WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.620 So I thought we'd start with a quiz. 00:00:02.660 --> 00:00:03.839 Here's your first question. 00:00:05.379 --> 00:00:07.980 Where is the world heading? 00:00:08.980 --> 00:00:11.620 Where is the world heading? 00:00:11.779 --> 00:00:19.019 Is it economic collapse, nuclear disaster, catastrophic events like a meteorite or earthquake or tsunami? 00:00:19.019 --> 00:00:22.740 Is it global warming leading to global meltdown? 00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:25.940 Is it a pandemic super virus that's going to kill us all? 00:00:25.940 --> 00:00:31.640 Is it anarchy, revolution or Islamicization? 00:00:32.140 --> 00:00:34.640 First question, where is the world heading? 00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:39.160 Second question, where is the church heading? 00:00:40.200 --> 00:00:42.060 Is it heading in the right direction? 00:00:42.859 --> 00:00:44.579 Is it heading in the wrong direction? 00:00:45.280 --> 00:00:47.260 Is it not heading anywhere? 00:00:47.820 --> 00:00:50.020 Is it going backwards? 00:00:50.880 --> 00:00:53.579 Second question, where is the church heading? 00:00:53.579 --> 00:00:59.060 Third question, where is your life heading? 00:01:00.100 --> 00:01:02.039 Where is your life heading? 00:01:02.159 --> 00:01:03.259 What is round the corner? 00:01:03.399 --> 00:01:04.840 What does tomorrow bring? 00:01:05.539 --> 00:01:09.539 When we're sitting here in 2016, what will it look like? 00:01:09.640 --> 00:01:11.980 Where is your life heading? 00:01:12.920 --> 00:01:14.900 These are big questions. 00:01:15.859 --> 00:01:19.200 They come with complicated answers, I'm sure, in our lives. 00:01:20.200 --> 00:01:22.280 And we're tempted to say, well, we don't know. 00:01:22.280 --> 00:01:24.579 There's real uncertainty. 00:01:25.560 --> 00:01:27.040 We don't know where the world's heading. 00:01:27.140 --> 00:01:28.480 We don't know where the church is heading. 00:01:28.780 --> 00:01:31.359 I'm not even sure what I'm going to have for breakfast tomorrow. 00:01:32.519 --> 00:01:35.099 I can't answer these questions. 00:01:36.740 --> 00:01:37.740 But we can. 00:01:39.340 --> 00:01:47.700 Because the book of Ephesians copies us in to the memo that God sends to his church about where everything is heading. 00:01:47.700 --> 00:01:51.280 If you've got a Bible, then Ephesians 2 verse 10. 00:01:53.240 --> 00:01:55.079 Ephesians 1 verse 10. 00:01:55.480 --> 00:01:55.780 It says, 00:01:55.900 --> 00:02:01.320 He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he purposed in Christ. 00:02:02.120 --> 00:02:04.980 To be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment. 00:02:04.980 --> 00:02:06.240 When the end comes. 00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:08.259 This is what the end looks like. 00:02:08.659 --> 00:02:13.780 To bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 00:02:13.780 --> 00:02:15.659 That's where it's all heading. 00:02:16.180 --> 00:02:17.560 That's where this world is heading. 00:02:17.680 --> 00:02:18.719 That's where the church is heading. 00:02:18.840 --> 00:02:20.520 That's where your life is heading. 00:02:20.640 --> 00:02:21.680 To the Lord Jesus. 00:02:22.759 --> 00:02:25.020 Who will rule and reign over everything. 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:28.420 And everything will be united under him. 00:02:28.419 --> 00:02:33.579 To bring all things in heaven and earth. 00:02:33.719 --> 00:02:39.439 You and me and everyone else to unity under his rule and reign. 00:02:40.639 --> 00:02:41.879 Where is the world heading? 00:02:42.019 --> 00:02:44.099 Well, the Lord Jesus. 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:46.000 Where is your life heading? 00:02:47.279 --> 00:02:48.359 The Lord Jesus. 00:02:48.500 --> 00:02:49.659 Where is this church heading? 00:02:50.279 --> 00:02:51.319 In the end. 00:02:51.819 --> 00:02:53.099 To the Lord Jesus. 00:02:53.799 --> 00:02:54.439 That's where it's heading. 00:02:54.439 --> 00:03:00.819 But God has decided in his wisdom to bring that future reality into the present. 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:04.439 He's formed a model community. 00:03:05.780 --> 00:03:07.960 A community to live that out now. 00:03:08.060 --> 00:03:11.400 To show the world where everything is heading in the future. 00:03:12.780 --> 00:03:14.120 Ephesians 3 verse 10. 00:03:14.219 --> 00:03:19.680 His intent was that now through the church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known. 00:03:20.060 --> 00:03:22.860 To the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realm. 00:03:22.860 --> 00:03:27.100 That the church is a foretaste of what the world will one day be. 00:03:27.900 --> 00:03:31.500 That this church is under the rule and reign of Christ. 00:03:31.580 --> 00:03:33.880 United together purely because of Jesus. 00:03:34.440 --> 00:03:38.300 And it gives a watching world a foretaste of what that looks like. 00:03:39.040 --> 00:03:41.000 A model community. 00:03:41.180 --> 00:03:43.400 A prototype community. 00:03:43.400 --> 00:03:46.159 But that creates a problem. 00:03:46.319 --> 00:03:48.219 If that's where the end is. 00:03:48.300 --> 00:03:50.120 And this is what we're supposed to be now. 00:03:50.379 --> 00:03:54.240 How can we be included in it as such a bunch of sinful ratbags? 00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:57.400 With all our flaws and failings. 00:03:58.020 --> 00:03:59.580 With all our shortcomings. 00:04:00.540 --> 00:04:01.920 With all our faults. 00:04:03.300 --> 00:04:05.719 Well chapter 2 verses 1 to 10 answers that. 00:04:06.280 --> 00:04:08.259 Because it says it's all by grace. 00:04:08.259 --> 00:04:11.419 It's all by God's initiating goodness. 00:04:12.079 --> 00:04:14.739 That he's treated us far better than we deserve. 00:04:15.299 --> 00:04:18.860 That he's saved us from our sins. 00:04:18.980 --> 00:04:21.279 That he's given us new life in Christ. 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:25.060 He's prepared good works in advance for us to do. 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:28.219 That by his grace. 00:04:28.220 --> 00:04:31.280 Dependent on his grace. 00:04:32.040 --> 00:04:34.500 We're being shaped to be that community. 00:04:35.180 --> 00:04:38.960 That will one day be the reality for everything. 00:04:39.120 --> 00:04:42.860 All by the power of the gospel and unstoppable grace. 00:04:43.880 --> 00:04:45.460 And that grace is so powerful. 00:04:45.940 --> 00:04:49.120 That it heals the greatest chasm the world has ever known. 00:04:49.660 --> 00:04:52.140 The chasm between Jew and Gentile. 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:55.600 The chasm that still separates the world. 00:04:55.680 --> 00:04:57.380 I don't know if you read in the paper this week. 00:04:57.379 --> 00:05:00.279 About even in Israel they're going to segregate buses. 