Sermon Tone Analysis

Get Equipped

Introduction

Paul is very direct in establishing the point of this passage.

Every disciple is called to do and be something greater than themselves.

Their call is to be an example of the Grace of God which reflects and renders God Glory.

He helps the church at Ephesus to recognize that no disciple equips himself.

Aim: We must leave here today knowing that God has called us each to be equipped for His glory.

Proposition: The Lord loves the Church and placed with in it gifts that will empower the Church to mature into what He desires.

The Purpose of Equipping Disciples ()

The Purpose of Equipping Disciples ()

A. for the work of the ministry

- what is that work?

- it is found in:

the building of the body (vs.12c

Illus: When I was in the military, I joined without knowing anything about the military.

They taught me, they equipped me so that I could be all I could be.

I didn’t teach myself.

I had to be trained to be a soldier, walk like a soldier.

Transition: Likewise as disciples, we don’t just teach ourselves we submit ourselves to be taught and equipped.

Application: Quit staying at home on bible study night and go get equipped.

Get up on Sunday Mornings and get equipped in Sunday School.

B. the building of the body

- we are to grow the family of Christ.

Not divide and sever it.

- It begins by being a part of the local body.

- Witness to others about the work and word of Christ.

ILLUS: We live in a commercialized society.

Much of what we buy, wear and do is based on what we see and hear through advertisement.

ILLUS:

Transition: Paul is saying that when we are equipped we become a walking billboard an attraction to the body of Christ.

The equipped disciple draws sinners to the body.

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Transition: Paul is saying that when we are equipped we become a walking billboard an attraction to the body of Christ.

The equipped disciple draws sinners to the body.

Application: What do people see when they see you?

Who do they hear when they hear you?

Become an attraction for the body of Christ.

The Progress of Equipping Disciples ()

A. The saints are unified

- in faith

- we may not say it the same but we believe it the same

- in knowledge

B. The saints are matured

- They begin to emulate Christ

- We become better than what we once were.

The Protection of Equipping Disciples ()

That we are not easily swayed and manipulated with erroneous doctrine (vs.14)

That we are not easily swayed and manipulated with erroneous doctrine (vs.14)

To name a few unsound statements: God won't put more on you . . . the lions den was too much for Daniel to handle the fiery furnace was too much for the Hebrew boys to handle Prison was too much for Paul too handle and things are often too much for us to handle God helps those who helps themselves . . .

To name a few unsound statements: God won't put more on you . . .

- the lions den was too much for Daniel to handle

- the fiery furnace was too much for the Hebrew boys to handle

That we are not easily swayed and manipulated with erroneous doctrine (vs.14)

To name a few unsound statements: God won't put more on you . . . the lions den was too much for Daniel to handle the fiery furnace was too much for the Hebrew boys to handle Prison was too much for Paul too handle and things are often too much for us to handle God helps those who helps themselves . . .

-Prison was too much for Paul too handle and things are often too much for us to handle.

- God helps those who helps themselves . . .

That we are not easily swayed and manipulated with erroneous doctrine (vs.14)

To name a few unsound statements: God won't put more on you . . . the lions den was too much for Daniel to handle the fiery furnace was too much for the Hebrew boys to handle Prison was too much for Paul too handle and things are often too much for us to handle God helps those who helps themselves . . .

So that we are examples of our Faith (vs.15)

So that the Church looks like the body of Christ (vs.16) fitly joined - denoted structure and organization.

Every piece is where it is supposed to be.

They each fit properly and according to the plan of God.

ILLUS: When I would do puzzles and I couldn't find where it was supposed to go, I would shave it on the edges so that it would go where i needed it to fit.

But when I would finish the puzzle and look at it, I found that it looked different from that box cover.

Likewise, it is the same way when we force things in the Church or attempt to go around God's structure.

We cease to look like the Body of Christ.

Conclusion:

Spiritual Maturity brings God glory . . .