WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.160 I greet you first from Swansea. We were at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church last week worshiping and got to meet Paul's brother. 00:00:10.720 --> 00:00:21.559 ! And so he told all sorts of nice stories about his brother. And also greetings to you from Village 7 Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs in the United States. 00:00:21.559 --> 00:00:32.539 And we appreciate the ministry that you all are doing and we bring greetings to you and we pray for you and ask that God would encourage you this morning by the preaching of his word. 00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:45.739 Lori and I have three children, Caitlin, Christopher and Caleb. And the two older are married. And our daughter, Caitlin, has given us two beautiful granddaughters. 00:00:45.740 --> 00:00:56.440 So it's a wonderful thing. Their names are Sadie and Ava. And Sadie is two years old and Ava was born in June. So they're two years apart. 00:00:57.320 --> 00:01:04.320 And for us, it's a joy. You know, FaceTime is a wonderful thing. So we live in Colorado. They live outside of Jackson, Mississippi. 00:01:04.680 --> 00:01:13.000 So they're 18 hours away driving. It's a long way. And so, you know, FaceTime saves us. And I think it saves our relationship. 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:21.299 So the girls really, especially Sadie, she knows who we are. So when we do get a chance to go visit, she recognizes Nano and Papa. 00:01:21.640 --> 00:01:29.799 And she comes and she embraces us and all that. It's so much fun to see them grow. For me to see Sadie, she learns new words, new expressions. 00:01:30.560 --> 00:01:38.359 She grows in her learning and in her attention. And she's starting to get into things in some ways that are not so good. 00:01:38.359 --> 00:01:45.180 And so we just get to watch that and see her grow and mature. And then we have Ava, who's just brand new. 00:01:45.719 --> 00:01:55.140 And to see her change almost every time we get on FaceTime and we look at her, her expressions, she's smiling more and making noises. 00:01:55.280 --> 00:02:00.439 Just a joy. It really is. Today, when we look at our passage that was read earlier, 00:02:00.439 --> 00:02:14.599 we see a picture of what Paul has in mind for the church as it grows and matures from infancy to adulthood. 00:02:15.879 --> 00:02:22.680 Our youngest child, Caleb, is now just graduated last year from university and he's teaching for the first time. 00:02:23.139 --> 00:02:26.319 He wasn't a teaching major. He was a science major, chemistry. 00:02:26.319 --> 00:02:34.319 But there was a position opened up and they recruited him and asked him to come and teach in this school, chemistry. 00:02:35.139 --> 00:02:39.259 So we're on our knees praying for him because he has no idea what to get himself into. 00:02:40.079 --> 00:02:44.299 And so it will be a great experience. As he says, Dad, I have to start adulting. 00:02:44.400 --> 00:02:48.560 I have to start living as an adult now that I'm out of university. 00:02:48.560 --> 00:02:58.140 And this picture here that we have is that kind of picture of what Paul desires for, not just us as individuals, 00:02:59.280 --> 00:03:01.439 but for us as his church. 00:03:02.199 --> 00:03:08.539 I think specifically he's looking at the church in Ephesus and he's saying, this is the picture, this is the vision. 00:03:08.539 --> 00:03:12.259 I have for the church there in Ephesus. 00:03:12.959 --> 00:03:20.139 And therefore, this is the picture of what Paul has for IPC healing as well. 00:03:20.459 --> 00:03:28.500 A picture of maturity and growth and being able to live out the Christian life in such a way. 00:03:29.079 --> 00:03:33.479 When we look back at the very beginning of the passage that was read, 00:03:33.479 --> 00:03:38.119 and your pastor referred to it in the prayer, that I therefore, prisoner for the Lord, 00:03:38.280 --> 00:03:42.299 urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling which you have been called. 00:03:43.099 --> 00:03:48.539 And so here is this picture, this calling that we have as brothers and sisters, 00:03:48.659 --> 00:03:52.819 but as children of Christ, children of God in Christ Jesus. 00:03:52.819 --> 00:03:56.179 This is the calling that we have. 00:03:56.339 --> 00:04:00.979 And Paul goes on to kind of unpack that and to see what does this look like. 00:04:00.979 --> 00:04:05.719 But the interesting thing for me in this passage, in this context, 00:04:06.419 --> 00:04:09.099 is that it's not just about individuals. 00:04:09.379 --> 00:04:12.079 At least, you know, it's about the church. 00:04:12.679 --> 00:04:14.000 It's about the body. 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:17.180 It's about us growing together, maturing together. 00:04:17.180 --> 00:04:22.219 What does it look like for us to live the Christian faith? 00:04:23.699 --> 00:04:28.519 And so let us not kind of think about what it means for us to do this individually, 00:04:28.519 --> 00:04:33.899 but what does it look like for us to do this together as we walk with Christ? 00:04:34.599 --> 00:04:37.959 Because I really believe that is Paul's desire for the church, 00:04:38.339 --> 00:04:41.180 Christ's desire for the church as well. 00:04:41.899 --> 00:04:47.039 In this passage, we also see that there's an expectation of growth, 00:04:47.579 --> 00:04:51.599 an expectation of maturing in Christ. 00:04:51.600 --> 00:04:57.980 So it's not that you want someone to stay small and immature in the Lord. 00:04:58.280 --> 00:05:02.060 Our youngest son, who is no longer our baby boy, 00:05:02.160 --> 00:05:05.879 because he's 6'3", and 250 pounds, he's a big boy. 