The Purpose of the Church - Part 1

Temple Baptist Church - 8-9-2026

Ephesians 4:11-16

 

Introduction: 

A.   The Problem with the modern churches.  Some of the main problems with the end-time church are that of purity, priority, and purpose.  That is the reason for the confusion, conflict, and casualness of God’s people.  Their priorities are wrong which leads to selfishness.  Selfishness leads to conflict.  Conflict leads to confusion.  Confusion leads to failure of purpose! 

 

B.  Churches and denominations have lost their way spiritually.  The local church is a called assembly of saints to worship God, learn the Scriptures and doctrinal truth, and to exhort one another!  This is the main purpose internally.  What we are doing this morning, night, and Wednesday is essential to both the local church corporately and the saints individually!  I will deal with the external purpose in Part 2.

 

C.  In most cases, the local churches and denominations in general have lost their biblical way!

 

1. The Church Has Become A Recreation Center For The Sinner.  No biblical preaching leads to an unholy congregation.  The local church was never meant to be a “fishing hole” for sinners!

 

a)  A place where the sinner is Comfortable, not Convicted.  Reproving and rebuking have been replaced by the “smooth” things.

 

Isaiah 30:9-11  That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:  (10)  Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:  (11)  Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

 

b)  A place where the sinner is Placated, not Preached to. Reproving and rebuking are not popular among the carnal, thus the Word from the pulpit has become selective!

 

2 Timothy 4:1-4  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  (3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

 

2. The Church Has Become An Entertainment Center For The Carnal Saint.  Their programs, music, and preaching so-called, reflect the mood and priorities of the world instead of the Word. 

 

a)  Entertainment encourages Carnality, Not Crucifixion. We are to die to self and live for the glory of God.

 

b)  Entertainment produces Apathy, Not Ardor.

 

3. The Church Has Become A Fast Food Joint For The Shallow Saint.  Pumps their Flesh, Not builds their Faith.

 

4.  The Church Has Become A Rest Home For The Backslidden Saint.  They Are Careless In Their Sin, Not Convicted In Their Service.

 

D. The Purpose of the church. 

 

1.  The Church For The Hungry Saint:  A Restaurant.

 

a.  There Must Be Feeding  (Consistent Bible preaching with power and boldness.)

 

1 Peter 5:2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

 

John 21:17  He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 

Acts 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

 

b.  There Must Be Feasting  (The pastor can feed all he wants but unless there is a  feasting, all is in vain.)

 

1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

 

Hebrews 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

 

2.  The Church For The Weary Saint:  A Place Of Refreshment.

 

a.  There Is Encouragement.

 

Acts 14:21-22  And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

 

Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

                                                         

            b.  There Is Exhortation.

 

Jude 20  But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

 

Ephesians 4:11-12  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 

3.  The Church For the Sickly Saint:  A Place Of Recuperation

 

a.  Restoration For The Fallen.

 

Galatians 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

 

2 Corinthians 2:7  So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

 

            b.  Reassurance For The Troubled.

 

2 Corinthians 1:4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

 

4.  The Church For The Growing Saint:  A Place Of Spiritual Growth.

 

a.  The Product of lack of teaching. 

 

Hosea 4:6  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

 

b.  The Product of Biblical Teaching.

 

Ephesians 4:11-16  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  (12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  (13)  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  (14)  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  (15)  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  (16)  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

5.  The Church Is A Nest for The Saint’s Children.  Don’t allow the world to raise your children!

 

 

Psalms 84:1-3  To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!  (2)  My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.  (3)  Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

 

Conclusion:  The local church’s primary purpose is for the edification of the Body of Christ, believers!  Till we ALL!  A work that is never done!

 

Ephesians 4:12-13  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  (13)  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Keeping Your Pastor in a Right Perspective

 Temple Baptist Church - 7-26-2026

Ephesians 4:1-16

 

Introduction: 

A.  Barbara and I had to miss the last night of Revival this past Wednesday.  We were about to get ready to dress for church, but I knew that I could not go because I had been sick since the Tuesday night service.  I waited until almost the last minute before calling Clint to take over.  I called Brother Holbrooks to let him know.  Then I was sick both physically and spiritually because I felt that I was letting our church down! 

