your church to do the same?

Quotes


Last year God told me I don't want any spectators in church I want everybody to be involved participators partakers and excited about being involved and using their gifting so 2025 is going to be kind of a year of empowerment everybody say empowerment yeah we're going to be empowered all together and we're all invited on this journey and God wants no one to miss out on this beautiful thing. [01:05:32] (23 seconds)


Believers are empowered to function as ambassadors of the kingdom in their schools in their workplaces businesses extend the influence and the impact of the gospel in every sphere of society including their homes and the homes I have actually homes the homes in there oh didn't I say it homes homes the whole point is that we have been called by Jesus as ambassadors of Christ. [01:30:01] (36 seconds)


Acts is a very interesting example and I'll finish with that in Acts of course Acts 2 we have the Holy Spirit is fallen and we have the um Pentecost and the Holy Spirit is in people now for the first time because Jesus gave his life so people are holy because through Christ you're holy you know all this kind of stuff so the Holy Spirit can live inside of you because Jesus paid the price for your sin. [01:35:01] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
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