Pre-Game Pep Talk
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· 32 viewsViewing Ephesians as a Pre-Game Pep talk from a coach reminding his team: Play as one, Do your Part, Put on your uniform.
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Opening Story/Illustration: On June 16, 1858, at what was then the Illinois State Capitol, upon accepting the Illinois Republican Party's nomination as that state's United States senator, Abraham Lincoln made one of his most famous speeches.
Opening Story/Illustration: On June 16, 1858, at what was then the Illinois State Capitol, upon accepting the Illinois Republican Party's nomination as that state's United States senator, Abraham Lincoln made one of his most famous speeches.
In his famous “House Divided speech.” He quotes the words of Jesus in Mark 3:25 – If a House is divided against itself, it cannot stand.
In his famous “House Divided speech.” He quotes the words of Jesus in Mark 3:25 – If a House is divided against itself, it cannot stand.
I don’t know if you’ve ever been a part of a divided team or watched your sports team on TV go down because of division – but division causes problems. You can have the best team imaginable – full of talent and promise – but if they cannot play and work together, you will not get very far.
I don’t know if you’ve ever been a part of a divided team or watched your sports team on TV go down because of division – but division causes problems. You can have the best team imaginable – full of talent and promise – but if they cannot play and work together, you will not get very far.
It’s hard to move in one direction, when you’re being pulled in two.
It’s hard to move in one direction, when you’re being pulled in two.
It’s like fighting with the grocery cart at walmart – The ones that have that one wheel that won’t cooperate. It always seems to want to pull the other direction.
It’s like fighting with the grocery cart at walmart – The ones that have that one wheel that won’t cooperate. It always seems to want to pull the other direction.
Division is like this. When any group of people is divided, it will be difficult for that group to make progress.
Division is like this. When any group of people is divided, it will be difficult for that group to make progress.
It’s difficult for a divided family to make progress. It’s difficult for a divided sports team to make progress, it’s difficult for a divided nation to make progress, and it’s difficult for a divided church to make progress.
It’s difficult for a divided family to make progress. It’s difficult for a divided sports team to make progress, it’s difficult for a divided nation to make progress, and it’s difficult for a divided church to make progress.
Transition to Text: Paul writes the letter of Ephesians to a church who was apparently experiencing some division.
Transition to Text: Paul writes the letter of Ephesians to a church who was apparently experiencing some division.
The real “Theme of the book” is one of thanksgiving and awe at what God has done for us in Christ.
The real “Theme of the book” is one of thanksgiving and awe at what God has done for us in Christ.
We aren’t clear over why this church was divided, but One of the Primary reasons Paul writes them is to remind them that they are one in Christ.
We aren’t clear over why this church was divided, but One of the Primary reasons Paul writes them is to remind them that they are one in Christ.
The lived, like us, in a world full of division. Paul argues that in Jesus, God is doing something new - That he is taking groups that used to be divided, people that used to be enemies and he is forming them into a new people who are to now live united because of and in Jesus.
The lived, like us, in a world full of division. Paul argues that in Jesus, God is doing something new - That he is taking groups that used to be divided, people that used to be enemies and he is forming them into a new people who are to now live united because of and in Jesus.
It’s tempting though to slip back into the ways in which the world divides us. Paul is reminding them and us of the New Reality in JESUS. Jesus has made us one. Jesus has brought us together and is forming a new people - The Church.
It’s tempting though to slip back into the ways in which the world divides us. Paul is reminding them and us of the New Reality in JESUS. Jesus has made us one. Jesus has brought us together and is forming a new people - The Church.
Text: Let’s turn in our Bibles to Ephesians 4:1-16
Text: Let’s turn in our Bibles to Ephesians 4:1-16
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says,
“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.”
9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
This morning I want to look at this passage and see what Paul has to say to the Christian Team.
This morning I want to look at this passage and see what Paul has to say to the Christian Team.
Fall in the south means a few things. I learned about a week ago it means the beginning of Deer season. Someone told me that’s like a national holiday here. It also means the beginning of college football season.
Fall in the south means a few things. I learned about a week ago it means the beginning of Deer season. Someone told me that’s like a national holiday here. It also means the beginning of college football season.
