EPHESIANS OUTLINE #24 OF 34

The Work of an Ascended Christ

Introduction

A. The individualistic attitude that says, "I will serve God on my own and in my own way" is not biblically founded.

1. It is the divine genius to use a local fellowship of believers to carry out His purpose in any given community.

2. God has designed to work through a local fellowship of believers (Hebrews 10:25)

II. The Objective of Ministry ( 4:12) It is Three fold

A, The Perfecting of the saints

I. Rotherham - with a view to the fitting of the saints

2. Amplified - His intention was the full equipping of the saints

3. Williams - for the immediate equipment of the saints

4. The Word for perfecting is a composite of two words

(a) The first means to unite or hind together

(b) The second means to mend, to render for use

(c) The word was used in surgery for setting a broken limb

(d) It was also used for fisherman mending their nets (Mark I .19)

(e) It was also used (Gal 6:1) for restoring a person who was some form of sin

5. The basic idea is that of putting a person into the condition which he ought be.

6. It is the work of the pastor to so guide, teach and care for people that they will

become for God what they ought to be.

7. The pastor holds office to give help and guidance to his flock.

B. The Work of the Ministry

1. Rotherham translate it - for the work of ministering

2. Montgomery - for the work of serving

3. Amplified - do better work for him

4. The pastor perfects the Christians in order that they will render practical service

(a) The whole of a church's ministry as not to be found in preaching and teaching hut in serving others

(b) Note the fact that it is not the pastor who is to do the leg work but that is the work of the Christian

(c) It is the pastors responsibility to teach you what to do but you must then do it

(d) He is to make possible the opportunities for you to serve but then it is up to you to do it

(e) Ministers are not appointed to do the work for the members but to prepare the members for their work.

(f ) Christ has appointed the ministry with the view of preparing the saints for the work of servicing one another.

C. Edifying of the Body of Christ

1. Rotherham - for the up building of the body of Christ

2. Montgomery - for the building up of the body.

"He could not", says Calvin, "Exalt more highly the ministry of the word, than by attributing to it this effect. For what higher work can there be than to build up the church that it may reach its perfection? they therefore are insane and proud, who content themselves with the private reading of the scripture, and imagine they do not need the ministry of the church ,"

If Christ has appointed the ministry for the edification of his body, Ir is in vein to expect that end to be accomplished in any other way..

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