00:05:00.579 --> 00:05:03.139 Between the Palestinians and the Jews. 00:05:04.459 --> 00:05:06.300 That riff still goes on. 00:05:06.600 --> 00:05:07.980 And Paul writes in Ephesians. 00:05:08.060 --> 00:05:09.500 The first part of chapter 3. 00:05:09.740 --> 00:05:11.399 That it's healed in the Lord Jesus. 00:05:11.519 --> 00:05:13.319 Because grace is that powerful. 00:05:13.480 --> 00:05:15.639 And the gospel is that good. 00:05:16.800 --> 00:05:19.639 And so he finishes chapter 3 with these words. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:23.000 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more. 00:05:23.100 --> 00:05:24.480 Than all we ask or imagine. 00:05:24.899 --> 00:05:26.139 According to his power. 00:05:26.139 --> 00:05:27.779 That it is at work within us. 00:05:28.099 --> 00:05:30.319 To him be glory in Christ Jesus. 00:05:30.439 --> 00:05:31.620 Throughout all generations. 00:05:31.779 --> 00:05:32.539 Forever and ever. 00:05:32.659 --> 00:05:32.979 Amen. 00:05:34.180 --> 00:05:35.240 Is that what it says? 00:05:37.439 --> 00:05:38.979 Are we sure that's what it says? 00:05:38.980 --> 00:05:43.520 Is there something fundamentally missing? 00:05:48.460 --> 00:05:51.280 According to his power that is at work within us. 00:05:51.360 --> 00:05:54.080 To him be glory in the church. 00:05:55.439 --> 00:05:56.819 And in Christ Jesus. 00:05:57.980 --> 00:06:00.160 Throughout all generations forever and ever. 00:06:00.259 --> 00:06:01.740 That the glory of the church. 00:06:02.379 --> 00:06:04.920 Intrinsically mirrors the glory of Christ. 00:06:04.920 --> 00:06:05.120 Christ. 00:06:06.020 --> 00:06:08.960 And so what Paul is going to go on to explain to us. 00:06:09.100 --> 00:06:11.439 In chapter 4, 5 and 6. 00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:14.860 Is how our community is to reflect that glory. 00:06:15.259 --> 00:06:17.379 The nitty gritty of how that's to happen. 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:18.379 The nuts and bolts. 00:06:18.520 --> 00:06:19.140 The how to. 00:06:19.900 --> 00:06:22.420 We're going to leave the stratosphere of salvation. 00:06:22.420 --> 00:06:23.360 Where we've been. 00:06:23.639 --> 00:06:25.840 And we're going to start to look at how we relate. 00:06:25.840 --> 00:06:26.660 One to another. 00:06:27.660 --> 00:06:29.080 How we relate as a church. 00:06:29.139 --> 00:06:30.379 How we relate as families. 00:06:30.379 --> 00:06:32.199 How our husband relates to his wife. 00:06:33.759 --> 00:06:40.259 How we tackle and defend against the adversary's attacks. 00:06:41.519 --> 00:06:44.680 We're going to leave doctrine and we're going to move to duty. 00:06:45.060 --> 00:06:48.180 We're leaving what God has done to what we must do. 00:06:48.279 --> 00:06:50.620 We're leaving exposition to exaltation. 00:06:50.819 --> 00:06:56.240 So this sermon is called the nitty gritty of unity and maturity in the body. 00:06:56.240 --> 00:07:03.240 It is an urgent plea from Paul for gospel unity and growing maturity in the church. 00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:05.900 And it is right where we are at Brunsfield. 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:08.300 It is right where we are. 00:07:09.060 --> 00:07:10.019 We're growing. 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:11.240 We're growing. 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:12.400 But we've got to deepen. 00:07:12.819 --> 00:07:13.819 We've got to strengthen. 00:07:14.019 --> 00:07:14.879 We've got to unite. 00:07:15.319 --> 00:07:18.519 And it's all got to be moving towards maturity. 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:23.620 Growing together in the image of the Lord Jesus. 00:07:23.620 --> 00:07:23.980 Jesus. 00:07:24.300 --> 00:07:26.220 The irony is not lost on me. 00:07:26.620 --> 00:07:30.300 An Englishman standing before a majority of Scots talking about unity. 00:07:30.980 --> 00:07:32.199 But we'll deal with it. 00:07:32.240 --> 00:07:34.019 So please open your Bible. 00:07:34.199 --> 00:07:36.680 Turn with me to chapter 4, verse 1. 00:07:40.780 --> 00:07:41.500 Paul writes, 00:07:41.560 --> 00:07:46.540 As a prisoner for the Lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:49.280 Be completely humble and gentle. 00:07:49.420 --> 00:07:50.220 Be patient. 00:07:50.959 --> 00:07:52.879 Bearing with one another in love. 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:58.639 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 00:07:59.800 --> 00:08:05.439 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called. 00:08:05.560 --> 00:08:11.639 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:16.819 But to each one of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 00:08:16.819 --> 00:08:18.560 This is why it says, 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:22.439 When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people. 00:08:23.279 --> 00:08:28.420 What does he ascended mean except that he also descended to the lower earthly regions? 00:08:28.420 --> 00:08:35.100 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens in order to fill the universe. 00:08:35.100 --> 00:08:40.800 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastor teachers, 00:08:41.279 --> 00:08:46.620 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, 00:08:46.620 --> 00:08:53.580 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, 00:08:54.120 --> 00:08:56.840 attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 00:08:57.799 --> 00:09:01.580 Then we will no longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves 00:09:01.580 --> 00:09:04.440 and blown here and there by every wind of teaching 00:09:04.440 --> 00:09:08.679 and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful schemes. 00:09:08.679 --> 00:09:15.339 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect 00:09:15.339 --> 00:09:19.500 the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ. 00:09:20.239 --> 00:09:24.959 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, 00:09:25.120 --> 00:09:31.539 grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work. 00:09:32.339 --> 00:09:36.059 Let's pray and ask God's help to understand these verses. 00:09:36.059 --> 00:09:39.759 Father God, be glorified in this place. 00:09:40.679 --> 00:09:47.539 Father, we long that you would make us as individuals what you long and desire for us to be. 00:09:48.639 --> 00:09:55.479 Father, would you make us as a people all that you long and desire for us to be. 00:09:56.479 --> 00:10:00.899 May you do this all through your gospel, by the power of your Spirit, 00:10:00.899 --> 00:10:04.159 in your Son, the Lord Jesus, 00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:08.659 and all by the abundant grace that he's poured out for us. 00:10:09.360 --> 00:10:11.340 Father, bless us in this time we pray. 00:10:11.899 --> 00:10:13.879 In Jesus' name. Amen. 00:10:14.939 --> 00:10:16.819 So the first thing we see is this. 00:10:17.679 --> 00:10:20.120 Maintain our unity earnestly. 