Service Opportunity Sunday

Topics: service, saint, unity of the spirit

I. God calls people to lead (Eph. 4:11)

A. Apostles and prophets lay the foundation of the church.

God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19b,20).

B. Evangelists are called to bring the lost into the church.

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).

C. Pastors/teachers equip, lead and build up the church.

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God (1 Peter 5:1, 2a).

1. Pastor (poimen) or shepherd stresses caring and feeding (Acts 20:28).
2. Overseer (episkopos) or bishop describes the function of a guardian (1 Pt. 2:25).
3. Elder (presbyteros) emphasizes the character of the spiritual leader (Acts 14:23).

II. God equips people to serve (Eph. 4:12)

A. Equipping (katartismos) of the saints refers to being spiritually fit.

1. Through God's Word: (2 Tim. 3:16-4:2).
2. Through prayer: (Col. 4:2-4, 12).
3. Through encouragement: (Heb. 3:13).

B. The work of service is the spiritual responsibility of every Christian.

C. Building up the body of Christ is the goal of equipping and serving.

God desires people to mature (Eph. 4:13)

A. Unity of the faith refers to our common biblical sound doctrine.

B. The knowledge of the Son of God is firsthand relational intimacy.

C. A mature man . . . to the fullness of Christ is the ultimate goal of life. (Colossians 1:28, 29)

A short sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, August 22nd, 2021</>