Sermon Tone Analysis
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*UNITY IN DIVERSITY*
*GOD HAS A JOB FOR EACH OF YOU TO DO*
*EPH 4:7-16*
*1039.DOC*
*INTRODUCTION*
*1. *Last week we discovered our high calling as Christians.
We are the mirror that reflects God to the world.
We are walking billboards that invite people to come to the Savior.
We discovered Christians are responsible.
We are responsible to get along with other believers.
We are to maintain the unity that Christ has established.
We discovered 3 virtues necessary to do that: humility, gentleness, and patience.
We discovered the 7 basis of our unity as found in v 4-6.
2.
Our text today continues that theme of unity.
It describes unity in diversity.
We all share the same faith.
We all have the same spiritual heritage but we have different spiritual service.
3.
We know these different ministries have caused deep division in our churches and denominations.
Churches have split over them.
Denominations have expelled churches over them.
I remember in the mid 70s when I was in seminary several associations in Tx withdrew fellowship from churches over the tongues issue.
Flip thru the religious channels on TV and you’ll see the diversity.
We often think since I’m doing this job and it is so much fun then everyone should be doing it.
If not, then unity is strained.
Unity is strained when someone comes along with a different idea.
We think the way we’re doing it is the only way and when we don’t always see change as a better idea.. Let’s consider our passage tonight so we can understand God’s wisdom of unity in diversity.
I have subtitled this message as God has a job for each of you to do.
Let’s look at 4 points: The Giver, The Gifted, The Gifts, and The Goal.
*I.
THE GIVER*
1. Who does Paul identify as the Giver?
In v 7,8, Christ is the giver.
Christ gives the gifts of grace.
v 8-10 is some difficult verses to understand.
V 8 is a quote from Ps 66:18 but with one big difference.
The Ps says the Victor receives gifts from men while Paul says he gives gifts.
There’s continued discussion what v 9,10 means ascending and descending to the lowers part of the earth.
2.
The scene these verses paint is that of a conqueror returning in triumph.
Jesus descended from heaven to earth.
He took on sin.
He waged the war that culminated in his death on the cross, burial and resurrection.
After his resurrection he ascended triumphally into glory where now he sits at the right hand of the Father.
He reigns as the Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings.
3.
In OT days the victorious general would parade through town with his armies behind him and the enemy in shackles.
He would receive gifts from the people for his great victory and protection.
Paul says Jesus does it a little differently.
He gives us grace gifts of service so we can join him in his continued victory.
Jesus passes out what one commentator called “celebration gifts."
We use these gifts of service to celebrate Christ’s redemptive mission.
We use these gifts to extend his Mission to the uttermost part of the world.
4. I know this overview doesn’t answer either of the hard questions.
I don't have the answers.
Jesus is the giver of grace gifts.
*II.
GIFTED*
1. Who is gifted?
Every Christian.
Christ gives gifts to each one.
Paul’s discussion of spiritual gifts in Rom 12 and 1 Cor 12-14 makes this abundantly clear.
At least one spiritual gift comes with the call to be Christian.
No one is excluded.
No Christian has to sit in the back of the bus, on the sideline or up in the stands.
God has a front row seat of service designed for each of us.
It is true no one has all the gifts.
It is also true that no Christian is without one.
Every Member is a minister.
Every Christian has a spiritual service to do.
God has equipped and empowered each of us for spiritual ministry.
3.
I’m going to hit the high points tonight.
In Mar, I’m going to speak on ministry.
On Sunday evening Jim Perry and I will expand this subject of spiritual gifts.
We’ll study them in detail and include exploring our gifts through s.
g. inventory.
4.
Let’s affirm that each Christian here tonight has at least one grace gift.
You have a celebration gift that Christ has given you so you can join him in his redemptive ministry.
What the basis of receiving whatever gift you have?
Is because you’ll just better than anyone else at what you do?
Is it because you’ve been a member here longer than anyone?
Or you contribute more money than others?
No.
It is because of Christ’s generosity.
Christ in his wisdom gave you that gift.
Just as the word grace suggests, you didn’t earn it nor deserve it.
God said --look at Gene Griffin.
That guy is a spiritual giant.
He’s such a wonderful servant.
What should we do?
I know let’s make him a pastor.
He’s earned that important position.
Not at all.
You and I have gifts just because it is pleased Christ to give it to us.
5.
Here’s the point.
When we realize what gifts we have, we are faith bound to use them for God’s glory and live in disobedience.
Can I tell you there have been many times in my 29+ years of ministry that I’d just as soon as had a different calling and different gifts.
There have been many times I’d like to let the phone ring.
There’s have been many times I had rather go do something other than prepare sermons or preach or serve.
I can’t do that because God has a job for me to do.
He’s given me gifts of celebration.
He’s given you gifts of celebration.
Why the particular gifts?
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