00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:22.539 Look with me at verses 1 to 6. 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:26.860 There's a real urgency in what Paul is saying. 00:10:26.860 --> 00:10:28.360 Look at the very first words. 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:30.320 As a prisoner for the Lord. 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:36.279 This desire, this mission that Paul is on to unite the church has cost him his freedom. 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:38.879 He's writing from prison. 00:10:39.200 --> 00:10:40.800 He is not playing at this. 00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:44.460 This is the desire of his heart. 00:10:45.399 --> 00:10:47.039 And it's cost him his freedom. 00:10:47.180 --> 00:10:48.500 Look at what he then goes on to say. 00:10:48.500 --> 00:10:50.159 I urge you. 00:10:50.919 --> 00:10:52.100 I urge you. 00:10:52.220 --> 00:10:54.100 I earnestly beseech you. 00:10:54.759 --> 00:10:56.240 To take this seriously. 00:10:58.399 --> 00:11:03.639 I earnestly beseech you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 00:11:04.039 --> 00:11:07.779 To walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. 00:11:09.340 --> 00:11:10.320 Look at verse 3. 00:11:10.840 --> 00:11:17.600 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:19.100 Make every effort. 00:11:19.279 --> 00:11:20.440 Pull out all the stops. 00:11:20.560 --> 00:11:23.100 Leave no stone unturned. 00:11:23.899 --> 00:11:25.740 Keep nothing back. 00:11:26.440 --> 00:11:28.399 It's an urgent plea. 00:11:29.700 --> 00:11:36.820 It is a serious entreatment that Paul gives his readers. 00:11:38.460 --> 00:11:44.040 Note that unity is not something that needs to be worked up. 00:11:44.039 --> 00:11:47.639 It's something that has to be worked out and worked on. 00:11:48.459 --> 00:11:50.860 But unity is implicit in the gospel. 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:51.500 Look at it. 00:11:52.059 --> 00:11:56.740 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 00:11:57.139 --> 00:12:02.339 That as sinners come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus as they're humbled unto grace. 00:12:02.919 --> 00:12:04.719 They are forced together. 00:12:04.720 --> 00:12:10.240 They're not only reconciled to God but they're reconciled to each other. 00:12:10.779 --> 00:12:15.960 That the gospel nets us into a family as adopted children of the living God. 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:19.240 That intrinsic, implicit in the gospel is unity. 00:12:20.560 --> 00:12:22.240 But we need to work on it. 00:12:22.740 --> 00:12:24.399 We need to work it out. 00:12:24.460 --> 00:12:26.139 We need to strive for it. 00:12:26.139 --> 00:12:31.199 We need to strain every muscle to keep it. 00:12:31.559 --> 00:12:33.939 It is an absolute fruit of the gospel. 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:37.419 But unity is a sweaty struggle to maintain. 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:40.139 And it is of primary importance. 00:12:41.720 --> 00:12:43.220 How do you maintain it? 00:12:44.840 --> 00:12:47.779 Well, by walking in a manner worthy of the gospel. 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:48.980 What does that look like? 00:12:49.819 --> 00:12:51.319 Well, it looks like verse 2. 00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:56.960 That as the gospel does its work in our lives, it transforms us. 00:12:58.500 --> 00:13:00.340 And Paul says that looks like this. 00:13:00.660 --> 00:13:02.760 Being completely humble. 00:13:03.920 --> 00:13:07.379 Not a place for me, myself and I. 00:13:07.680 --> 00:13:09.220 It's not a place of pride. 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:12.320 It's not a place where we make it all about ourselves. 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:13.720 But it's a place of humility. 00:13:14.660 --> 00:13:16.380 Where we put others first. 00:13:16.800 --> 00:13:18.180 Where we seek their best. 00:13:18.260 --> 00:13:19.880 We want to see them grow. 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:23.720 We want to see the spotlight shone on Christ. 00:13:24.820 --> 00:13:25.759 And not on us. 00:13:26.039 --> 00:13:28.179 We're content to be the backing singers. 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:31.580 While Jesus takes center stage. 00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:34.419 And you can see why that's important for unity. 00:13:34.419 --> 00:13:35.860 If I make it all about myself. 00:13:36.539 --> 00:13:38.480 It pushes everybody else away. 00:13:39.879 --> 00:13:42.059 You know that example of what is a boring person? 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:45.259 Someone who talks about themselves when you really want to talk about yourself? 00:13:46.480 --> 00:13:47.539 It's not to be it. 00:13:47.580 --> 00:13:49.820 It says be completely humble. 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:53.120 And gentle. 00:13:54.399 --> 00:13:58.879 Not going around crushing and trampling on people. 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:01.439 If we do that, unity suffers. 00:14:03.059 --> 00:14:04.620 There was a baby and toddler group. 00:14:04.700 --> 00:14:05.340 I just popped in. 00:14:05.939 --> 00:14:08.019 People think I'm weird when I hang out with baby and toddler. 00:14:08.100 --> 00:14:09.659 Because I have no babies or toddlers. 00:14:11.519 --> 00:14:12.759 And there was a... 00:14:12.759 --> 00:14:15.039 One of the newborn babies was in a rocker. 00:14:15.039 --> 00:14:16.039 And there was a... 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:17.039 And there was a... 00:14:17.039 --> 00:14:19.120 Boisterous boy who was playing with her. 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:22.019 And the mum kept on saying, 00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:23.019 Be gentle. 00:14:23.539 --> 00:14:24.360 Be gentle. 00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:25.919 Be gentle. 00:14:27.819 --> 00:14:29.299 Show real concern. 00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:31.099 Treat each other nicely. 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:36.460 Don't hurt people. 00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:39.560 Be gentle in your speech. 00:14:39.700 --> 00:14:41.300 Be gentle in your actions. 00:14:42.899 --> 00:14:44.759 Be gentle in your inactions. 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:48.480 Don't show a lack of care. 00:14:48.560 --> 00:14:50.340 Be gentle with one another. 00:14:52.060 --> 00:14:53.000 Be patient. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:59.039 It's come to my attention over 10 years of pastoral ministry that some people are quite frustrating. 