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:10.840 And so, you know, I can't look at him and imagine that small little boy we have. 00:05:10.879 --> 00:05:13.340 But when he was small, and because he was our youngest, 00:05:13.800 --> 00:05:17.260 my wife would always say, when his birthday was coming along, getting close, 00:05:17.259 --> 00:05:21.779 Laurie would always say, oh, Caleb, please don't grow up, please don't grow up. 00:05:22.139 --> 00:05:24.360 And he goes, oh, Mama, I have to grow up. 00:05:25.180 --> 00:05:27.939 And we did this for about 5, 6 years, and it was really cute. 00:05:27.959 --> 00:05:29.319 Oh, Mama, I have to grow up. 00:05:29.939 --> 00:05:31.560 And that's true, isn't it? 00:05:33.139 --> 00:05:36.039 We want, each and every one of us, 00:05:36.039 --> 00:05:40.920 we want the church to grow and mature in Christ. 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:44.980 So there are some expectations that we see in Scripture. 00:05:44.980 --> 00:05:48.060 1 Corinthians 14 says, 00:05:48.220 --> 00:05:50.000 Brothers, stop thinking like children. 00:05:50.560 --> 00:05:52.520 In regard to evil, be infants. 00:05:52.660 --> 00:05:54.280 But in your thinking, be adults. 00:05:56.100 --> 00:05:58.580 And then earlier in the same book, he says, 00:05:58.660 --> 00:06:01.920 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly. 00:06:02.800 --> 00:06:04.420 Mere infants in Christ. 00:06:05.340 --> 00:06:09.660 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you are not yet ready for it. 00:06:10.200 --> 00:06:12.240 Indeed, you are still not ready. 00:06:12.240 --> 00:06:15.340 What a terrible statement to the church. 00:06:15.439 --> 00:06:16.120 You're just infants. 00:06:17.400 --> 00:06:20.000 You shouldn't be infants, but you're just infants. 00:06:21.920 --> 00:06:23.519 And I have to treat you such. 00:06:24.100 --> 00:06:25.600 And in Hebrews, he says, in fact, 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:28.319 Though by this time you ought to be teachers, 00:06:29.100 --> 00:06:33.960 You need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's Word all over again. 00:06:35.079 --> 00:06:37.160 You need milk and not solid food. 00:06:37.160 --> 00:06:40.360 So these are written in the negative, you might say. 00:06:40.920 --> 00:06:43.680 Where he's kind of condemning the church and saying, 00:06:43.780 --> 00:06:45.220 You should be grown up by now. 00:06:45.480 --> 00:06:46.560 You should be mature. 00:06:49.200 --> 00:06:51.140 You should be adults in Christ. 00:06:51.920 --> 00:06:52.680 But you're not. 00:06:53.720 --> 00:06:55.980 In Hebrews as well, he says this, 00:06:56.080 --> 00:06:59.960 That therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ 00:06:59.959 --> 00:07:01.859 And go on to maturity. 00:07:03.000 --> 00:07:04.060 So the idea is, again, 00:07:04.219 --> 00:07:08.659 The expectation of growth in Christ. 00:07:08.779 --> 00:07:12.120 That expectation of maturing in Christ. 00:07:12.839 --> 00:07:14.399 Is there in the scriptures. 00:07:15.379 --> 00:07:17.639 And it's there for each and every one of us. 00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:21.379 And yet there is an issue, I think, 00:07:21.979 --> 00:07:25.979 Of spiritual babyhood in the church. 00:07:25.980 --> 00:07:31.439 There's so many who are still infants when they should be adults. 00:07:32.700 --> 00:07:34.340 Part of that is, I think, 00:07:35.240 --> 00:07:38.920 Responsibility of the leaders and the elders of the church 00:07:38.920 --> 00:07:40.439 Who are not discipling people. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:43.360 Or others not coming alongside them in the church 00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:44.360 And helping them grow. 00:07:45.040 --> 00:07:46.160 We've asked that question, 00:07:46.280 --> 00:07:49.080 What does a mature disciple look like at Village 7? 00:07:49.220 --> 00:07:50.900 Because if you don't have a target, 00:07:51.020 --> 00:07:54.379 You really don't know where to go and where to lead. 00:07:54.379 --> 00:07:55.439 And so we say, 00:07:55.600 --> 00:08:00.560 Are those who are prepared to engage with their heads, 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:02.199 Their hearts, and their hands, 00:08:02.600 --> 00:08:04.360 With God, His mission, 00:08:05.719 --> 00:08:08.639 That they're out there, both in word and deed. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:10.159 And so we look at it and we say, 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:13.079 Okay, what does a mature Christian look like? 00:08:13.139 --> 00:08:13.939 Well, in their head, 00:08:14.180 --> 00:08:15.699 They understand the scriptures. 00:08:16.779 --> 00:08:18.620 They understand who God is. 00:08:18.680 --> 00:08:19.920 They understand the gospel. 00:08:19.920 --> 00:08:24.759 And they also have a framework in which all of life fits under. 00:08:24.860 --> 00:08:26.540 Kind of like a Christian worldview. 00:08:27.100 --> 00:08:28.780 But they have that big picture. 00:08:29.360 --> 00:08:32.920 And they're guided and motivated by the word of God. 00:08:33.480 --> 00:08:34.639 In their lives. 00:08:35.300 --> 00:08:36.480 But in their hearts, 00:08:36.860 --> 00:08:38.500 They have a love for God. 00:08:39.860 --> 00:08:41.759 They have a love for the lost. 00:08:42.620 --> 00:08:45.159 And they have a love for the body of Christ. 00:08:45.159 --> 00:08:49.759 And they're motivated by that love that they have received in Christ. 00:08:50.399 --> 00:08:53.620 And then are pouring out into the lives of other people. 00:08:54.399 --> 00:08:55.500 And in their hands, 00:08:56.179 --> 00:08:58.019 They understand the gifts, 00:08:58.600 --> 00:09:01.019 The spiritual gifts that God has given them. 00:09:01.219 --> 00:09:04.539 And they're using them to build His church and build His kingdom. 