B.  We were watching the service online (at least Barbara was and I was listening because the world was going round and round for me) and wanted so badly to be there.

C.  The next day, I was flooded with calls and texts asking how we were doing, and I expected it!  I greatly appreciated that, but a couple of our members said that nothing is the same when you are not there.  The whole service was not right without the pastor and his wife being there with the people.

D.  I hope that never changes!  Not that I want a service to be less than it needs to be, but because I believe that it emphasizes the importance of the pastor being there.  This should be the response of all the people.  Why, because God made it to be that way.

 

Ephesians 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

 

James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

 

E.  You pastor is a very important part of your church!  He is God’s gift to you!  Heavenly gifts are given based upon two things:

 

1.  God’s love for His church!  Ephesians 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  

 

2.  God knowledge of your need!  Ephesians 5:26-27  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  (27)  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

 

F.  You need your pastor!  God made it that way!  Sheep without a shepherd will soon lose their direction, divide and scatter, and fall prey to their enemies.  God’s people are like sheep. 

 

Matthew 9:36 says, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” 

 

G.  I want to look at the person and position of the pastor tonight in order to help you better understand what God is doing in your life through the pastor that God gave to you.  Not just any man because there are many good men of God out there.  God chose and sent me to you!

 

1.  The Pastor Is God’s Man – Ephesians 4:11-12  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 

a.  Be careful how you treat him because he is God’s man!

 

b.  Be careful how you talk about him because he is God’s man!

 

2.  The Pastor Is Just A Man – vs. 6 - 1 Corinthians 2:3  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

 

a.  He has feelings.  I do not let you know what I think or feel for the most part because I am never here to discourage you.  I am here to encourage you!

 

b.  He has faults.  I am not a perfect man!

 

c.  He has failures.  I have and will make mistakes.

 

d.  Learn to pray for me!

 

3.  The Pastor Is Your Man – vs. 8 - Jeremiah 3:15  And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

 

a.  He is your gift.  I belong to you!  Use me well and use me right.  I cannot do everything nor be everywhere.  I am getting older and wear out quicker.  I need my rest.

 

b.  He is your friend.  In your darkest hour, I will be there for you.

 

4.  The Pastor Is Often A Hated Man – vs. 9-13 - 2 Timothy 4:14  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

 

a.  He is hated because of the stand that he takes.  I preach and teach a perfect Word to an imperfect person through imperfect lips. 

 

b.  He is hated because of the Word he preaches.  Many will not like be because I will not compromise the Bible, doctrines, or my preaching.  If your spiritual phone rings, pick it up and say “Hello.”  I just dialed a number without knowing who was on the other end.  I just put God’s letter into your mailbox.

 

c.  He is hated because of the Lord he represents.   The world has a wrong perspective of who the Lord is.  He is a thrice holy God in whom is no darkness at all.  Never bring Him down to your level, you live godly and strive to reach His!

 

5.  The Pastor Is A Loving Man – vs. 14-15 - 2 Corinthians 12:15  And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

 

a.  He loves the Lord.

 

b.  He loves the Word.

 

c.  He loves the saints.

 

d.  He loves sinners.

 

e.  He loved you!

 

6.  The Pastor Is Beseeching Man – vs. 16-17 - Hebrews 13:22  And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.  (Paul used the word beseech 24 times in the Book of Acts and the Pauline Epistles.)

 

a.  He desires only the best for you.

 

b.  He desires only the best for your family.

 

c.  He desires only the best for the church.

 

7.  The Pastor Is A Concerned Man – vs. 18-21 - 2 Corinthians 11:2  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

 

a.  He watches over you.

 

b.  He worries over you.

Do You Love the Church?