00:14:59.039 --> 00:15:08.120 And yet if you fly off the handle at every given moment of frustration, then unity is destroyed. 00:15:11.319 --> 00:15:14.399 And bear with one another in love. 00:15:15.639 --> 00:15:16.120 Do you know what? 00:15:16.199 --> 00:15:19.039 Bear with one another is slightly more than patience. 00:15:20.259 --> 00:15:23.579 It's not just actively not flying off the handle. 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:27.179 It's moving towards those that we find difficult. 00:15:27.179 --> 00:15:29.919 And we're to do it in love. 00:15:30.559 --> 00:15:33.039 And with gritted teeth or rolling eyes. 00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:35.639 And for that we need real grace. 00:15:35.779 --> 00:15:37.939 It takes real effort. 00:15:39.500 --> 00:15:41.699 And our temptation is to say it's too hard. 00:15:41.779 --> 00:15:42.579 It's too much. 00:15:43.019 --> 00:15:43.959 They're too difficult. 00:15:44.879 --> 00:15:46.359 They've gone too far this time. 00:15:46.439 --> 00:15:48.099 They've wound me up too much. 00:15:49.219 --> 00:15:51.740 And yet that is to diminish grace. 00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:56.840 And that is to forget all that Jesus has died for to make us one. 00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:57.980 Do you know what? 00:15:58.060 --> 00:16:00.019 Brunsfield's never going to be the biggest church. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:02.840 No one's ever going to write a book about us. 00:16:03.440 --> 00:16:06.259 No one's going to get a book deal about all that the Lord's doing here. 00:16:06.340 --> 00:16:09.580 But we could be the best church in certain areas. 00:16:10.720 --> 00:16:14.860 What if Brunsfield strived to be the humblest church where Jesus shone as we decreased? 00:16:14.860 --> 00:16:22.000 What if we were the gentlest church where we treated everyone so gently and so nicely and so kindly and so well? 00:16:22.539 --> 00:16:24.620 What if we were the most patient church? 00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:30.899 What if we were the church that was able to bear with one another in love? 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:34.519 Not running away but running towards when it was difficult. 00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:38.320 Maintain the unity through the bond of peace. 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:41.180 Strife is to be abnormal in the church. 00:16:41.179 --> 00:16:44.659 Yes, there'll be friction and there'll be tension and there'll be flare-ups. 00:16:44.739 --> 00:16:48.039 But that's got to be the exception and not the rule. 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:52.699 And it's how quickly we can rally around and put the fire out. 00:16:53.799 --> 00:16:55.000 So what about you? 00:16:56.099 --> 00:16:58.139 When you look at verse 2, how are you doing? 00:17:00.279 --> 00:17:03.639 What does it reveal as it shines the light of God's word into your life? 00:17:03.739 --> 00:17:04.179 Anger? 00:17:05.319 --> 00:17:05.720 Impatience? 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:06.460 Unforgiveness? 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.059 Pride? 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:08.700 Selfishness? 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:15.240 Well, let's let grace deal with it because unity is more important. 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:20.140 See as well the part that truth plays in unity. 00:17:22.420 --> 00:17:23.700 There's one of everything. 00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:24.600 Only one. 00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:26.519 One body. 00:17:26.900 --> 00:17:27.500 One spirit. 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:29.860 One hope. 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:30.480 One faith. 00:17:30.580 --> 00:17:31.100 One baptism. 00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:31.940 One God. 00:17:32.380 --> 00:17:33.319 And Father of all. 00:17:33.380 --> 00:17:38.259 The way the world does unity is let's decrease everything to its lowest common denominator. 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:39.160 Then we'll get on. 00:17:39.759 --> 00:17:44.359 So the Muslims and the Hindus meet and they say, well, we could be united because we both believe in something. 00:17:45.379 --> 00:17:48.980 The fact that Hindus believe in millions of God and the Muslims believe in one. 00:17:49.879 --> 00:17:50.740 Neither here nor there. 00:17:50.799 --> 00:17:52.579 Let's not talk about it because we're united. 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:57.700 And Paul says real unity comes when truth is at the absolute center. 00:17:58.519 --> 00:18:01.279 Where it's preserved and stuck to and celebrated. 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:06.279 And therefore, as we celebrate, as we remember all that we hold in common. 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:10.399 That's where real strong unity comes from. 00:18:11.500 --> 00:18:16.180 Paul says unity will only exist where it will only last. 00:18:16.639 --> 00:18:22.200 And it will only be vivifying where the truth is celebrated and clung to. 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:27.400 And it makes the church look like an unusual community. 00:18:28.100 --> 00:18:33.620 When the world looks in and sees a church fighting and divided, they say we want nothing to do with that. 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:35.380 We've got enough of that in our lives. 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:41.200 But when the world looks in and sees weird people being a weird community together in a good way, 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:44.000 they say I've never seen anything like this. 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:50.900 Where there's loads of people at every age and stage of life, sharing life together, bearing with one another. 00:18:52.059 --> 00:18:53.599 Treating each other well. 00:18:55.039 --> 00:18:57.859 There's something weird about those guys and I need to find out what. 00:18:59.079 --> 00:19:03.519 What an opportunity then to say it's Jesus who makes it all possible. 00:19:06.339 --> 00:19:08.299 We use this word fellowship, don't we? 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:14.139 Like if you're having coffee over the back fence with your neighbor, if they're a Christian, we call that fellowship. 00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:17.319 And if they're a non-Christian, we say, well, that's friendship. 00:19:18.339 --> 00:19:20.559 The word fellowship is the Greek word koinonia. 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:23.379 And it's the word you'd use for business partners. 