00:09:05.519 --> 00:09:09.539 They also are sharing their life and the gospel 00:09:09.539 --> 00:09:12.240 With those around them who don't know Him. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:18.200 And they're also caring for others in the body of Christ. 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:22.379 So that is a picture that we have kind of put together 00:09:22.379 --> 00:09:24.639 For what does a mature Christian look like? 00:09:25.279 --> 00:09:29.980 Because that's a desire that we have for every believer in the church. 00:09:30.779 --> 00:09:33.960 Paul gives us a picture here in our passage. 00:09:34.460 --> 00:09:37.580 Especially when we're looking at 11 through 16, 00:09:37.580 --> 00:09:42.780 Because it would take me months to unpack all the whole passage that was read earlier. 00:09:43.500 --> 00:09:46.160 But just briefly, in the 11 through 16, 00:09:46.320 --> 00:09:47.580 Paul has given us a picture. 00:09:47.960 --> 00:09:50.600 What does a mature church look like? 00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:51.560 A mature Christian. 00:09:52.340 --> 00:09:57.000 And the first one is really understanding what are the roles in the church. 00:09:57.000 --> 00:10:01.779 And so we see that it says that He has given some as apostles, 00:10:01.960 --> 00:10:02.639 Some as prophets, 00:10:02.799 --> 00:10:03.720 Some as pastors, 00:10:03.879 --> 00:10:04.220 Teachers, 00:10:04.519 --> 00:10:05.379 Evangelists and pastors, 00:10:05.559 --> 00:10:05.879 Teachers, 00:10:06.120 --> 00:10:08.720 Or I think the ESVs are shepherds and teachers. 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:10.000 For what reason? 00:10:11.379 --> 00:10:14.220 To prepare God's people for works and service. 00:10:16.860 --> 00:10:19.740 There's some models of the church 00:10:19.740 --> 00:10:24.460 That I think have been propagated over the years and centuries probably 00:10:24.460 --> 00:10:25.879 That are not really biblical. 00:10:26.120 --> 00:10:28.100 The first one is kind of like the pyramid. 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:31.019 Where you have a pastor up on top. 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:34.259 Where he's on the pinnacle of the pyramid. 00:10:34.800 --> 00:10:38.980 That is totally unbiblical when you look at the model of Jesus Christ 00:10:38.980 --> 00:10:40.660 As a servant leader. 00:10:40.900 --> 00:10:41.740 So that doesn't work. 00:10:42.440 --> 00:10:44.379 Another model that some might have is that 00:10:44.379 --> 00:10:49.200 He's the leader of the bus driver in a bus 00:10:49.200 --> 00:10:50.340 And everybody gets on. 00:10:50.340 --> 00:10:52.759 And he's driving, 00:10:52.940 --> 00:10:56.160 Kind of leading the direction of where that bus is going. 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:59.200 That's really not very biblical as well. 00:10:59.280 --> 00:11:01.519 It's more biblical to look at as a team. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:04.899 Maybe a rugby team or something like that 00:11:04.899 --> 00:11:06.740 Where they're working together. 00:11:08.200 --> 00:11:08.740 And yes, 00:11:08.840 --> 00:11:10.960 While the pastor has specific roles, 00:11:11.080 --> 00:11:13.320 While the elders and deacons have certain roles, 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:15.420 We're all doing this together. 00:11:15.800 --> 00:11:17.120 We're all working together. 00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:20.779 And so that's the picture that Paul, 00:11:20.919 --> 00:11:22.580 That Jesus gives us for leadership. 00:11:23.179 --> 00:11:23.960 But in here it says, 00:11:24.120 --> 00:11:26.179 What is the role of the elder leader? 00:11:26.379 --> 00:11:28.899 The shepherd teacher is to 00:11:28.899 --> 00:11:32.820 Equip God's people for works of service. 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:33.899 That means if, 00:11:34.039 --> 00:11:36.039 I didn't get a chance to look at the bulletin, 00:11:36.139 --> 00:11:40.740 But if it had a list of people who are on staff at the church, 00:11:41.159 --> 00:11:41.379 You know, 00:11:41.419 --> 00:11:42.560 Interns and those kinds of things, 00:11:42.840 --> 00:11:45.200 That you would also see a line that says, 00:11:45.200 --> 00:11:45.940 You know, 00:11:46.040 --> 00:11:47.140 Ministers in a sense. 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:48.040 We call them ministers, 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:51.540 So I don't know what the right terminology is here. 00:11:51.920 --> 00:11:53.400 When we were walking in Wales, 00:11:53.879 --> 00:11:56.660 A guy was asking me about what I do in the States. 00:11:56.780 --> 00:11:57.020 I said, 00:11:57.060 --> 00:11:57.180 Well, 00:11:57.200 --> 00:11:57.780 I'm a pastor. 00:11:58.040 --> 00:11:59.040 And he kind of looked at me funny. 00:11:59.140 --> 00:11:59.360 I said, 00:11:59.400 --> 00:11:59.960 I'm a minister. 00:12:00.140 --> 00:12:00.600 And he goes, 00:12:00.960 --> 00:12:01.220 Huh? 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:02.480 And then I said, 00:12:03.379 --> 00:12:03.920 A vicar? 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:04.560 He goes, 00:12:04.600 --> 00:12:04.879 Oh, 00:12:04.980 --> 00:12:05.180 Yeah, 00:12:05.240 --> 00:12:06.020 Now I get it. 00:12:06.300 --> 00:12:06.620 Okay. 00:12:07.040 --> 00:12:08.680 And so whatever the terminology is here, 00:12:08.680 --> 00:12:12.460 That everyone is to serve in the church. 00:12:12.460 --> 00:12:16.759 Everyone is called to use the gifts that God has given them. 00:12:17.300 --> 00:12:21.759 And their abilities to work in the church, 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:23.000 To build the church, 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:24.740 To reach the communities, 00:12:24.980 --> 00:12:27.360 For the sake of Jesus Christ. 