Gathering and Growing: Maturing Followers of Christ

 

Summary

As we step into the new year of 2025, it's essential to revisit our purpose and vision as a church community at Westover. Our mission is to develop maturing followers of Jesus Christ, and our vision is to be a church that both gathers and scatters. This morning, we explored what it means to be a maturing follower of Christ and how this leads us to gather as a church. We focused on three key aspects of gathering: worship, encouragement, and equipping.

Gathering to worship is not just about physical assembly but about the inner experience of treasuring God's beauty and worth. Worship manifests in various forms, such as singing, prayer, giving, and acts of service, all of which are expressions of our heart's devotion to God. Encouragement is another vital aspect of our gathering. It involves supporting one another in our spiritual journey, fostering a community where we can share our burdens and joys, and spurring each other towards love and good works.

Equipping is the third aspect, where we gather to be prepared for the work of ministry. This involves sitting under the teaching of God's Word and being part of small groups where authentic community is developed. Our gathering is not just for our benefit but to prepare us to go out and live our faith in the world. As we mature in Christ, we grow in gospel-centered stability, contribution, and Christ-likeness. This maturity is a lifelong journey, marked by progress and growth in our relationship with God and others.

As we look forward to the coming weeks, I encourage each of us to commit to gathering, both in large and small groups, as we embark on our winter church-wide series. This commitment will help us grow deeper in our faith and prepare us to scatter and live out our purpose in the world. Let us embrace this new year with a renewed commitment to our mission and vision, trusting that God will equip us for the journey ahead.

Key Takeaways:

1. Gospel-Centered Stability: Maturing in Christ involves developing a stability rooted in the gospel, where our knowledge of scripture transforms our daily lives. This stability helps us navigate life's challenges with wisdom and discernment, much like learning to handle the waves at the beach. [43:04]

2. Contribution and Participation: Our maturity is marked by active participation in the body of Christ, contributing our unique gifts for the work of ministry. This involves moving beyond consumerism to engage in meaningful relationships and service within the church community. [46:17]

3. Growing in Christ-Likeness: True maturity is measured by our growth in Christ-likeness, reflected in our character and actions. This growth is a lifelong process, requiring us to continually align our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus. [47:18]

4. Gathering for Worship and Encouragement: Our gatherings are opportunities to worship God and encourage one another. Worship is an expression of our heart's devotion, while encouragement involves supporting each other in our spiritual journey, fostering a community of love and good works. [51:32]

5. Equipping for Ministry: Gathering equips us for the work of ministry, preparing us to live out our faith in the world. This equipping happens through teaching, small groups, and community, enabling us to grow in our relationship with God and others. [01:06:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [34:50] - Defining Maturing Followers
- [36:05] - Importance of Gathering
- [37:52] - Encouragement to Study Ephesians 4
- [39:42] - Beach Illustration
- [41:55] - Gospel-Centered Stability
- [43:04] - Knowledge and Application
- [45:00] - Navigating Life's Waves
- [46:17] - Contribution and Participation
- [47:18] - Growing in Christ-Likeness
- [49:18] - Lifelong Process of Maturing
- [50:31] - Gathering to Worship
- [52:56] - Gathering to Encourage
- [55:26] - Community Support
- [01:06:21] - Gathering to be Equipped
- [01:08:39] - Going Out and Scattering

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:1-16

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the three key aspects of gathering mentioned in the sermon, and how do they contribute to the church's mission? [36:05]

2. How does the sermon describe the concept of "gospel-centered stability," and what illustration is used to explain it? [43:04]

3. According to the sermon, what role do individual gifts play in the church community, and how are they related to the concept of contribution and participation? [46:17]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between worship and the inner experience of treasuring God's beauty and worth? [51:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Ephesians 4:1-16 define the maturity of a believer, and what does it mean to "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ"? [41:55]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that gathering for worship and encouragement can impact a believer's spiritual journey? [52:56]

3. How does the sermon interpret the metaphor of the body in Ephesians 4, and what implications does it have for individual responsibility within the church? [46:17]

4. What does the sermon imply about the lifelong process of maturing in Christ, and how does it relate to the church's vision of gathering and scattering? [49:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current level of gospel-centered stability. What specific steps can you take to deepen your understanding and application of scripture in your daily life? [43:04]

2. Consider the unique gifts you possess. How can you actively contribute to your church community, moving beyond a consumer mindset? [46:17]

3. Think about your personal worship practices. How can you cultivate a deeper inner experience of treasuring God's beauty and worth in your daily life? [51:32]

4. In what ways can you encourage others in your church community, fostering a supportive environment for spiritual growth? [52:56]

5. How can you commit to gathering regularly with your church community, both in large and small groups, to enhance your spiritual journey? [01:06:21]

6. Identify one area in your life where you can grow in Christ-likeness. What practical steps can you take to align your character and actions with the teachings of Jesus? [47:18]

7. As you look forward to the coming weeks, how can you prepare yourself to scatter and live out your faith in the world, embodying the church's mission and vision? [01:08:39]

Devotional

Day 1: Gospel-Centered Stability: Navigating Life's Challenges with Wisdom

Maturing in Christ involves developing a stability rooted in the gospel, where our knowledge of scripture transforms our daily lives. This stability helps us navigate life's challenges with wisdom and discernment, much like learning to handle the waves at the beach. As we grow in our understanding of the gospel, we become more anchored in our faith, allowing us to face trials with a sense of peace and assurance. This stability is not about being unshakable in our own strength but about relying on the truth of God's Word to guide us through life's uncertainties. [43:04]

Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did your understanding of the gospel help you navigate it, and how can you apply this wisdom to future situations?