00:19:24.919 --> 00:19:29.619 Who are joined together, who strive with common aims and common goals. 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.539 They're going somewhere. 00:19:30.639 --> 00:19:33.019 They have written down how they're going to treat one another. 00:19:33.019 --> 00:19:34.539 The truths that they hold dear. 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:36.960 Their aims and objectives and vision. 00:19:37.079 --> 00:19:38.240 And that's what fellowship is. 00:19:38.299 --> 00:19:42.720 That as a church, we're celebrating together everything. 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:47.500 That God has called us together in. 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:51.279 Maintain our unity earnestly. 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:54.299 Secondly, use your gifts gloriously. 00:19:55.059 --> 00:19:56.299 Verses 7 to 10. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:20:01.579 But to each one, grace has been given as Christ apportioned. 00:20:01.639 --> 00:20:03.720 And then we get the quote from Psalm 68. 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:10.100 And Psalm 68 is a victorious psalm as the conquering king rides into the city. 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:11.900 And the picture is this. 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:13.660 It's like the victory parade. 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:16.860 And the king rides in at the front of his army. 00:20:17.339 --> 00:20:19.720 And with him, he has all the spoils of war. 00:20:20.100 --> 00:20:26.660 And as his people gather and cheer and rejoice together, he distributes the gifts amongst his people. 00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:29.660 Because it makes the king look glorious. 00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:33.060 And that's what it's saying here. 00:20:33.620 --> 00:20:35.660 That Christ Jesus has descended. 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:41.420 He's fought a battle through his death against our sin and death and Satan. 00:20:41.580 --> 00:20:42.300 And he's won. 00:20:42.540 --> 00:20:43.580 And he's ascended. 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:45.980 And as he's ascended, there's a victory parade. 00:20:45.980 --> 00:20:48.799 And amongst his people, he distributes gifts. 00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:54.120 That word grace, ex gratia, not saving grace, but gifts. 00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:56.860 He gives gifts to his people. 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:57.339 Why? 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:59.940 To make them look glorious. 00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:02.019 To make him look glorious. 00:21:02.440 --> 00:21:07.539 If you are a Christian here today, God has given you a gift or gifts. 00:21:08.380 --> 00:21:15.299 He's given you particular skills and abilities for you to use to make Jesus look glorious in his church. 00:21:15.299 --> 00:21:16.539 He's done it. 00:21:20.359 --> 00:21:22.299 Has Christ apportioned it? 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:23.539 He's measured it out. 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:31.480 He's provided everything we need in our church to bring him the maximum glory amongst ourselves. 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:35.460 Notice he's given us gifts, but he's also given us responsibilities. 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:38.919 We can't get out of things by saying it's not my gift. 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:43.539 So when it comes to evangelism, we can't say I'm not a gifted evangelist, so we just stay quiet. 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:49.200 When it comes to things like serving people, we go, well, serving people is not my gift, so that gets me out of it. 00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:49.720 Not at all. 00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:51.000 He's given us responsibilities. 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:53.980 But he's also given us gifts. 00:21:54.960 --> 00:22:01.599 Things that only you can do to contribute to the work of the church to make Jesus look more glorious. 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:02.039 Yes. 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.839 But we're all very British, aren't we? 00:22:04.859 --> 00:22:11.539 And we're all a little bit humble and self-effacing, and we put our hands in our pockets and shrug our shoulders and say, well, I don't have any gifts. 00:22:13.859 --> 00:22:17.399 Well, that would be to contradict God's word and say, well, this is a lie. 00:22:17.400 --> 00:22:22.400 Or it either masks our sin and selfishness. 00:22:24.040 --> 00:22:26.580 It says we're not going to use them. 00:22:27.880 --> 00:22:31.040 Jesus, we're not going to use what you've given us to make you look glorious. 00:22:33.080 --> 00:22:36.920 Giving of gifts, receiving of gifts, using of gifts. 00:22:37.080 --> 00:22:38.660 This is what Paul writes to Romans. 00:22:39.080 --> 00:22:42.820 To the Romans, we have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. 00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:45.059 If it is serving, then serve it. 00:22:45.099 --> 00:22:46.399 If it is teaching, then teach. 00:22:46.639 --> 00:22:48.740 If it is to encourage, then give encouragement. 00:22:49.299 --> 00:22:50.859 If it is giving, then generously. 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:53.599 If it is to lead, then do it diligently. 00:22:53.919 --> 00:22:56.839 If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.839 What is your gift? 00:23:00.379 --> 00:23:04.599 How are you using it to make Christ look glorious? 00:23:05.539 --> 00:23:06.700 I'd love to help you with that. 00:23:07.439 --> 00:23:10.299 Loads of people would love to have a chat, and we'd love to plug you in, 00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:15.419 in a way you can use what Christ has given you to make him look good in this place. 00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:16.579 Number three. 00:23:17.359 --> 00:23:20.099 Hone your lives biblically. 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:21.839 Look at what he says in verse 11. 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:28.399 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastor, teachers. 00:23:29.659 --> 00:23:33.000 He particularly emphasizes these four gifts. 00:23:33.659 --> 00:23:38.279 And these four gifts have one thing in common, because they're all word gifts. 