00:12:28.660 --> 00:12:30.100 It's not the pastor's job. 00:12:30.200 --> 00:12:31.540 It's not the elder's job. 00:12:31.980 --> 00:12:33.160 It's your job. 00:12:34.400 --> 00:12:35.920 Their job is to quit you. 00:12:36.719 --> 00:12:39.120 So Paul is turning things upside down here. 00:12:39.199 --> 00:12:41.240 It's not the job of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 00:12:41.479 --> 00:12:43.439 It's the job of everybody. 00:12:44.099 --> 00:12:47.139 To be engaged in God's work. 00:12:48.099 --> 00:12:49.199 And there is no excuse. 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:52.559 As Peter says, 00:12:52.620 --> 00:12:54.539 As each of us has received gifts, 00:12:54.919 --> 00:12:58.120 We're to employ it to the building up of the body of Christ. 00:12:58.759 --> 00:13:01.139 We are to use what we are given. 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:02.500 You can go to Romans 12, 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:04.939 You can go to Ephesians 4 later on, 00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:07.040 And you can look and see that if you have a gift, 00:13:07.140 --> 00:13:08.560 It's to be used. 00:13:09.040 --> 00:13:12.880 So that's a picture of what it means to be a mature, 00:13:13.620 --> 00:13:15.480 Growing Christian. 00:13:16.300 --> 00:13:17.160 And so some things, 00:13:17.260 --> 00:13:18.300 If you look at all the scriptures, 00:13:18.440 --> 00:13:20.960 We don't have time to unpack all those passages. 00:13:21.520 --> 00:13:22.760 But basically it's very simple. 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:24.860 Through Christ and the Holy Spirit, 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:26.860 Each of us have received special gifts. 00:13:27.260 --> 00:13:28.000 Spiritual gifts. 00:13:28.520 --> 00:13:29.740 Abilities to be used. 00:13:30.300 --> 00:13:30.720 Secondly, 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:32.360 They are to be used, 00:13:32.480 --> 00:13:34.580 And they're to be used for the betterment of other people. 00:13:34.940 --> 00:13:35.800 Very simple. 00:13:36.600 --> 00:13:38.060 It just gets broken down to that, 00:13:38.460 --> 00:13:39.320 And it's, 00:13:39.820 --> 00:13:40.740 You have to figure out, 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:41.600 What are my gifts, 00:13:41.660 --> 00:13:43.400 And how do I use them in the church? 00:13:44.900 --> 00:13:48.640 So then we come to our second part of the picture. 00:13:49.300 --> 00:13:50.780 And part of the picture is, 00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:52.360 He talks here, 00:13:52.560 --> 00:13:53.780 And he says, 00:13:54.440 --> 00:13:57.780 That to equip God's saints for works of ministry, 00:13:57.940 --> 00:13:58.700 For works of service, 00:13:58.780 --> 00:14:00.160 For the building up of the body. 00:14:00.260 --> 00:14:00.760 So that's it. 00:14:00.759 --> 00:14:02.439 For the building up of the body. 00:14:03.319 --> 00:14:05.919 Until we attain to the unity of the faith, 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:07.639 And the knowledge of the Son of God, 00:14:07.980 --> 00:14:09.340 To mature manhood. 00:14:09.879 --> 00:14:11.860 And so that idea is that there's a growing, 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:13.740 In this picture that Paul has, 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:15.360 Of the mature church, 00:14:15.419 --> 00:14:16.379 And mature believer, 00:14:16.819 --> 00:14:19.200 Is that there's a growing knowledge, 00:14:19.600 --> 00:14:20.600 And faith, 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:21.639 In Christ. 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:23.319 So the knowledge of Christ, 00:14:23.419 --> 00:14:24.519 We know comes from scripture. 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:27.139 So you're gaining in your understanding of scripture, 00:14:27.139 --> 00:14:30.539 You're gaining in your application of the gospel, 00:14:30.539 --> 00:14:31.579 Into your life, 00:14:31.699 --> 00:14:33.240 And how it's lived out, 00:14:33.379 --> 00:14:34.620 In everyday life. 00:14:35.059 --> 00:14:36.279 And so you're attaining that, 00:14:36.379 --> 00:14:37.419 You're growing in that. 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:38.899 But it's fascinating that, 00:14:39.079 --> 00:14:40.519 What he connects here is that, 00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:43.159 As we grow in faith and knowledge, 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:44.460 Of the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:14:44.559 --> 00:14:45.740 We grow in unity, 00:14:46.340 --> 00:14:47.259 With one another. 00:14:47.980 --> 00:14:50.360 The more the gospel changes us, 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:51.460 From the inside, 00:14:51.460 --> 00:14:54.740 The more there will be unity, 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:56.940 In our midst. 00:14:58.680 --> 00:14:59.720 It's when we, 00:15:00.100 --> 00:15:01.480 Forget about the gospel, 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:03.680 When we don't apply the word of God, 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:04.580 In our lives, 00:15:05.180 --> 00:15:06.620 That we become self-centered, 00:15:07.280 --> 00:15:07.980 And petty, 00:15:08.400 --> 00:15:09.259 And divisive. 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:11.580 But it's only when, 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:12.900 We truly are, 00:15:12.940 --> 00:15:15.740 Bringing and growing in the knowledge of Christ, 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:17.100 That we are unified, 00:15:17.740 --> 00:15:19.840 Together for what God has called us to do. 