Growing up in Christ - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.

Intro: (1) overview of Ephesians — messy (2) recap of ch.1-3 (3) intro of themes in ch.4-5 — growing

Themes

1. Growing in unity (4:1-6): (1) read v.1-3 — “unity” in 2:13-14, Acts 2:42, John 17 (2) not the same as uniformity (3) only possible through connection to the unity of the Lord— Tozer’s pianos (4) primary vs. secondary doctrine — meeting with college group
2. Growing in ministry (4:7-16): (1) read v.11-15 — role of spiritual leaders in helping others grow, so that the body functions more fully (cf. me and the family in the yard) (2) this creates maturity and protection (3) current Grace application
3. Growing in identity (4:17-24): (1) read v.20-24 — new identity in Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17) (2) v.20-21 — school of Christian life (3) putting off and on — we must dress like who we now are (cf. AL Power lunch)
4. Growing in practicality (4:25-32): (1) negative —lying, anger, stealing, bitterness, slander, wrath (2) positive — encouraging words, kindness, forgiveness (3) which of these is currently the biggest struggle for you and why— mine is words that are “good for building up”
5. Growing in integrity (5:1-7): (1) read v.1-4 — being integrated — family imagery in v.1, 5, 6, 8 (cf. Hazel playing with Jenna) (2) importance of who influences you (3) examples — sexual immorality, covetousness, inappropriate use of words (3) opposite of these is thanksgiving — gratitude lists
6. Growing in reflectivity (5:8-14): (1) read v.8-10 — multiple references to light/darkness (cf. 4:17- 18, John 8:12, Mt. 5:14) (2) confessing our sin — spiritual apathy, hidden struggles (3) being a light to others —encouragement, evangelism (4) importance of community, not isolating
7. Growing in Spirituality (5:15-21): (1) read v.15-19 — truly Spirit-led people— opposite of drunkenness (2) time stewardship and actively seek God’s will (3) not being controlled by desires that cause neglect of priorities (cf. Mallory and Mt. Everest) (4) role of singing to God with others

Conclusion: (1) growth is slow — need others to point it out at times (2) where have you seen growth? (3) where do you need to grow?