Sunday, 18 October 2009
Get in the Game!
If you have found the past five weeks of notes helpful, you can now download the complete set of notes as a PDF here.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
God’s gifts bring maturity
Read Ephesians 4:1-11
Yesterday we looked at how the Holy Spirit brings unity, but Paul goes on in this passage to explain how some gifts/people seem to have a greater profile in the church. Before we look at these we need to correct our understanding of how God sees roles within his church.
In Mark 10:43 Jesus said to his disciples, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Jesus taught that leadership in the church is not the same as leadership in the world; the world seeks after promotion, self-importance and domination but leaders in the church are to be servants to all.
In Ephesians 4 Paul explains the reason that God appoints the various roles: “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body may be built up…and become mature.”
God does not want an immature church, we are meant to become mature. I have two children and my role as a parent is to prepare them to live in this world. This involves teaching, encouraging, caring, loving, disciplining and opening their understanding to the way the world works.
In a similar way, God has given the roles described in Ephesians 4 to the church, to bring us to maturity, to teach us to live vibrant godly lives in this ungodly world, and encourage us to fulfil the calling Jesus gave to the church “to go into all the world” and “make disciples from all nations.”
The Holy Spirit gives leaders to the church - not as a status symbol or a badge of honour, but to serve the people of God and bring us to maturity.
Consider - How often do I pray for my leaders?
- How am I allowing my leaders to bring me to maturity?
- In what ways can I support my leaders?
Pray - Thank God for our leaders
- For them to closer with God and know the Holy Spirits power
- For opportunities to support them in every way
Yesterday we looked at how the Holy Spirit brings unity, but Paul goes on in this passage to explain how some gifts/people seem to have a greater profile in the church. Before we look at these we need to correct our understanding of how God sees roles within his church.
In Mark 10:43 Jesus said to his disciples, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Jesus taught that leadership in the church is not the same as leadership in the world; the world seeks after promotion, self-importance and domination but leaders in the church are to be servants to all.
In Ephesians 4 Paul explains the reason that God appoints the various roles: “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body may be built up…and become mature.”
God does not want an immature church, we are meant to become mature. I have two children and my role as a parent is to prepare them to live in this world. This involves teaching, encouraging, caring, loving, disciplining and opening their understanding to the way the world works.
In a similar way, God has given the roles described in Ephesians 4 to the church, to bring us to maturity, to teach us to live vibrant godly lives in this ungodly world, and encourage us to fulfil the calling Jesus gave to the church “to go into all the world” and “make disciples from all nations.”
The Holy Spirit gives leaders to the church - not as a status symbol or a badge of honour, but to serve the people of God and bring us to maturity.
Consider - How often do I pray for my leaders?
- How am I allowing my leaders to bring me to maturity?
- In what ways can I support my leaders?
Pray - Thank God for our leaders
- For them to closer with God and know the Holy Spirits power
- For opportunities to support them in every way
Friday, 16 October 2009
The Holy Spirit brings unity
Read Ephesians 4:1-6
In the first three Chapters of Ephesians, Paul has wonderfully explained the master plan of God,
- The pleasure (love) of God to reconcile people to himself
- The purpose of God to redeem us from the curse of death
- The plan of God to bring salvation through Jesus and adopt us into his family
Because of all of this Paul instructs us how we should live together – humility, gentleness, patience and love.
Living our lives this way is not easy because it is not the way that our world works; we like to have our own opinions, some of us like to be controversial and win arguments, others like to get their own way, we are all greedy – just slice up a cake and offer it round….most people will want the biggest slice!
This list of Paul’s is very similar to the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5v22), it is important to understand that the Christian life can only be lived effectively through the power of the Holy Spirit.
But Paul continues in verse 3 that we should “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” The fact that he mentioned “every effort” tells us that this will not be easy!
In John 17 Jesus prays for us that we might be “brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them just as you have loved me.” Unity within a church has a massive impact on the effectiveness of the gospel we share.
We must continue being filled with the Holy Spirit, and allow him to rule over our natural desires which bring disunity and create divisions.
Consider - Do I enjoy arguments and allow them to cause divisions?
- What efforts (steps) do I need to take to live more like Jesus?