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-31-2026

Ephesians 5:22-33

 

Introduction: 

A.  Last week, I started a series of messages on the local church.  You may ask why such a series is important.  Because of the falling away from the local church in our day.  We need to fall in love with the local church!  I personally do not want to be “as the manner of some is!” 

 

B.  “Do you love the church?” is a question easily answered by those believers who love God! 

 

1.  Our text tells us of God’s love for the Church.  I fully understand that in this context, Paul speaks of the Body of Christ.  This phrase, though, is corporate! 

 

2.  We know that God loves every believer because He died for the individual as well as the whole of humanity.  John 3:16 speaks of the love of God for “the world,” which is corporate.  He died not only for the individual but also for every individual in the world.

 

3.  The contextual comparison is Christ’s love for His church and the love of the husband for his wife.  I do not believe that we men can love our wives and forsake them at the same time.

 

C.  A verse concerning our love for Christ says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  (John 14:15)  Though there are many commandments, I want to look again at one that deals with the local assembly called the local church.

 

D.  Last week, we saw God’s commandment concerning the local church:  “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” 

 

1.  Though this verse is not the subject of this morning’s message, it entails the truth of our loving or not loving the Lord as we should.  Love God, and you will love His church!  Plain and simple, isn’t it? 

 

2.  If Christ loved the church enough to die for it, then, if we love Christ as we should, we should love the local church!

 

3.  I love the church!  Not because I am a pastor.  It has been a place of separation from the world for God.  It has been a refuge in the time of storm.  It has been a place of companionship with the family of God.  I am a pastor because I first loved the Lord and then His church. 

 

4.  Though the Church that Christ died for was the body, He also loved the assembly of the local church.

 

E.  So many of God’s children in our day commit “spiritual adultery.”  This is plainly stated in 1 John 2:15:  “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”  If we love the world more than we love God, then the love of God is not in us.

F.  Now, back to the analogy that the Scriptures give here: men, we are to “love” our wives as Christ “loved” the Church. 

 

1.  Christ gave His all for the Church.  We are to give our all to our wives!

 

2.  Christ did this because He loved the Church.  We are to do the same out of the “same” love.

 

3.  We cannot love as Christ loves, but we are to love in the same way He loves. 

 

a)  The love between a man and his wife is an ever-changing love.  I have often said that the first love between a man and his wife is not the love that will hold their marriage together. 

 

b)  Though we need to keep that first love alive.  Trials and tribulations are what God has chosen to strengthen and change that love over time.  When Barbara and I were saved, we fell in love with the local church.  That first love still exists but has transformed. By finding the local church a refuge in times of trials and tribulations, our love and respect for it have strengthened!

 

c)  Our wedding vows have been kept! 

 

d)  I, ___, take thee, ___, to be my wedded wife/husband,
to have and to hold from this day forward,
for better or worse, for richer or poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love, honor, and cherish,
forsaking all others,
till death do us part,

 

e)  Through “think and thin,” the local church has always been there for us, and we have been there for the local church.

 

G.  Why is loving the local church so important?  We cannot love the church and be unfaithful to it any more than we can love our wives and be unfaithful to them!

 

1.  Because It Is The Place That God Loves - Ephesians 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.

 

2.  Because It Is The Place Of Worship - Psalms 5:7   But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

 

A place of Singing, A place of Praising, A place of Giving, and A place of Preaching!

 

3.  Because It Is The Place Where I Can Tithe and Give.  Malachi 3:10  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

 

4.  Because It Is The Place Of Preaching And Teaching God’s Word - 1 Timothy 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

 

What a joy to open God’s Word and just read it together.  What a joy to study God’s Word in Sunday School.  What a joy to be reproved rebuked, exhorted, and challenged by the preaching of God’s Word.

 

Job 23:12  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

 

5.  Because It Is The Place Where God’s People Gather - Psalms 55:14  We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

 

The greatest people on earth are there!

