Audio Sermons

Building up the Church of Christ

Life B-P Church 74^th Anniversary, 20^th October 2024

Text: Ephesians 4:12-16

In God’s design, a church that is being built up as the body of Christ will display three characteristics…

1. Total Involvement (vv.12,13)

• Pastors and teachers are the ones who equip the members.
• The members are the ones who do the work of the ministry.
• As all members do their work, the body of Christ is edified. (Cf. Rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah 3-6)

• Since the outcome has been determined, our work is not in vain! (v.13)

2. Growth to Perfection (vv.14,15)

• All believers are to grow up to full spiritual maturity.
• The consequences of remaining immature are disastrous. (v.14, cf. Matthew 24:14)

• Therefore, we need to be well-grounded in the Truth of God’s Word.
• We also need to grow into Christ in all things, which includes:

⃝ Close relationship with Christ

⃝ Conformity to the image of Christ

⃝ Consecrated living for Christ

3. Mutual Affection (vv.15,16)

• The most important part of v.16 is “in love.” (cf. v.15 and vv.1,2)
• Love is the most divine virtue. (1 John 4:7,8; John 13:35)
• The truth should always be spoken in love. (v.15; cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1,2)
• Love is the tie that binds us together. (v.16; cf. Colossians 3:12-14)
• Love motivates us to supply to the needs of others.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. How willing are you to do your part in building up the Church of Christ?
2. What should you invest most of your time and talents in? Why?
3. How can you tell whether you are spiritually mature or not?