Teaching summary
In this sermon, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize the necessity of spiritual maturity, teaching that believers are called to grow into the full stature of Christ. They highlight the importance of divine revelation through the Holy Spirit and warn against relying on personal opinions or doctrines that produce condemnation. The message stresses that believers are permanently grafted into Christ, sharing in His resurrection power, and that true transformation comes from understanding and believing this reality.
Bible verses referenced
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."
3 John 2: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
Romans 6:4-5: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Romans 8:11: "But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
Ephesians 1:19-21: "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come."
Ephesians 3:20: "Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Role of Shepherds and Teachers
- The Purpose of Ministry Gifts: Spiritual Maturity
- Understanding the Truth: Divine Revelation vs. Opinion
- The New Creation Reality: As Christ Is, So Are We
- The Power of Resurrection: Permanently Grafted into Christ
- The Transformation of Belief: Walking in Fullness
- The Holy Spirit’s Role: Leading Us Into Truth
- The Reality of Union with Christ
- Exceeding Great Power: The Impact of Maturity
- Closing Encouragement
Introduction: The Role of Shepherds and Teachers
Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola begin by emphasizing their roles as shepherds and teachers, not merely ministers presenting doctrine. Their desire is to encourage believers to grow in truth, stepping into their identity in Christ. They emphasize that their teachings come directly from divine revelation and not human interpretation.
The Purpose of Ministry Gifts: Spiritual Maturity
Quoting Ephesians 4:13, Pastor Leonard explains that the purpose of ministry is to bring believers to full maturity in Christ. "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." This maturity means becoming complete in Christ’s image and living as He is.
Understanding the Truth: Divine Revelation vs. Opinion
The pastors stress the danger of relying on human opinions or doctrines that misapply scripture. They explain that while some Bible passages were spoken specifically to the apostles or the disciples of Jesus' time, the Holy Spirit reveals which truths apply universally to all believers.
The New Creation Reality: As Christ Is, So Are We
Paul’s teachings on the new creation apply to all believers. Understanding that "as Jesus is, so are we" transforms our perception of righteousness. This universal truth means that believers are not striving for holiness but have already been made righteous in Christ.
The Power of Resurrection: Permanently Grafted into Christ
Referencing Romans 6:4-5, Pastor Leonard highlights the significance of being united with Christ in His death and resurrection. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." This unity means believers share in Christ’s resurrection power.
The Transformation of Belief: Walking in Fullness
As believers grow in understanding, their transformation becomes evident. Quoting Romans 8:11, Pastor Lori emphasizes that "if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." This quickening is the power of God at work in believers.
The Holy Spirit’s Role: Leading Us Into Truth
Pastor Leonard explains that the Holy Spirit, the "Divine Encourager," is given to believers to lead them into all truth. The renewal of the mind, as referenced in 3 John 2, brings transformation: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
The Reality of Union with Christ
Believers must recognize their permanent union with Christ. The pastors teach that believers are not separate from Christ but have been "grafted in," meaning they share in His power and authority. This understanding removes condemnation and leads to victory.
Exceeding Great Power: The Impact of Maturity
Referencing Ephesians 1:19-21, Pastor Leonard stresses that believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places. "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe… Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead." Recognizing this power leads to a transformed life.
Closing Encouragement
Pastor Lori encourages believers to meditate on the truths that stood out to them. They urge listeners to allow the Holy Spirit to make these revelations real in their lives. Pastor Leonard concludes by affirming that they will always preach truth and never personal opinions. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with others and continue to grow in the fullness of Christ!