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:44.519 They're all about the revelation, spreading, and teaching of God's word. 00:23:47.039 --> 00:23:49.839 Paul lays these out here, not because they're the most valuable, 00:23:50.399 --> 00:23:53.920 not that they're to be prized, not that they're to be elevated or pedestaled, 00:23:54.619 --> 00:23:56.660 but because they're to do with God's word. 00:23:56.660 --> 00:24:03.500 God's word is to be the driving force that drives everything else. 00:24:05.360 --> 00:24:07.180 God's word is to be the driver. 00:24:08.060 --> 00:24:14.400 It is as we learn this book, we learn how to serve, how to give, how to show mercy, how to serve. 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:21.180 It's this book that's going to drive everything else to make sure we do the right things for the right reason, 00:24:21.280 --> 00:24:23.280 to the glory of Christ. 00:24:24.860 --> 00:24:29.740 Our aim on that wall is to be people being transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ, 00:24:29.960 --> 00:24:32.460 and this book reveals it for us. 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:36.480 God's word is to be the driver of everything. 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:42.180 So there was 12 authoritative apostles who revealed it to people. 00:24:42.319 --> 00:24:46.740 There were New Testament prophets who laid it out for people. 00:24:46.860 --> 00:24:52.759 There were evangelists, people unusually gifted at communicating the gospel. 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:58.220 Their pastor teaches to teach the whole counsel of God and to apply it to our lives. 00:24:59.039 --> 00:25:00.660 And verse 12 tells us why. 00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:02.839 Not that they do all the work, 00:25:02.839 --> 00:25:07.339 not that we relinquish responsibility and sit in a hammock with a cigar wearing slippers. 00:25:08.919 --> 00:25:13.139 Christ has gifted them to the church to equip the people for works of service. 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:14.599 That's all of us. 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:18.019 To equip the people for works of service. 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:20.759 To get this word into our lives. 00:25:21.599 --> 00:25:23.159 So it might drive us 00:25:23.159 --> 00:25:29.980 to be the community that God wants us to be to make his gospel look great. 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:32.400 To equip his people. 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:38.700 Christ gave these gifts to certain people that we would be equipped for works of service 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:41.140 so that the body of Christ might be built up. 00:25:44.279 --> 00:25:45.900 To equip us all. 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:47.839 To serve. 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:50.279 Ultimate goal is this. 00:25:50.700 --> 00:25:53.599 Unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:55.799 and become mature. 00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:57.700 Become mature. 00:25:57.819 --> 00:25:59.220 How do you know if you're mature? 00:25:59.980 --> 00:26:03.220 Well, if you're a cheese, you know how you're mature because you stink. 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:06.720 If you're a red wine, you know if you're mature. 00:26:07.559 --> 00:26:08.799 Because you're expensive. 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:11.559 What if you're a Christian? 00:26:11.680 --> 00:26:12.519 How do you know if you're mature? 00:26:12.640 --> 00:26:14.120 Well, I think there's three things already. 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.680 Your character. 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:18.440 Are you a verse 2 kind of person? 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:20.039 Do you reflect that in your life? 00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:24.880 Are you using your gifts to make Christ look glorious? 00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:33.360 Are you united with your brothers and sisters in faith and knowledge of the Son of God? 00:26:34.640 --> 00:26:36.840 Attaining to the whole measure of Christ. 00:26:36.839 --> 00:26:42.439 There's a long way to go, isn't there, when we evaluate ourselves against that list. 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:45.220 Feel like little boys, in short, trousers. 00:26:46.119 --> 00:26:46.859 But here's the key. 00:26:46.939 --> 00:26:47.740 How do we get there? 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:49.740 By pressing into this word. 00:26:51.099 --> 00:26:54.259 By honing our lives on this word. 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:57.460 At university, I always went to church twice. 00:26:58.220 --> 00:27:00.619 Not because I thought it would get me favor with God. 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:03.539 Not because I was after some brownie points. 00:27:04.759 --> 00:27:08.379 Also, the coffee after the service was awful, so I had every reason not to go. 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:12.579 But the reason was, is there's an awful lot of Bible to learn. 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:14.980 There's an awful lot of stuff to be equipped with. 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:17.480 And I wanted to be dangerous for the Lord Jesus. 00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:21.120 I wanted to be dangerous. 00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:23.799 I wanted to be fruitful. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:25.579 I wanted to be growing and equipped. 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:28.720 I wanted to be tooled up to take on the world. 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:31.380 And the way to do that was to sit under the word. 00:27:31.740 --> 00:27:34.220 And have it permeate every area of my life. 00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:36.900 So I might be equipped to do works of service. 00:27:38.339 --> 00:27:39.440 That's what it's saying. 00:27:39.860 --> 00:27:41.480 Is your life honed biblically? 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:44.380 Is this the blueprint for your living? 00:27:44.380 --> 00:27:46.600 Is this the daily food of your soul? 00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:48.100 The insignia of your heart? 00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:49.620 The chorus of your mind? 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:51.100 The words on your tongue? 00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:52.400 The joy of your existence? 00:27:52.760 --> 00:27:54.760 The melodic line of your day? 00:27:54.940 --> 00:27:57.020 The progress chart for your growth? 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:59.600 The telescope helping you see Jesus better? 