How the Church Grows Up

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Goal

That we are excited about the future of the church
and understand how we are to get there.

Paul has just been talking about what Christ has done for them on the cross
Is this a guilt trip? “Earn it!” ?
- no, it could also be translated “as appropriately”
- If prince William gets drunk, it is unworthy of his position as heir to the throne
- But he doesn’t lose that position by getting drunk,
- it is just inappropriate
what kind of lifestyle is appropriate to our new position in Christ?
- v.2 love and kindness
- v.3 unity
  - A Spirit filled church is not just about power
  - We have three things as our foundation, what are they?
  - Spirit of power, love as here, truth as Jesus promised

the key word here is measure, (lit metron in Greek from which we get metre)
The idea is that Jesus has given a measure of gift to each of us
- image of a Roman general in ancient times who is returning from victory
  - If it were a particularly amazing victory, then the Roman Senate would grant them what they called a “triumph” (only 320 given)

growing up into the shape of Jesus
Extraordinary that we, as a church, should be growing up into that measure
- This is not Newlife, but the global church wherever it is faithful

This is the climax to the whole passage
v.14 & 15 are opposites
- Growth and maturity or wave-tossed and wind-blown
- deceitfullness or love (truth is not just words, but actions as well)
So we can grow up to match the measure of Jesus
- There seems to be a progress in time through the years and centuries
v.16 take clause by clause
- note the word measure again—we each have our role, our assignment
- Can you tell me from v.16, what is it that will make the church grow up into the shape of Jesus?
- ligament: without them we would be a heap of bones on the floor
- the body grows by gifts excercised in love
We won’t reach our measure unless we all do our parts, our measures
The early church grew so fast. If it had continued the growth another 2 or three generations…
- Towards the end of the “apostolic era” Bishops
Do you think they are all supernatural gifts?
- are any gifts “natural” ?
- We need God’s strength for all of these.
- no, but some not spectacular or supernatural in a “laws of physics” sense

Gifts of the Spirit do not have to be supernatural
Is is exciting, God is doing something
- How much do you want to be part of it?
We need every single Christian to do this!
Get someone up to count their fingers/eyes/etc —do they need them all?
- If you come to Newlife, God has brought you here for a purpose!
I want to challenge you
two examples:
- The woman who found out birdays and got people to sign cards
  - Like the glue that holds the body together
- Duane Miller video Jan 15 1990 (lost myelin sheath vocal chords)
  - 3 years later, almost to the day, teaching on healing
  - Video of Duanne Miller
Are you that committed to using what God has given you?
We will be talking to each of you about how you fit in to the body during the months ahead
- Next week, more specific talk about being part of the body at Newlife