Sermon by Missionary Samaroo Sookraj Text: Eph 4: 11-16 Sub: Gifts: The Giver and its Purposes. Intro: 1) This epistle was written when Paul was a prisoner at Rome. 2) The design appears to be to strengthen the Ephesians in the faith of Christ, and to give exalted views of the love of God, and of the dignity and excellence of Christ, fortifying their minds against the scandal of the cross. 3) He shows that they were saved by grace, and that however wretched they once were, they now had equal privileges with the Jews. 4) He encourages them to persevere in their Christian calling, and urges them to walk in a manner becoming their profession, faithfully discharging the general and common duties of religion. 5) Paul now is explaining about these particular gifts that were placed within the Church, the Lord's institution, His only representative on Earth. 1. THE GIVER OF THE GIFTS. Vs 11.The importance of knowing who you receive things from. A. The why of receiving. 1. Because of the need seen by the Giver. 2. To develop the appreciation of the receiver. The gift is just that... a gift; something you can't work for. It excludes boasting and pride. B. This Giver is the Lord Jesus Christ; not the seminary professor, not the doctor of theology, not the pastor or Sunday school teacher. C. The gifts are received through the illumination of the Holy Spirit of God. 11. THE RECEIVERS OF THE GIFTS. Vs 11. "Some" Were these gifts given to all in the church? A. While all the saints have the gift of salvation, not all receive these gifts that Paul speaks of here. Vs 11. Lit: He gave some to be apostles etc. B. The importance of knowing your gift or gifts. 11. THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS. Vss 12-16. There are several purposes but ultimately one purpose. A. That the Saint of God be complete. "Katartismos" complete furnishing. B. The work of the ministry. C The building up of the church. D. That unity be achieved in the faith, knowledge of the Son, and being a complete Christian. E. That we be no more children, but grounded. CONCL: 1) The responsibility of the Christian is allegiance to Christ and His Church, not to those who we may like etc. It is to the Lord's Church . 2) We will all be responsible for our actions one day. App: Your minds will never be on the Lord's church and its benefits to the world unless you know Jesus as your Savior. He died, was buried, and rose for our justification. Will you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved? |