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:21.800 What God has called you, 00:15:22.580 --> 00:15:24.540 To do in this church, 00:15:24.660 --> 00:15:25.460 And in this midst. 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:26.820 It's interesting too, 00:15:26.879 --> 00:15:27.440 To me that, 00:15:27.580 --> 00:15:29.420 That all of it is focused on, 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:30.540 Who Jesus Christ. 00:15:30.960 --> 00:15:32.259 It's knowledge of Christ, 00:15:32.360 --> 00:15:34.019 Growing into the fullness of Christ. 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:34.500 You see that, 00:15:34.560 --> 00:15:35.460 It's all about Jesus, 00:15:35.620 --> 00:15:36.759 It's not about you and me. 00:15:37.160 --> 00:15:38.580 It's not about your pastor, 00:15:38.720 --> 00:15:39.820 It's not about your leaders, 00:15:40.240 --> 00:15:41.860 It's about Jesus. 00:15:42.840 --> 00:15:43.879 And that's the focus, 00:15:44.080 --> 00:15:44.960 And that's the goal, 00:15:45.060 --> 00:15:45.980 And that's the target, 00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:46.900 For everything. 00:15:47.620 --> 00:15:49.100 Is it's all about Jesus. 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:51.360 And then we see, 00:15:51.660 --> 00:15:52.340 Thirdly, 00:15:52.780 --> 00:15:53.360 Is that, 00:15:53.519 --> 00:15:55.580 When you're maturing in Christ, 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:57.379 It says, 00:15:57.519 --> 00:15:58.300 Growing to the, 00:15:58.420 --> 00:16:00.600 To the measure of the statue, 00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:02.500 Of the fullness of Christ. 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:05.580 I long for that day, 00:16:05.639 --> 00:16:06.259 I don't know about you. 00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:07.720 In my own life, 00:16:07.780 --> 00:16:08.560 I long for that. 00:16:09.019 --> 00:16:10.460 I know it's not going to happen, 00:16:10.519 --> 00:16:11.420 On this side of heaven. 00:16:12.040 --> 00:16:13.000 But I long for it. 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:14.840 I have way too many struggles, 00:16:15.060 --> 00:16:16.620 That are constant throughout my life, 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:19.080 That I've had for years and decades. 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:21.120 That I just wish, 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:21.680 Oh Lord, 00:16:21.940 --> 00:16:23.240 I wish you'd complete your work. 00:16:23.820 --> 00:16:25.080 I would like it now. 00:16:26.200 --> 00:16:27.759 And that's true for the church, 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:28.060 Isn't it? 00:16:28.060 --> 00:16:30.320 Our church is broken and messy. 00:16:31.300 --> 00:16:32.480 All around the world. 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:34.620 We are a messy bunch. 00:16:35.560 --> 00:16:38.580 And we are the beautiful bride of Christ. 00:16:39.580 --> 00:16:40.580 It's amazing to me. 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:43.060 That he describes us as a beautiful bride. 00:16:43.160 --> 00:16:44.620 There's never an ugly bride, right? 00:16:44.620 --> 00:16:46.720 You go to a wedding, 00:16:46.820 --> 00:16:48.100 There are always beautiful brides. 00:16:48.740 --> 00:16:49.100 And, 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:51.500 That's how he pictures us. 00:16:52.779 --> 00:16:54.240 In our brokenness, 00:16:54.500 --> 00:16:55.379 In our mess, 00:16:56.539 --> 00:16:57.700 In our struggles. 00:16:58.779 --> 00:16:59.279 But he, 00:16:59.460 --> 00:17:01.279 Is wanting us to grow, 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:02.639 And to mature, 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:05.359 Into the fullness of Christ. 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:08.720 What a beautiful picture for us. 00:17:09.460 --> 00:17:10.519 And if we do have that, 00:17:10.539 --> 00:17:11.640 If we have that growing, 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:12.859 If we're using our gifts, 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:14.559 If we're growing in the knowledge of Christ, 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:16.139 If we're growing in our faith, 00:17:16.240 --> 00:17:18.199 If there's unity in our midst, 00:17:19.279 --> 00:17:20.419 He says here, 00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:22.339 That so that, 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:24.019 We, 00:17:24.199 --> 00:17:25.099 See that we, 00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:28.479 May no longer be children, 00:17:29.439 --> 00:17:31.439 Tossed to and fro, 00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:32.759 By the ways, 00:17:32.859 --> 00:17:33.579 And carried above, 00:17:33.659 --> 00:17:35.039 By every wind of doctrine, 00:17:35.299 --> 00:17:36.339 By human cunning, 00:17:36.599 --> 00:17:36.859 By craftiness, 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:38.659 And deceitful schemes. 00:17:39.339 --> 00:17:40.799 So what he's saying here is that, 00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:42.659 If we are maturing in Christ, 00:17:42.660 --> 00:17:43.880 We won't be easily, 00:17:43.880 --> 00:17:44.540 Uh, 00:17:44.540 --> 00:17:45.259 Distabled, 00:17:45.540 --> 00:17:46.160 And easily, 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:46.820 Uh, 00:17:46.820 --> 00:17:47.640 Mark away, 00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:48.640 Off our path, 00:17:48.820 --> 00:17:49.740 And off our faith. 