Speaking of division, my wife’s family is divided. Everyone in her family is a South Carolina Fan and she’s the lone Clemson Fan.
Speaking of division, my wife’s family is divided. Everyone in her family is a South Carolina Fan and she’s the lone Clemson Fan.
As we work through this message today I want you to think of it like this:
As we work through this message today I want you to think of it like this:
Imagine a coach before the big game. He comes into the locker room with his team. They are getting ready for the big game. He has a few things to share with them. He wants to inspire them to go out and play their best.
Imagine a coach before the big game. He comes into the locker room with his team. They are getting ready for the big game. He has a few things to share with them. He wants to inspire them to go out and play their best.
I want us to think of the Apostle Paul as the coach and the Church as the Team.
I want us to think of the Apostle Paul as the coach and the Church as the Team.
State or Setup Main Idea: Let’s dive into this passage this morning
State or Setup Main Idea: Let’s dive into this passage this morning
Points
Points
We Are One Team
Paul reminds the Ephesian believers they are one in Christ
The “Therefore” here refers to all that Paul has written in chapters 1-3. (Anytime you see a “Therefore” you should look back and see what it’s there for.)
Paul has laid a foundation in Chapters 1-3. In his letters he almost always begins with doctrine and teaching and then moves to the practical ways we live it out. Chapters 1-3 are all about what God has done and is doing through Christ. It’s laying a foundation. Why? BECAUSE RIGHT BELIEF ALWAYS COMES BEFORE RIGHT ACTION. Paul wants them to believe correctly about Jesus and in chapter 4, he shifts to show them how to practically live those beliefs out.
One of the key themes in Chapter 1-3 is that God, in Christ, is bringing together different groups of people - Jews and Gentiles - in CHRIST!
Ephesians 2:14-22 – God, in Christ had brought them together!
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Both Jews and Gentiles had been brought near to
God
Both had access to God through the Holy Spirit
They were all built and joined together as one to
become a temple in the Lord.
Can you imagine - people that used to be enemies are now brought together!
He goes on to tell us in Chapter 4 - They were to be completely humble and gentle, bearing
with one another in love – These all promote unity!
Notice how many times in this passage he uses the word “one.” We are called to be “one.”
This love we have for one another is sacrificial (Ephesians 5:25, 5:2)
They were to be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
He focuses on our “oneness” with Christ
in Christ:
We are one Body
We Serve one Lord
We are one in Christ
God, in Christ has brought us together as a body of believers
We are all from different backgrounds, families, occupations 2. We are all brought together as one in Christ!
Some of us would not even know each other if it were not for our ties in Christ!
How is it that we can push aside all of our differences? Because we are one in Christ!
Notice I did not say “We should be one” I said “We are one.” The reality is - If we are in Christ, we have been joined together. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WE OFTEN FAIL TO LIVE OUT THAT REALITY!
We are one IN CHRIST!
We are not one because we all think alike.
We are not one because we all look alike
We are not one because we always agree
We are not one because we always vote alike
We are not one because we are interested in the same things
THE CHURCH IS NOT A CLUB FOR PEOPLE WHO SHARE THE SAME INTERESTS!!!
THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST! WE ARE ONE BECAUSE WE ARE CONNECTED IN HIM.
God has called us to be one - What does this look like?
Unity means We deal with one another in humility and gentleness
Illustration – There is no one here who is better than anyone else is – we all have flaws and failures and we must learn to be patient with one another. I don’t know if this has ever happened to you – But there have been moments when someone says something or I see an attitude in someone that I don’t like and I say something to them – and then a week or two later I recognize that same attitude in me. And I go, man, I wish I had been more gracious with them. Humility and patience.
Humility means That my life is directed towards serving others rather than towards myself. It means we must be willing to give up our own way.
Gentleness expands on this idea and means we treat others with kindness and concern.
This is not easy!
Practically speaking – You’ve got to learn to see the
world through your neighbors eyes. Walk a mile in his
or her shoes.
IF WE REALLY LOVED ONE ANOTHER – THEN OUR INTENTIONS SHOULD NOT BE MALICOUS. THIS MEANS THAT THE FIRST THING WE THINK WHEN SOMEONE HITS US THE WRONG WAY – SHOULDN’T BE THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO HURT US! I TELL STUDENTS THIS ALL THE TIME – YOUR PARENTS DON’T WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND INVENT WAYS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE MISERABLE. THEY DO WHAT THEY DO BECAUSE THEY LOVE YOU!