Day 2: Contribution and Participation: Engaging Actively in the Church Community

Our maturity is marked by active participation in the body of Christ, contributing our unique gifts for the work of ministry. This involves moving beyond consumerism to engage in meaningful relationships and service within the church community. As we contribute, we not only grow personally but also help build up the church, creating a vibrant community that reflects the love and grace of Christ. Participation is not just about attending services but about being an integral part of the church's mission and vision, using our gifts to serve others and glorify God. [46:17]

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 or talent you have. How can you use it to serve your church community this week?


Day 3: Growing in Christ-Likeness: Reflecting Jesus in Character and Actions

True maturity is measured by our growth in Christ-likeness, reflected in our character and actions. This growth is a lifelong process, requiring us to continually align our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus. As we mature, we become more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds, demonstrating His love and compassion to those around us. This transformation is not instantaneous but involves daily surrender and intentionality in following Jesus' example. [47:18]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: Reflect on one area of your life where you struggle to reflect Christ's character. What practical steps can you take to grow in this area?


Day 4: Gathering for Worship and Encouragement: Building a Community of Love

Our gatherings are opportunities to worship God and encourage one another. Worship is an expression of our heart's devotion, while encouragement involves supporting each other in our spiritual journey, fostering a community of love and good works. When we gather, we create a space where we can share our burdens and joys, spurring each other towards love and good deeds. This communal aspect of faith is vital for our growth and helps us remain steadfast in our walk with Christ. [51:32]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who might need encouragement. How can you reach out to them this week to offer support and love?


Day 5: Equipping for Ministry: Preparing to Live Out Our Faith

Gathering equips us for the work of ministry, preparing us to live out our faith in the world. This equipping happens through teaching, small groups, and community, enabling us to grow in our relationship with God and others. As we are equipped, we become more effective in sharing the gospel and serving those around us, fulfilling our purpose as followers of Christ. This preparation is essential for living out our faith authentically and impacting the world for God's kingdom. [01:06:21]

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: What is one area of ministry you feel called to? How can you seek out opportunities to be equipped and prepared for this calling?

Quotes


That is the stated purpose of this local church called Westover. Now, as we live out that purpose, to develop maturing followers of Jesus Christ, as we live out that purpose, to develop maturing followers of Jesus Christ, as we live out that purpose, the future, the vision we see is to be a church that both gathers and scatters. [00:34:11] (21 seconds)


Now, when it comes to the application of the gospel, the applications around the gathered church, there are tons of ways that we could highlight, tons of ways that that plays out. However, I'm going to focus our attention on just three of them, okay? Number one, we gather to worship. Number two, we gather to encourage. And number three, we gather to be equipped. [00:35:20] (22 seconds)


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, so that we may no longer be children tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness and deceitful schemes. [00:41:03] (33 seconds)


In his exposition of Ephesians, Merida says this about gospel -centered stability, what he calls doctrinal stability. He says, quote, Paul mentions the need to grow in our knowledge of truth. He mentions growth in unity in the faith, the body of doctrine, and the knowledge of God's Son. If you've been around in previous times that I've had the privilege of speaking, you've likely heard this before. But I think it's important, especially as we talk about maturing. [00:42:16] (32 seconds)


We can have all the right answers. Heads full of knowledge. And have that knowledge fail to penetrate our heart and affect the outward expression of our lives. So a question that we should be asking. Is my growing knowledge of the scriptures, is that affecting the way I live my life day to day? Remember, we're talking about application. [00:43:51] (30 seconds)


Our maturing as followers of Christ is marked by a growing gospel centered stability. So that as Ephesians puts it. We may no longer be children tossed to and fro. Second highlight. Our maturing is marked by contribution and participation. Not consumerism or being a spectator. Do I need to elaborate? The. Ultimate need of you and I. The ultimate need of you and I is Christ. [00:45:16] (34 seconds)


See we were created for relationship. Many of you have probably heard me say that as well. The most important of those relationships is a restored vertical relationship with God through Jesus. But God has also created us for horizontal relationships with those around us. A dependence on God. Growing up into him. Christ who is the head. That's Ephesians 4 .15. [00:46:17] (26 seconds)


Worship is about our heart. The outward result of which is expression. John Piper says it like this. The essence of worship is the inner experience of treasuring the true beauty. And worth. Of God. The outward forms of worship. Are the acts that show how much. We treasure. The beauty and worth of God. Singing? Absolutely. But just the same. We worship. Remember. Outward expressions of an internal treasuring. [00:51:32] (33 seconds)


We worship through all the acts of service. That are happening behind the scenes. In this room and outside of this room. That make our gathering possible. Take a second and just look around. The people on the cameras. People in the booth. People downstairs. That we don't even see. All those acts of service are part of worship. [00:52:09] (20 seconds)


As we encounter the waves of this world. God blesses us with community. To stand with us. To offer a stabilizing hand. When the water gets rough. And at times to help lift us over waves. Too big to handle on our own. Sometimes even to just help us stand back up. When we get knocked over. As we develop maturing followers of Jesus. We gather. We gather to encourage. [00:55:44] (29 seconds)


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Transcript
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