Ephesians 4:11-16 Growing into the Fullness of the Stature of Christ

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Ephesians as a Letter to All Believers
2. Understanding the Fivefold Ministry Gifts
3. The Purpose of the Gifts: Building Up the Body
4. Growing into the Fullness of Christ
5. Avoiding Doctrinal Deception
6. The Role of the Body in Growth and Edification
7. Conclusion and Encouragement

Introduction: Ephesians as a Letter to All Believers

Pastor Leonard begins by welcoming the audience and explaining the context of the Book of Ephesians. He emphasizes that it is a general letter not just for the church in Ephesus but for all believers throughout time. Pastor Leonard encourages listeners to see the letter as personally addressed to them, underscoring its relevance today. He invites them to review previous studies in the series, which delve deeply into the truths Paul reveals.

Understanding the Five fold Ministry Gifts

Pastor Leonard introduces the focus scripture for the night, Ephesians 4:11- "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." He explains that these roles are not restricted to a select few but are callings that every believer can function in through the Holy Spirit.

He elaborates:

Apostle (Apostolos)—a delegate or ambassador sent with a message. Pastor Leonard points to 2 Corinthians 5:20- "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

Prophet (Prophetes)—an inspired speaker or encourager. He refers to 1 Corinthians 14:1-3- "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort."

Evangelist (Euangelistes)—a preacher of the Gospel. He cites Romans 1:16- "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Pastor (Poimen)—a shepherd who guides, encourages, and cares for others.

Teacher (Didaskalos)—one who instructs and builds others up.

The Purpose of the Gifts: Building Up the Body

He continues with Ephesians 4:12- "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

Pastor Leonard explains that these gifts are for every believer to edify and build up one another, bringing completeness (Karatismos) to the body of Christ. He stresses the importance of gathering together, as these gifts function within the community, not in isolation.

Growing into the Fullness of Christ

Using Ephesians 4:13- "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." He emphasizes that the goal is for every believer to grow into the fullness of Christ. Pastor Leonard points to Romans 10:4- "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth."

He explains that the unity of faith is not general agreement but specifically unity in the belief that righteousness comes through Jesus Christ alone. He also references John 1:17: "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

Avoiding Doctrinal Deception

Referencing Ephesians 4:14- "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."

Pastor Leonard warns that many believers are unknowingly led astray by doctrines mixing law and grace. He supports this with Hebrews 10:7- "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God."

He reiterates the truth that we are under the new covenant of grace, not the law, using **Romans 6:14: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." He adds 1 Corinthians 15:56- "The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law." and 2 Corinthians 3:15-16- "But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it turns to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.

The Role of the Body in Growth and Edification

Finally, Pastor Leonard brings in Ephesians 4:15-16- "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

He explains that the body of Christ grows together in love as each member uses their gifts to build each other up. He stresses that this growth is not only through personal study and the Holy Spirit but also through community interaction and mutual edification.

We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with others and remember that you are called, gifted, and equipped to operate in the fullness of Christ. Together, let us grow as one body, edifying one another in love and truth, as God designed.