Being one means we are patient with one another
This isn’t about waiting at a red light - It’s about learning to be patient and give grace to each other
The word here in for patience in greek literally means “A long time before one gets angry.”
Some translations say “Long-suffering”
Are we willing to suffer long for others?
Are we willing to put up with their faults and quirks and issues?
Or do we get angry quickly and demand our own way?
How long is your fuse?
An easy way to think about this - We all want others to be patient with us. Put yourself in their shoes when you’re tempted to get angry.
Illustration: We need to remember - We are all at different levels of maturity. If you’re a parent you know the frustration of having a little one - and sometimes forgetting that they are so little. So you ask them to do something and it takes them twice as long to do it..and it’s easy to become frustration - but you have to remember - They are 4, not 24.
Being One means we bear with one another in love
In many ways this continues the idea of patience
Ephesians: Verse by Verse Four Sets of Qualities Produce Unity (4:2–3)
God’s people exercise humility, gentleness, and patience by putting up with each other.
Love is a choice – not a feeling
Love Sacrifices itself for the good of the other
Illustration - We must have Compassion for one another – Break compassion down into this idea – “Come and pass it on.” We “Come to Jesus and experience his love.” Then we “Pass THAT LOVE” on to others around us.
Jesus has loved us and continually loves us and puts up with us despite our failures, faults, quirks, and mess-ups.
We are to do the same for others!
This also carries with it the idea of forgiveness. We are to be a forgiving people.
Notice this passage tells us to “Bear with one another in Love.” Love is not easy! Sometimes loving others is a tough burden – But this is what we are called to!
There can be no peace and no unity within the church unless we genuinely love one another
Being one means We must be eager to maintain unity (Ephesians 4:3 “3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Paul tells us to “be eager to maintain unity” Eager here means - “WORK REALLY HARD AT THIS” This is so important, its going to require all you’ve got!
We are to guard our unity.
Its unity of the Spirit - Meaning the Spirit is the source of that unity and he’s the one who produces it. Real unity comes from God - Not from our shared interests.
The word in Greek for Unity here is found only in this verse and in verse 13. It’s already present and achieved by the Spirit - But Humans can undo it and it must be maintained!
We maintain unity as we remember what Christ has done for us and that he is the one who has brought us together. When we reflect on what he did for us, there is no room to push our own agenda!
The Term “Bond of peace” is this idea - “Peace is the rope that ties believers from diverse background together into a unified whole.” Hatred and selfishness tear us apart - but peace, love, gentleness, humility - They bind us together.
Our motive must never be to bring disunity, elevate ourselves or get our own way! It must always be for the glory of God and the good of His Church!
So Let’s imagine our coach - He begins his speech and he says “You gotta get out there and play as one today. Our Goal is to win this game. We’ve been over our plays. You guys know them inside and out. We’ve practiced, I want you to get out there and play as one unit!”
Do Your Part
Paul wants the Ephesian believers to do their part
Paul goes on to talk about the gifts that God gave to the church
Jesus has conquered and like a conquering hero, he has gifts, spoils of war to pass out. The gifts he gives in this context are leaders, gifted to help the church grow and thrive.
Pastors, teachers, apostles, prophets, evangelists
The purpose of these gifts is to prepare God’s people for the work of the ministry.
The body of Christ is built up in unity and maturity is attained
False teaching is rooted out
We no longer tossed back and forth – unable to figure out what we believe and what is going on.
Each part connected to Christ works as it should.
The body is built up in love
The head of the body is Christ
The goal is maturity and unity of the faith
Notice this - Even though they are one, They are not all the same.
This is one of several lists in Paul’s letters regarding gifts God gives
This list is what is often called the 5-fold ministry - Apostle, Pastor, Teacher, prophet, evangelist.
We could spend weeks just looking at each of these roles, but this morning here’s the point - They aren’t the same roles.
Just because we are one, doesn’t mean we are all alike. It doesn’t mean we all do the same thing! We don’t have to be twins to be brothers and sisters.