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:51.220 That our stability, 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:52.660 You know, 00:17:52.700 --> 00:17:54.120 Is on Jesus, 00:17:54.620 --> 00:17:55.779 Who is our rock. 00:17:56.200 --> 00:17:57.460 At the end of the Beatitudes, 00:17:57.620 --> 00:17:59.340 Jesus gives us this illustration, 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:01.480 If you build your house on the sand, 00:18:01.580 --> 00:18:02.800 And the storms come, 00:18:03.100 --> 00:18:04.460 And the waves come, 00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:06.040 Your house will collapse, 00:18:06.120 --> 00:18:07.320 And be washed away. 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:11.200 But if your house is built upon the rock, 00:18:11.539 --> 00:18:12.500 And he's the rock, 00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:15.839 The storms will come. 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:17.559 That's a guarantee. 00:18:19.960 --> 00:18:21.980 He says in John 16, 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:23.379 Be of good cheer. 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:24.980 First he says, 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:26.619 You will encounter troubles. 00:18:26.619 --> 00:18:27.119 Ah, 00:18:27.179 --> 00:18:29.039 But be of good cheer, 00:18:29.119 --> 00:18:30.199 Because I've overcome the lift. 00:18:31.359 --> 00:18:32.059 He says, 00:18:32.199 --> 00:18:33.919 Storms will come into your life. 00:18:34.039 --> 00:18:36.179 Some of us will experience very, 00:18:36.619 --> 00:18:39.039 Very difficult things. 00:18:40.500 --> 00:18:42.179 Some of you are probably already there. 00:18:42.799 --> 00:18:44.439 Some of you have been through those things. 00:18:45.139 --> 00:18:46.859 And some are waiting for us in the future. 00:18:47.979 --> 00:18:50.459 But if we build our faith upon Jesus, 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:52.940 When those storms come, 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:55.840 We will be stable. 00:18:56.640 --> 00:18:58.860 When false teaching comes into the church, 00:18:58.960 --> 00:19:05.140 When false teaching is gone through the Christian churches, 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:06.640 And it happens all the time. 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:08.980 There's like new fads that come up, 00:19:09.019 --> 00:19:11.079 And people come with these crazy teachings. 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:13.980 And if we don't stop and examine them, 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:15.200 According to the scriptures, 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.880 We can easily be carried away. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:20.440 But if we are grounded in the word of God, 00:19:20.460 --> 00:19:23.600 If we're grounded in our relationship with Christ, 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:26.500 If we're grounded with one another in unity, 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:30.440 We won't be knocked off balance. 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:31.779 We won't be moved 00:19:31.779 --> 00:19:35.319 By the storms that come our way, 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:37.840 By the false teaching that enter in 00:19:37.840 --> 00:19:39.480 To our midst. 00:19:39.799 --> 00:19:41.100 We will stand firm. 00:19:41.880 --> 00:19:43.299 And I look at this, 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:45.740 And I see as a result of this, 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:48.259 That this is something that happens though, 00:19:48.860 --> 00:19:50.000 Not individually. 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:52.000 So when you're going through the storms, 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:54.339 Do you isolate yourself, 00:19:54.920 --> 00:19:58.500 Or do you reach out to the body and say, 00:19:58.579 --> 00:19:59.140 I need you? 00:20:01.619 --> 00:20:05.319 Because we're not called to walk this life alone. 00:20:05.859 --> 00:20:08.740 We're not called to grow in our faith alone. 00:20:08.740 --> 00:20:11.620 We are called to grow in Christ, 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:13.759 To mature in Christ together, 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:15.700 As the body of Christ. 00:20:16.140 --> 00:20:18.079 As we share our lives with one another, 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:20.779 As we use our gifts, 00:20:20.859 --> 00:20:23.400 As we walk through this life, 00:20:24.259 --> 00:20:24.839 Together. 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:27.200 That's what makes the difference. 00:20:28.299 --> 00:20:30.440 So do not try to do this on your own. 00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:32.880 But seek the community, 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:34.980 Seek the body of Christ, 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:37.140 To be a part of where you're going. 00:20:37.140 --> 00:20:42.600 Very important phrase right here. 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:45.520 In verse 15, 00:20:45.640 --> 00:20:46.060 He says, 00:20:46.259 --> 00:20:46.680 Rather. 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:49.920 In contrast to. 00:20:50.800 --> 00:20:52.640 I've given you a picture of somebody 00:20:52.640 --> 00:20:54.900 Who's not mature in Christ, 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.520 Who's tossed to and fro. 00:20:56.519 --> 00:21:00.200 I've given you a picture of what it means 00:21:00.200 --> 00:21:02.180 To grow and to mature in Christ. 