- What attitudes do I need to change?
Pray - For the Holy Spirit to fill me again today
- For God to develop humility, gentleness and patience in me
- For opportunities to develop unity within church
In the first three Chapters of Ephesians, Paul has wonderfully explained the master plan of God,
- The pleasure (love) of God to reconcile people to himself
- The purpose of God to redeem us from the curse of death
- The plan of God to bring salvation through Jesus and adopt us into his family
Because of all of this Paul instructs us how we should live together – humility, gentleness, patience and love.
Living our lives this way is not easy because it is not the way that our world works; we like to have our own opinions, some of us like to be controversial and win arguments, others like to get their own way, we are all greedy – just slice up a cake and offer it round….most people will want the biggest slice!
This list of Paul’s is very similar to the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5v22), it is important to understand that the Christian life can only be lived effectively through the power of the Holy Spirit.
But Paul continues in verse 3 that we should “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” The fact that he mentioned “every effort” tells us that this will not be easy!
In John 17 Jesus prays for us that we might be “brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them just as you have loved me.” Unity within a church has a massive impact on the effectiveness of the gospel we share.
We must continue being filled with the Holy Spirit, and allow him to rule over our natural desires which bring disunity and create divisions.
Consider - Do I enjoy arguments and allow them to cause divisions?
- What efforts (steps) do I need to take to live more like Jesus?
- What attitudes do I need to change?
Pray - For the Holy Spirit to fill me again today
- For God to develop humility, gentleness and patience in me
- For opportunities to develop unity within church
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Let us serve each other with our gifts
Read Romans 12:1-8
It is common in our world today to judge people based on their talent or abilities or looks, but this is not a behaviour that God wants within his church.
Paul challenges us in verse 2 to “not conform to the pattern of this world” and then goes on in verse 3 “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” We are to keep a proper perspective of the gifts that God has given to us and others. While we honour the gifts God gives his church, we are not to give in to the worldly desire to chase personality by exalting men for the gifts that God has given them. This is the beginnings of idolatry.
The gifts come from God and all the glory for them should go to God. Verse 3 then explains that we should “consider ourselves (and others) with sober judgement,” to keep our feet firmly grounded and our eyes continually on Jesus.
Paul again uses the example of the body to explain how we should use our gifts. He emphasises that the body is made up of many parts and they do not all have the same function.
Within the church some gifts seem to have a higher profile than others, and some are unseen by anyone, but they are all necessary and hold the same value to God. I find it amazing that if the smallest or seemingly most insignificant part of my body doesn’t work then my whole body is affected - have you ever had toothache or an ingrown toenail. Paul explains that we all belong to each other – we are all necessary to the health of the church.
Finally Paul encourages us that whatever gift God has given us, we should use it to glorify Jesus, serve each other and build the church.
Consider - What gifts has God given to me?
- How can I use them to encourage others and build the church?
- What is the difference between honouring someone and putting them on a pedestal?
Pray - For courage to use my gifts more
- For opportunities to serve others
- For God to teach me how to use my gifts in humility
It is common in our world today to judge people based on their talent or abilities or looks, but this is not a behaviour that God wants within his church.
Paul challenges us in verse 2 to “not conform to the pattern of this world” and then goes on in verse 3 “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” We are to keep a proper perspective of the gifts that God has given to us and others. While we honour the gifts God gives his church, we are not to give in to the worldly desire to chase personality by exalting men for the gifts that God has given them. This is the beginnings of idolatry.
The gifts come from God and all the glory for them should go to God. Verse 3 then explains that we should “consider ourselves (and others) with sober judgement,” to keep our feet firmly grounded and our eyes continually on Jesus.
Paul again uses the example of the body to explain how we should use our gifts. He emphasises that the body is made up of many parts and they do not all have the same function.
Within the church some gifts seem to have a higher profile than others, and some are unseen by anyone, but they are all necessary and hold the same value to God. I find it amazing that if the smallest or seemingly most insignificant part of my body doesn’t work then my whole body is affected - have you ever had toothache or an ingrown toenail. Paul explains that we all belong to each other – we are all necessary to the health of the church.
Finally Paul encourages us that whatever gift God has given us, we should use it to glorify Jesus, serve each other and build the church.