Verse 16 says this - Ephesians 4:16 “16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
WE NEED EACH PART TO WORK PROPERLY..The goal of the Church leadership is to equip you to do your part. The goal is the each part would work properly.
You and I should do our part
God has given each of us a place in the body of Christ
Some of us cook, some of us are good with music, others of us can write, others can encourage, others teach, and still others preach.
God has given each of us a gift – we should use it to build up the church.
What is the role God wants you to play at Georgetown First Assembly? EVERYONE can do something and EVERYONE should do something.
Illustration – A team is one team, but different people. Each player has a specific job, The quarterback has a job, the linebacker has a job, the running-back has a job. Each person has to play their part well in order for the whole team to reach their full potential. If one player has to do everything they become worn out. If all players try to do the same thing, they never accomplish anything.
We as a church must each do our part – the whole body is built for the work of the ministry, not simply the ministers!
Find your place in the body of Christ – whatever it may be – and do it with all your might!
Everyone is gifted to serve God spiritually!
No one can be left out.
Where do you fit into the body here?
What part are you playing to further the vision God has for this church?
What more can you do?
Is there a place that you would better fit?
Are you doing all that you can to further what God wants to do through this church?
Remember Humility and Love – It’s the grease for the gears – as we work together and do our part things start to move forward and the Holy Spirit producing Humility and love through us keeps the gears greased!
And so Our Coach says - “Listen, you guys are to play as one team, BUT I need bobby here to start as quarterback. I need roger to be defensive lineman.” If this team is going to function, I need each of you to play your position and play it well!
Put on your amor
Paul goes on to chapter 6 and closes this book on unity by telling them to place on their spiritual armor.
Look at Ephesians 6:11
14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Notice the contrast between the one who takes a stand and the one who is tossed. We have to take a stand..but its hard to take a stand when we are tossed back and forth on waves..So in order to take a stand, we have to have something to stand on…Paul is telling us in chapter 4 - That the leaders of the Church are here to help build us up, to bring us together. We come together in Christ. We are unified. We now have a firm foundation to stand on.
Paul is going to tell us to put on the armor of God..What is the armor?
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Who is the truth? (Jesus – John 14: 6 – I am the way the truth, and the life)
Who is our righteousness? (Jesus – 1 Corinthians 1:30 – Jesus has become our Righteousness)
Who is our peace? ( Jesus – Isaiah 9:6 – Jesus is the prince of peace)
Who is our faith from? (Jesus – Hebrews calls him the author and perfector of our faith)
Who is our Salivation? (Jesus – 1 Timothy 4:10 – Christ is the Savior of all men)
Christ is our armor! We are unified in Christ, we all have different gifts from Christ, and we are to clothe ourselves with Christ. (Romans 13:14)
We are to put on our spiritual armor
Clothe yourself in Christ!
Conclusion
Conclusion
Restate or Reveal Main Idea: As we conclude let’s go back to our Pre-Game Pep Talk. The coach has said - “Be one. Play as a unified team today.” “Even though we are one, each of you has a specific role to play. Know your role. Play your part and play it well.” And I imagine he ends saying this “Now it’s time to suite up, get out there, and play.”
Restate or Reveal Main Idea: As we conclude let’s go back to our Pre-Game Pep Talk. The coach has said - “Be one. Play as a unified team today.” “Even though we are one, each of you has a specific role to play. Know your role. Play your part and play it well.” And I imagine he ends saying this “Now it’s time to suite up, get out there, and play.”
This is what Jesus is saying to his church today - “Remember that you are one in me. Keep that unity. Live that out, but remember that you each have a specific role to play in my body. Play your part well! Now suite up. Put on the armor. Put on Christ. Get out there in the game!”
This is what Jesus is saying to his church today - “Remember that you are one in me. Keep that unity. Live that out, but remember that you each have a specific role to play in my body. Play your part well! Now suite up. Put on the armor. Put on Christ. Get out there in the game!”
So what?
So what?
Now What?
Now What?
This morning, I want us to gather around this altar. We are going to pray for three things:
Unity
I want to pray specifically for the role you play in this church. If you’re not doing anything, what is God laying on your heart to do? If you’re involved, pray about the ministry he has you in.
Let’s end the morning by putting on Christ!
Prayer
Prayer