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:05.299 So what does that look like 00:21:05.299 --> 00:21:06.900 In kind of summary 00:21:06.900 --> 00:21:08.960 Of what I'm trying to say. 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:10.500 He says this. 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:12.420 He says that rather 00:21:12.420 --> 00:21:14.960 You're speaking the truth in love 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:15.700 With one another. 00:21:17.119 --> 00:21:19.359 We're growing in every way 00:21:19.359 --> 00:21:21.459 Because Jesus is our head. 00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:24.679 The whole body 00:21:24.679 --> 00:21:27.079 Is joined together 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:29.339 By ligaments 00:21:29.339 --> 00:21:31.919 Into one body 00:21:31.919 --> 00:21:33.539 That focuses on Jesus. 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:35.199 That's all about Jesus. 00:21:36.319 --> 00:21:37.659 That's following Him. 00:21:37.819 --> 00:21:38.859 Believing in Him. 00:21:39.240 --> 00:21:40.279 Serving Him. 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:42.740 That that body 00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:43.960 Is brought together 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:45.599 And it's unified 00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:47.579 As it's moving forward. 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:49.940 And then He says this. 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:51.960 That the church 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:53.279 Therefore the church 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:54.279 The body grows 00:21:54.839 --> 00:21:56.720 Again He's saying the body 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:58.480 Not just you and me individually. 00:21:59.299 --> 00:22:00.279 The body grows 00:22:00.940 --> 00:22:02.639 And is built up 00:22:02.639 --> 00:22:06.579 Because of this unity. 00:22:06.579 --> 00:22:09.480 And then He says one thing too 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:11.439 That one of the characteristics 00:22:11.439 --> 00:22:12.519 That is noticed 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:13.339 That's seen 00:22:13.339 --> 00:22:15.019 In a body 00:22:15.019 --> 00:22:16.119 That a church 00:22:16.119 --> 00:22:17.599 That is growing and maturing 00:22:17.599 --> 00:22:20.319 Is love 00:22:20.319 --> 00:22:21.720 For one another. 00:22:22.659 --> 00:22:23.720 Love for the lost 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:24.480 And ultimately 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:25.599 And primarily 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:26.579 A love for Christ. 00:22:29.259 --> 00:22:30.699 When I was being ordained 00:22:30.699 --> 00:22:32.740 I had an elderly 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.579 Pastor 00:22:34.379 --> 00:22:36.319 Who had mentored me 00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:37.779 When I was a brand new Christian. 00:22:38.419 --> 00:22:39.480 Brand new Christian. 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:41.259 Grew up in a liberal church. 00:22:41.599 --> 00:22:42.679 Never heard the gospel. 00:22:43.579 --> 00:22:45.059 And so when I became a Christian 00:22:45.059 --> 00:22:46.659 I think around 20 years old. 00:22:47.439 --> 00:22:48.720 He took me under his wing. 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:49.839 He just kind of said 00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:51.419 I spent time with him. 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:54.019 And this man had really bad 00:22:54.019 --> 00:22:55.259 Parkinson's disease. 00:22:55.960 --> 00:22:58.019 So his limbs would shake. 00:22:58.720 --> 00:22:59.919 When he would write me letters 00:22:59.919 --> 00:23:01.220 When I was in seminary 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:02.159 They would be these 00:23:02.159 --> 00:23:04.779 Really hard to read scroll. 00:23:04.779 --> 00:23:06.680 Because he's always shaking. 00:23:07.279 --> 00:23:08.220 So I wrote to him 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:09.000 And I said 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:10.059 Pastor Atwell 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:10.519 I said 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:13.200 I'm about ready to get ordained. 00:23:14.879 --> 00:23:16.200 What advice do you have 00:23:16.200 --> 00:23:17.059 For a young pastor? 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:18.500 And he wrote back 00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:18.879 And he said 00:23:18.879 --> 00:23:19.639 It's really simple. 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:20.019 Rich. 00:23:20.879 --> 00:23:21.700 Love God. 00:23:22.859 --> 00:23:23.740 Love His word. 00:23:24.399 --> 00:23:25.059 Love His people. 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:27.099 That's good advice 00:23:27.099 --> 00:23:27.839 For all of us. 00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:30.359 You see 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:31.039 It's not just 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:32.299 That's not enough. 00:23:33.419 --> 00:23:35.000 It's not enough for me 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:35.799 Just to say 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:36.480 Rich 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:38.339 Love God 00:23:38.339 --> 00:23:38.960 And love His word 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:39.679 And love His people. 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:42.079 I have to do that 00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:44.539 In the context of community. 