00:27:59.860 --> 00:28:01.620 The love letter you read from God? 00:28:01.740 --> 00:28:03.080 The goal of your good days? 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:04.480 The anchor for your bad days? 00:28:04.540 --> 00:28:06.180 The motivation on your lazy days? 00:28:06.260 --> 00:28:07.900 Your comfort on your stressful days? 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:12.560 Is this word the center soul and circumference of your life? 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:14.460 Is it equipping you? 00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:16.559 Is it making you ready? 00:28:16.740 --> 00:28:20.759 Is it teaching you about Jesus and uniting us together? 00:28:22.179 --> 00:28:31.440 God has gifted us word gifts in the church to make us dangerous for his son to make his son look glorious in our lives. 00:28:31.440 --> 00:28:34.039 You know your computer? 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:37.259 I used to get the blue screen and it said driver error. 00:28:39.080 --> 00:28:43.220 Driver error was that two things weren't talking to each other and they weren't working properly. 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:48.539 The Bible is the driver for everything we do. 00:28:48.860 --> 00:28:51.580 So if we lose connection to this, it all starts to break down. 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:55.440 We're learning and growing and being equipped together. 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.160 Together. 00:28:57.440 --> 00:28:58.500 Here's the last thing. 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:04.320 Connect in Christ increasingly. 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:07.559 Verses 14 to 16. 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:13.440 What are the results when Project Church functions like this? 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:17.759 Where we're striving to keep unity, where we're using our gifts gloriously. 00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:20.840 And we're honing our lives biblically. 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:22.160 Well the first one is this. 00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:24.820 We've got safety and security. 00:29:26.320 --> 00:29:28.100 We'll no longer be infants. 00:29:29.360 --> 00:29:33.080 We'll no longer be those following anyone who will promise us sweets. 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:41.460 We won't be like a little canoe on the ocean, battered and tossed back by winds and waves of doctrine. 00:29:44.600 --> 00:29:46.720 Maturity anchors us in Christ. 00:29:47.019 --> 00:29:51.140 It gives us discernment and it helps us spot the wolves when they come. 00:29:51.140 --> 00:29:55.940 It helps us to sniff universalism and say that's not biblical. 00:29:57.300 --> 00:30:01.540 It helps us to see prosperity teaching and say that's a promise not in the Bible. 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:04.660 It helps us see legalism and say no it's grace. 00:30:05.540 --> 00:30:15.600 It helps us understand and live for Jesus in a way where we're not distracted or diverted or wandering down unhelpful paths. 00:30:15.599 --> 00:30:18.519 Maturity keeps our life on course. 00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:23.879 But it also brings us together as we speak the truth in love. 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:29.860 I think Ephesians 4 verse 15 is one of the most misused verses in the Bible. 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:33.160 That we use it as a catch-all for gossip. 00:30:33.260 --> 00:30:35.780 I think we should pray for Jennifer because Jennifer's an alcoholic. 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:39.440 I'm just speaking the truth in love and we think that's acceptable. 00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:47.700 Or we tell people really tough things in really unloving ways and say well I'm just speaking the truth in love. 00:30:47.700 --> 00:30:48.519 It's not acceptable. 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:53.380 The truth in Ephesians is always the gospel. 00:30:54.660 --> 00:31:02.140 Verse 15 says when the church is united together what it means is that we're going to speak the gospel all the time to each other in love. 00:31:02.559 --> 00:31:03.140 Why in love? 00:31:03.180 --> 00:31:07.440 Because we want to see it take root and bear fruit in people's lives. 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:11.680 So everyone reaches maturity. 00:31:11.680 --> 00:31:15.180 No spiritual Peter Pans. 00:31:15.620 --> 00:31:17.259 No one left behind. 00:31:17.600 --> 00:31:20.100 Not individualism with some running ahead. 00:31:20.400 --> 00:31:23.580 But as a group project everyone moving to maturity together. 00:31:23.759 --> 00:31:25.640 Helping each other along. 00:31:27.240 --> 00:31:30.940 Do you know what the world record for the longest surviving headless chicken is? 00:31:32.080 --> 00:31:37.120 Apparently if you cut a chicken's head off it can stay alive and runs around like a headless chicken. 00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:39.759 Do you know how long somebody kept one alive? 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:42.400 18 months. 00:31:43.680 --> 00:31:50.759 Mike the headless chicken stayed alive for 15 months in the home of Lloyd Olsen in Fruita, Colorado. 00:31:52.579 --> 00:31:58.119 But in verse 16 it says, verse 15 the end of it says the church isn't a headless chicken. 00:31:59.339 --> 00:32:01.960 It has a head and his name is Jesus. 00:32:03.180 --> 00:32:05.759 And as we grow towards him we grow together. 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:08.759 Jesus is the glue that knits it all together. 00:32:09.759 --> 00:32:18.039 And as I lie awake at night thinking about Brunsfield and I see the great credible diversity that we've got going on. 00:32:18.099 --> 00:32:19.400 How is it all going to stay together? 00:32:20.259 --> 00:32:23.500 How are we going to keep such a broad range of people together? 00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:24.400 Moving together. 00:32:24.400 --> 00:32:25.019 Moving together. 00:32:25.220 --> 00:32:26.240 Growing together. 00:32:27.359 --> 00:32:29.039 Well it's right here because it's Jesus. 00:32:29.299 --> 00:32:31.319 As we all grow closer to him. 00:32:31.920 --> 00:32:34.400 We all grow closer together. 00:32:34.400 --> 00:32:37.620 Jesus and only Jesus joins us. 00:32:38.620 --> 00:32:41.960 If you're not a Christian here today we're so pleased you're here. 00:32:42.680 --> 00:32:46.080 But know that you'll always be an outsider looking in. 00:32:46.420 --> 00:32:50.960 Because until you're connected to the head through faith in Christ. 