 

Psalms 122:1  A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

 

6.  Because It Is The Place Where Sinners Are Both Sought And Loved - Luke 14:23  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

 

Matthew 9:10  And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

 

7.  Because It Is God’s Instrument For World Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8  And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.  For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God–ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

 

8.  Because It Was There That I Heard The True Gospel Preached And Was Gloriously and Eternally Saved – Luke 18:10, 13-14  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican …  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

 

9.  Because It Is A Place Of Comfort And Spiritual Joy - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

 

10.  It Is An Encouragement Filling Station - 2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

10.  Because It Is Just A Little Bit Of Heaven On Earth - Psalms 84:1-12  How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!  My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.  Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.  Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.  Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.  Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.  They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.  O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.  Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.  For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.  O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Understanding The Pastor/Teacher

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-22-2026

Ephesians 4:9-16

 

Introduction:

A.  Last week, I read these verses to let us all know that God has given to the local church evangelists (missionaries), the pastor/teacher.  I want to go back to these verses one more time before moving on, as many do not understand the person and work of the pastor/teacher.

 

B.  We read the list of reasons for having a pastor/teacher, not just a preacher.  Seven things were mentioned here.  Seven very important things.

 

1.  Perfecting of the saints.

 

2.  The work of the ministry.

 

3.  The edifying of the body of Christ.

 

4.  The unity of the faith.

 

5.  The knowledge of the Son of God.

 

6.  The doctrinal purity of the local church.

 

7.  The spiritual growth of the believers.

 

C.  Verse 16 speaks of the unity of the body, compacted together, effectual working, edifying itself in love.

 

Ephesians 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

D.  A vital part of the ministry is the perfect unity of the local church in love for each other and a sound doctrinal foundation.

 

E.  Division within the local church is the pastor’s nightmare!  As long as the enemy attacks us from the outside, we can band together and win the fight.  When the enemy sits on the pew, the fight becomes, at times, confused and therefore devastating.

 

F.  Paul reminded the Corinthian church to follow him as he followed Christ.  1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

1.  The pastor/teacher is a permanent gift because he is important to the proper functioning of the local church.

 

PASTOR, n. [L. from pasco, pastum, to feed.] 1.  A shepherd; one that has the care of flocks and herds. 2.  A minister of the gospel who has the charge of a church and congregation, whose duty is to watch over the people of his charge, and instruct them in the sacred doctrines of the Christian religion.

 

TE'ACHER, n.  One who teaches or instructs. 1.  An instructor; one who instructs others in religion; a preacher; a minister of the gospel.

 

2.  His Position – the Evangelist or missionary church-planter established the local church through preaching the gospel, baptizing the converts, and assembling the saints.  The Pastor-Teacher took charge of the local assembly, overseeing and teaching the flock.

 

3.  His Responsibility.

 

a.  The Pastor-Teacher Is An Overseer -   1 Peter 5:2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

 

(I believe in pastoral authority but not pastoral dictatorship.  My work is not to rule over your homes, that is your job.)

 

OVERSIGHT - look diligently, to look upon, inspect, oversee, look after, care for, beware.

 

1)  He Watches For Disunity - 1 Kings 22:17  And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

 

Romans 12:16  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

 

1 Corinthians 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 

Philippians 4:2  I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

 

2)  He Watches For Wolves - Matthew 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 

Luke 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 

3)  He Watches For Doctrinal Impurity - 1 Timothy 4:16  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

b.  The Pastor-Teacher Is A Teacher.

 

1)  He Feeds His Sheep - 1 Peter 5:2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

 

Ecclesiastes 12:11  The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

 

Matthew 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.  Amen.

 

Jeremiah 23:4  And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

 

Jeremiah 3:15  And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

 

1 Timothy 5:17   Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

 

2)  The Pastor-Teacher Leads The Sheep - Psalms 23:1-3  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

 

Isaiah 40:11  He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs     with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

4.  The Pastor-Teacher Is A Friend.

 

a.  He Will Die For His Sheep - John 10:11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

 

1 Samuel 17:34-36  And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear,   and took a lamb out of the flock: 35  And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36  Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.  (We get our saying, “I would fight a bear for you!” from this verse.)