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:46.500 I have to do that 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.319 In the context 00:23:47.319 --> 00:23:48.819 Of the church. 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:50.740 The body of Christ. 00:23:50.740 --> 00:23:52.440 Because that's when 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:55.420 All the practices 00:23:55.420 --> 00:23:56.599 Of the Christian life 00:23:56.599 --> 00:23:58.240 Are made real 00:23:58.240 --> 00:24:01.180 When we're interacting 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:02.079 With one another. 00:24:03.279 --> 00:24:04.420 More than they do 00:24:04.420 --> 00:24:05.019 Indivision. 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:08.599 We're really looking forward 00:24:08.599 --> 00:24:09.140 To seeing 00:24:09.140 --> 00:24:10.620 Sadie and Ava 00:24:10.620 --> 00:24:11.120 Grow up. 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:13.380 I just 00:24:13.380 --> 00:24:15.140 I always have been 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:16.519 I just love 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:17.539 To see how God 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:18.519 Works in the lives 00:24:18.519 --> 00:24:19.240 Of young people 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:19.980 Who are following 00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:20.700 After Him 00:24:20.700 --> 00:24:21.740 And to be able 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:22.539 To look at them 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:23.579 And to encourage 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:24.440 Them in Christ. 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:25.720 I mean I look forward 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:26.599 To discipling 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:27.539 My grandkids 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:29.099 In Christ. 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:31.940 And I long 00:24:31.940 --> 00:24:32.480 For that day 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.200 When I can see 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:34.220 When they've grown up 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:34.660 That the Lord 00:24:34.660 --> 00:24:35.900 Keeps us alive 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:36.519 And all that 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:38.079 And we get to see this 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:39.039 To see them 00:24:39.039 --> 00:24:40.480 Grow into maturity 00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:43.900 And to find 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:45.420 Their place 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:48.680 Within the church. 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:50.440 To find their place 00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:51.240 Within the body 00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:51.759 Of Christ. 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.500 To start using 00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:53.319 Their gifts. 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:55.500 Using their 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:56.700 Abilities 00:24:56.700 --> 00:24:57.859 To further 00:24:57.859 --> 00:24:59.079 The kingdom of God. 00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:01.099 And just to see 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:01.700 Them grow 00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:02.279 And mature. 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.759 I delight 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:06.279 In that 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:07.640 Anticipation. 00:25:08.900 --> 00:25:09.359 That 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:10.240 Is Christ's 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:11.579 Delight 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:12.200 In you. 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:14.740 In this church. 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:17.740 He has an 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:18.380 Excited 00:25:18.380 --> 00:25:19.660 Anticipation 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:21.160 Of where 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:21.740 He's going to 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.339 Lead you 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.740 And direct you 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:25.519 Individually 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:29.140 But mostly 00:25:29.140 --> 00:25:30.019 As a body. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:32.480 So if the Lord 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:33.120 Would ever bring 00:25:33.120 --> 00:25:33.660 Lori and I 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:34.039 Back 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:36.059 It will be a 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:36.799 Delight for us 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:37.660 To see you 00:25:37.660 --> 00:25:39.120 Growing 00:25:39.120 --> 00:25:39.940 And maturing 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:41.279 In Christ 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:43.360 As a church. 00:25:44.059 --> 00:25:44.940 Let me pray for us. 00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:45.559 Father we ask