00:32:50.960 --> 00:32:55.000 You will never really be a part of his body. 00:32:55.799 --> 00:32:58.680 Because the church isn't a headless chicken. 00:32:59.600 --> 00:33:01.299 Look at verse 16 and then we're done. 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:05.539 From him the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament. 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:07.940 Grows and builds itself up in love. 00:33:08.279 --> 00:33:11.120 As each part does its work. 00:33:11.119 --> 00:33:14.479 Every part does its work. 00:33:15.939 --> 00:33:21.519 I think I'm getting old because I wake up in the morning and some parts of my body hurt and I don't even know what I did. 00:33:22.219 --> 00:33:25.339 So I have a bad knee but I'm a man so I never go to the doctor. 00:33:25.819 --> 00:33:27.459 So I hobble around like John Wayne. 00:33:28.039 --> 00:33:30.399 But my right knee overcompensates. 00:33:30.739 --> 00:33:32.459 So then my right knee starts to hurt. 00:33:34.079 --> 00:33:38.679 Then I'm walking weird so my hip hurts and then my back hurts and then my shoulder hurts. 00:33:38.680 --> 00:33:41.880 It's all because my knee wasn't doing its thing properly. 00:33:43.160 --> 00:33:44.920 That's what it says about our church. 00:33:45.340 --> 00:33:49.680 We're all different parts of the body and if you don't do your bit then everybody has to overcompensate. 00:33:50.500 --> 00:33:53.080 And we end up walking like Quasimodo. 00:33:55.240 --> 00:33:56.480 It's the point. 00:33:57.620 --> 00:33:58.480 We've got to pull our weight. 00:33:58.580 --> 00:34:00.180 There's no spectators. 00:34:00.360 --> 00:34:03.720 Every part doing its work. 00:34:04.240 --> 00:34:05.180 No consumers. 00:34:05.180 --> 00:34:11.619 Ephesians 4 is such a rich chapter and it is just where we are as a church. 00:34:11.740 --> 00:34:12.460 And here's our goals. 00:34:12.619 --> 00:34:13.300 Four things. 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:17.180 Maintain our unity earnestly. 00:34:18.180 --> 00:34:18.740 Earnestly. 00:34:19.680 --> 00:34:20.159 Striving. 00:34:20.280 --> 00:34:21.840 If there's gaps let's close them. 00:34:22.420 --> 00:34:23.460 If there's rifts. 00:34:24.099 --> 00:34:26.059 Let's look to Jesus and trust grace. 00:34:28.800 --> 00:34:30.260 Use your gifts gloriously. 00:34:30.420 --> 00:34:31.079 What are they? 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:35.259 And how can we use them to build up the body and make Jesus look great? 00:34:36.259 --> 00:34:38.900 Let the world see what Jesus is like. 00:34:40.319 --> 00:34:41.799 Hone our lives biblically. 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:43.880 Get as much of this word into your life. 00:34:45.059 --> 00:34:46.079 Listen on Sunday. 00:34:47.079 --> 00:34:49.000 Go to your home group in the week. 00:34:50.159 --> 00:34:52.099 Read the Bible one-to-one with somebody. 00:34:52.360 --> 00:34:54.400 Do daily devotions. 00:34:54.519 --> 00:34:57.699 Let this word shape and drive everything about you. 00:34:57.699 --> 00:35:00.859 And connect in Christ increasingly. 00:35:01.119 --> 00:35:03.079 As we all grow towards him. 00:35:03.419 --> 00:35:04.579 Captivated by him. 00:35:05.539 --> 00:35:08.239 Suddenly we all realize that we're incredibly close together. 00:35:08.799 --> 00:35:10.059 When he is our goal. 00:35:10.439 --> 00:35:11.579 He is our aim. 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:13.559 He is our joy. 00:35:13.919 --> 00:35:14.379 Let's pray. 00:35:18.219 --> 00:35:21.559 Father God we long to be your body. 00:35:21.679 --> 00:35:23.679 Connected to your son our head. 00:35:23.679 --> 00:35:28.579 We long to be a peculiar people. 00:35:30.399 --> 00:35:34.279 Peculiar that grace is growing us. 00:35:34.399 --> 00:35:35.539 Uniting us. 00:35:35.839 --> 00:35:37.039 Maturing us. 00:35:37.859 --> 00:35:39.379 Enabling us to serve. 00:35:39.899 --> 00:35:42.480 Enabling us to put your glory on full display. 00:35:43.819 --> 00:35:46.980 Father we're so conscious that we're not what you'd have us be. 00:35:47.659 --> 00:35:48.980 So may grace abound. 00:35:49.659 --> 00:35:51.339 May your spirit have free reign. 00:35:51.340 --> 00:35:53.900 May your word equip us. 00:35:54.740 --> 00:35:57.340 And Father may you do your work for your glory. 00:35:57.480 --> 00:35:58.680 Father we're so conscious. 00:35:59.460 --> 00:36:02.440 That the world will know that we're your son's disciples. 00:36:02.600 --> 00:36:04.700 By the way that we love one another. 00:36:04.820 --> 00:36:07.640 And how we long for this community of Brunsfield. 00:36:07.820 --> 00:36:09.539 To see us not as an annoyance. 00:36:10.380 --> 00:36:13.360 Not as a historic club trying to keep up tradition. 00:36:13.539 --> 00:36:16.180 But as a living body of your son the Lord Jesus. 00:36:16.179 --> 00:36:19.719 Father expand your kingdom and do it. 00:36:20.039 --> 00:36:21.359 Through uniting us. 00:36:21.759 --> 00:36:22.699 Equipping us. 00:36:23.219 --> 00:36:24.500 And sending us out. 00:36:24.859 --> 00:36:27.059 As we serve together for your glory. 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:30.059 Father do this by your spirit for your glory. 00:36:30.619 --> 00:36:31.480 In Jesus name. 00:36:32.139 --> 00:36:32.379 Amen. 00:36:32.380 --> 00:36:33.380 Amen. 00:36:33.380 --> 00:36:34.619 Amen. 00:36:34.619 --> 00:36:35.539 Amen. 00:36:35.539 --> 00:36:35.680 Amen. 00:36:35.680 --> 00:36:35.720 Amen. 00:36:35.720 --> 00:36:36.140 Amen. 00:36:36.920 --> 00:36:38.019 Amen. 00:36:38.460 --> 00:36:38.920 Amen. 00:36:38.920 --> 00:36:39.180 Amen. 00:36:39.860 --> 00:36:40.380 Amen. 00:36:40.380 --> 00:36:40.760 Amen. 00:36:40.760 --> 00:36:40.940 Amen. 00:36:40.940 --> 00:36:41.320 Amen. 00:36:41.440 --> 00:36:41.760 Amen. 00:36:41.760 --> 00:36:42.039 Amen. 00:36:42.039 --> 00:36:42.460 Amen. 00:36:42.660 --> 00:36:44.660 Amen. 00:36:44.660 --> 00:36:45.599 Amen. 00:36:45.599 --> 00:36:46.539 Amen. 00:36:46.539 --> 00:36:46.920 Amen. 00:36:46.920 --> 00:36:47.460 Amen. 00:36:47.460 --> 00:36:47.740 Amen. 00:36:47.740 --> 00:36:47.920 Amen. 00:36:47.920 --> 00:36:48.840 Amen. 00:36:48.840 --> 00:36:49.019 Amen. 00:36:49.019 --> 00:36:50.680 Amen. 00:36:50.680 --> 00:36:50.920 Amen. 00:36:50.920 --> 00:36:51.180 Amen. 00:36:51.180 --> 00:36:52.519 Amen. 00:36:52.519 --> 00:36:53.119 Amen. 00:36:53.119 --> 00:36:53.660 Amen. 00:36:53.660 --> 00:36:55.180 Amen. 00:36:55.180 --> 00:36:55.460 Amen. 00:36:55.500 --> 00:36:56.260 Amen. 00:36:56.260 --> 00:36:57.240 Amen. 00:36:57.240 --> 00:36:57.559 Amen. 00:36:57.559 --> 00:36:57.780 Amen. 00:36:57.780 --> 00:36:58.000 Amen. 00:36:58.000 --> 00:36:58.500 Amen. 00:36:58.500 --> 00:36:59.099 Amen. 00:36:59.099 --> 00:36:59.240 Amen. 00:36:59.320 --> 00:36:59.619 Amen. 00:36:59.619 --> 00:36:59.640 Amen. 00:36:59.640 --> 00:37:00.119 Amen. 00:37:00.119 --> 00:37:00.200 Amen. 00:37:00.200 --> 00:37:00.360 Amen. 00:37:00.360 --> 00:37:00.380 Amen. 00:37:00.380 --> 00:37:01.780 Amen.