GOSPEL :: FAMILY :: MISSION
The apostle Paul has previously instructed the Ephesian believers to no longer walk as the Gentiles do but to instead put on the new clothing of the Christian life. In essence he has said that if we are followers of Jesus then the clothing of our old lives, while they may feel comfortable and familiar to walk in, has no place in our lives and we should strive to put on Christ himself.
As we look at our passage for today we see that Paul’s concern is once again straightforward and clear. He is concerned that there are people in the church at Ephesus who call themselves Christians but do not live like it. I think his concern for the Ephesian church is born out of two deeply held desires. Number one he desires that the name of Christ would be honored and lifted high. And number two he desires the best for the people in the Ephesian church. He wants Christ to be honored and he wants the best for the Ephesians.
Today is a call to wake up and to grow up. Today is a day to afflict the comfortable. Today is a day like in Joshua’s day where the Lord calls out to you and says, “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” Will you stay seated in the first two camps? Or will you by God’s grace get up out of your seat and not just occupy space but instead take possession of and live out of who and who’s you are? Will you leave behind foolish and childish ways of living while claiming the name of Christ? Will you take a step towards growing up?
One of the grand purposes of the church is to help people grow up spiritually. We are called to help unstable people become stable. To help weak and flighty people become strong and unwavering. To help deceived people walk in freedom through the truth of the gospel.
As we’ve studied Ephesians 4:7 – 16 over the last few weeks, I’ve been reminded of a few biblical themes regarding the purpose of the church. The church was not designed to be a country club, a social club or a political power. It’s not meant to be another activity on our list of other good things to do. And it’s also not meant to be a place where spiritual goods are merely consumed.
In the midst of worship I am often moved past my momentary sufferings as I am reminded of the suffering of Christ on my behalf. I am reminded that I am a poor and needy beggar and my desperation for Jesus expands.
Forgive means to wipe the slate clean. It reminds us that God’s grace is like a warm, wet washcloth on a chalkboard. It washes away every last speck of sinful residue on our lives.
Every one of us is called to equip and build up the body of Christ. But most of us struggle with seeing ourselves the way God does. Some of us think too highly of ourselves and some of us think too lowly of ourselves. We are either highly arrogant or highly insecure. Sometimes we think, feel and behave like we are indispensible. Sometimes we think, feel and behave like we are useless. But the gospel teaches us that we are all, valuable and useful and gifted and are called to equip and build up the body of Christ.
We are called to equip and build up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12). The word, “equip” means to furnish or fit completely and the word “build” means to construct something. We are called to furnish or fit ourselves completely with the Word of God. We are to build up the body instead of tearing it down.
You may have heard the phrase that it takes a village to raise a kid. I know that’s certainly been true for me. I also think it’s true that it takes a village to establish a community where the presence of God lives visibly.
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