Consider - What gifts has God given to me?
- How can I use them to encourage others and build the church?
- What is the difference between honouring someone and putting them on a pedestal?
Pray - For courage to use my gifts more
- For opportunities to serve others
- For God to teach me how to use my gifts in humility
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
We are all ministers
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13
In the three main passages that Paul writes about Spiritual Gifts he always uses the analogy of a body. Paul understood that whenever the Holy Spirit gives gifts to people they are for the purpose of building up the church.
Paul explains in verse 7 that “to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given.” Every member of the Church is meant to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and have received the gifts God has for them.
Paul continues that these gifts are “for the common good.” They are meant to be used to build up the body, to encourage each other to know Jesus more, to strengthen each other and help one another to live our Christian lives more effectively.
This means that if I do not use my gifts, then the body (the church) is missing out on something. Isn’t it amazing that God has formed us together as a body where we are each reliant upon each other!
This body is not just made up of different people, but that these people come from all walks of society and countries. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to all regardless of qualifications, career, gender, age or nationality.
Whereas the world is motivated by competitiveness, greed and pride, God is building a church of every type of person, where everyone’s contribution is needed.
The Church needs each of us to bring the gift that the Holy Spirit has given us.
Consider - Have I been baptized in the Holy Spirit?
- What gifts has the Holy Spirit given to me?
- How can I use the Holy Spirit’s gifts more?
Pray - for the Holy Spirit to continue to fill me
- For courage to break through fear to bring my gift
- For opportunities to encourage others
In the three main passages that Paul writes about Spiritual Gifts he always uses the analogy of a body. Paul understood that whenever the Holy Spirit gives gifts to people they are for the purpose of building up the church.
Paul explains in verse 7 that “to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given.” Every member of the Church is meant to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and have received the gifts God has for them.
Paul continues that these gifts are “for the common good.” They are meant to be used to build up the body, to encourage each other to know Jesus more, to strengthen each other and help one another to live our Christian lives more effectively.
This means that if I do not use my gifts, then the body (the church) is missing out on something. Isn’t it amazing that God has formed us together as a body where we are each reliant upon each other!
This body is not just made up of different people, but that these people come from all walks of society and countries. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to all regardless of qualifications, career, gender, age or nationality.
Whereas the world is motivated by competitiveness, greed and pride, God is building a church of every type of person, where everyone’s contribution is needed.
The Church needs each of us to bring the gift that the Holy Spirit has given us.
Consider - Have I been baptized in the Holy Spirit?
- What gifts has the Holy Spirit given to me?
- How can I use the Holy Spirit’s gifts more?
Pray - for the Holy Spirit to continue to fill me
- For courage to break through fear to bring my gift
- For opportunities to encourage others
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Building effective Church
Read Ephesians 4:4-16
As we saw yesterday we are all joined together in Christ and the body is dependant upon the contribution that each person brings.
But this passage also outlines how God is building his church
1) Everyone is connected to the head
We each have a personal relationship to Jesus, and therefore we are not reliant upon another man (priest, pastor, teacher, etc.) to speak to God for us.
2) Everyone is connected to others
We are not meant to be isolated from other Christians or a local church. The church is the family of God and God wants us to relate to each other and demonstrate to this world the abundant life we have in Jesus.
3) Recognition of authority
God has given the church some gifts to lead, guide and bring maturity. The people that have these gifts are not “better” than anyone else, but are godly men who serve the body and bring leadership.
4) We are each meant to “grow” in Jesus
Growth normally means change. We are not called to remain babies in Christ but to grow up in him to maturity. Just as parents work to see their children mature into adults, so God wants to see us become mature.
5) We are meant to be wary of false teaching (cunning and crafty men who bring weird interpretations)
We are to be wary of any teaching that undermines the completed work of Jesus at Calvary, that tries to re-introduce legalism, or distracts us from the purpose that Jesus gave us – to take the gospel to all the world.
Consider - Do I spend regular times enjoying God?
- Do I tend to rely on others instead of God?
- How I can play my part in building effective church?
Pray - For a closer and more passionate walk with God
- For Church to be an effective witness to Jesus
- For our leaders to provide wise and godly leadership
As we saw yesterday we are all joined together in Christ and the body is dependant upon the contribution that each person brings.
But this passage also outlines how God is building his church
1) Everyone is connected to the head
We each have a personal relationship to Jesus, and therefore we are not reliant upon another man (priest, pastor, teacher, etc.) to speak to God for us.
2) Everyone is connected to others
We are not meant to be isolated from other Christians or a local church. The church is the family of God and God wants us to relate to each other and demonstrate to this world the abundant life we have in Jesus.
3) Recognition of authority
God has given the church some gifts to lead, guide and bring maturity. The people that have these gifts are not “better” than anyone else, but are godly men who serve the body and bring leadership.
4) We are each meant to “grow” in Jesus
Growth normally means change. We are not called to remain babies in Christ but to grow up in him to maturity. Just as parents work to see their children mature into adults, so God wants to see us become mature.
5) We are meant to be wary of false teaching (cunning and crafty men who bring weird interpretations)
We are to be wary of any teaching that undermines the completed work of Jesus at Calvary, that tries to re-introduce legalism, or distracts us from the purpose that Jesus gave us – to take the gospel to all the world.
Consider - Do I spend regular times enjoying God?
- Do I tend to rely on others instead of God?
- How I can play my part in building effective church?
Pray - For a closer and more passionate walk with God
- For Church to be an effective witness to Jesus
- For our leaders to provide wise and godly leadership
Monday, 12 October 2009
Joined together in Jesus
Read Ephesians 4:4-16
In verse 16 Paul explains that the body is “held together by every supporting ligament, as each part does its work.” The body of Christ (the church) is dependant upon all of us. If one of is hurt – it affects all of us, if one part is missing then we are not complete.
But this goes further and teaches us that the body needs my input, it is reliant upon my contribution. The Holy Spirit fills each of us and gives us gifts that we are meant to contribute.
Yes, we acknowledge that God does seem to give some people high profile roles (see verse 11), but these are to equip each member of the body to develop in their relationship with Jesus and then to contribute as the Holy Spirit guides them.
We believe that God wants to build us together as a vibrant community of believers where everyone is welcomed, respected and valued, but also where the abundant life of Jesus overflows from every one of us in service to each other.
In verse 15 Paul explains that we are meant to “grow up into Christ.” – that we are continually developing a maturity in our relationship with Jesus so that we will no longer be childish, tossed back and forth, or blown about by misleading teaching or deceitful men.
The Church needs me to mature in Jesus and then support and encourage those around me so that together we demonstrate to this world the magnificence of the grace of God.
Consider - How do I support and encourage others?
- What gifts has the Holy Spirit given me to bless others with?
- How often do I use these gifts to build up the church?
Pray - For the Holy Spirit to fill me and help me to encourage others
- For the Holy Spirit to give me courage to use his gifts
- For the leaders of the church
In verse 16 Paul explains that the body is “held together by every supporting ligament, as each part does its work.” The body of Christ (the church) is dependant upon all of us. If one of is hurt – it affects all of us, if one part is missing then we are not complete.
But this goes further and teaches us that the body needs my input, it is reliant upon my contribution. The Holy Spirit fills each of us and gives us gifts that we are meant to contribute.
Yes, we acknowledge that God does seem to give some people high profile roles (see verse 11), but these are to equip each member of the body to develop in their relationship with Jesus and then to contribute as the Holy Spirit guides them.
We believe that God wants to build us together as a vibrant community of believers where everyone is welcomed, respected and valued, but also where the abundant life of Jesus overflows from every one of us in service to each other.
In verse 15 Paul explains that we are meant to “grow up into Christ.” – that we are continually developing a maturity in our relationship with Jesus so that we will no longer be childish, tossed back and forth, or blown about by misleading teaching or deceitful men.
The Church needs me to mature in Jesus and then support and encourage those around me so that together we demonstrate to this world the magnificence of the grace of God.
Consider - How do I support and encourage others?
- What gifts has the Holy Spirit given me to bless others with?
- How often do I use these gifts to build up the church?
Pray - For the Holy Spirit to fill me and help me to encourage others
- For the Holy Spirit to give me courage to use his gifts
- For the leaders of the church
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