 

b.  He Will Live For His Sheep - 1 Peter 5:3  Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

 

c.  He Will Restore His Sheep - Luke 15:4-6  What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5  And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6  And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours,

saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

 

Amos 3:12  Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.

 

d.  He Will Comfort His Sheep - Psalm 23:4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 

e.  He Will Encourage His Sheep - Psalm 23:5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 

f.  He Will Love His Sheep - John 10:14  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  (He gets to know his people and, at the same time, he allows them to get to know him!)

Understanding Spiritual Gifts - Part 6 - The Church Gifts

Temple Baptist Church - 4-15-2026

Ephesians 4:4-16

Introduction:  “Diversity of Gifts”  Ephesians chapter four is an important one as it speaks of Church gifts that are both partial or passing and gifts that are permanent. 

A.  As long as our Lord walked on this earth, He personally took care of His people.  He guided them; He comforted them; He protected them; He fed them, etc. 

 

1.  It is no wonder that, in John 14, He said, “Let not your hearts be troubled!”  He was going away, and they thought that they were being left to fend for themselves. 

 

2.  I am glad that such was not the case.  The Lord will never leave us alone to walk through this present evil world.  God gave to the believers the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, individual gifts, and gifts to the local church.

 

B.  When our Lord resurrected, He did two things that are listed in verse 8:  He led “captivity captive” and “gave gifts to men.” 

 

1.  He brought out of Abraham’s Bosom all of the redeemed from Adam to the resurrection.  Now the saved dead are with the Lord in heaven. 

 

2.  Secondly, He gave gifts—both individually and corporately—to those who remained after His resurrection.  We found lists of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 8, and Ephesians 4.

 

C. We have been discussing gifts of the Spirit given to individuals.  Tonight, I want to look at the purpose of the gifts given to the church corporately. 

 

1.  Passing gifts were the Apostles and Prophets (foretelling).  The Prophets and Apostles were passing gifts given to the early church until the coming of “that which is perfect,” the Word of God.  They received divine revelation from God, and both gave it as they were “moved by the Holy Ghost,” incorporating it through the establishment of local churches.

 

2. The Apostles were foundational in nature.  There were only 12 apostles, with Paul being the 12th, because Judas Iscariot was set aside. 

 

a)  They were foundational in building the New Testament Church.  Ephesians 2:19-22  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  (20)  And  are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  (21)  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  (22)  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  

 

b)  The Apostles were not the building.  They were the foundation upon which the building was built.  Once the foundation was laid, their work was done and did not need to be repeated or continued.  Their foundational work is eternally established in the foundation of the New Jerusalem.

 

Revelation 21:14  And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

 

c)  The Apostles had to witness the resurrected Christ.  (Acts 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 9:1)

 

d)  The Apostles had to be personally commissioned by Christ.

 

e)  The Apostles were given the authority, through the Holy Ghost, to establish both churches and doctrine.

 

f)  The Apostles were uniquely qualified and non-repeatable.

 

3.  The Prophets.  Ephesians 3:2-5  If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:  (3)  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,  (4)  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  (5)  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

 

a)  The Prophets, before the completion of the Scriptures, were given divine revelations that confirmed and communicated truth not previously known. These Prophets foretold events in the absence of a completed Scripture that we can sit down and read.

 

b)  We now have a completed revelation, and prophets are no longer necessary.  Such prophecy today would be extrabiblical revelation and would, of necessity, be added to our now-completed Bible.

 

D.  The Lord also gave permanent gifts to the local church: evangelists and pastor-teachers.  I want to look at them individually.

 

1.  The Evangelist.  To bring glad tidings, to preach the Gospel. 

 

a)  In our day, the word “evangelist” has taken on an unbiblical meaning.  When we think of an evangelist, we think of a man who preaches revivals in local churches.  Biblically, I believe these men are “Revivalists.” 

 

b)  The biblical evangelist is the missionary!  These men are of utmost importance to the local church and to the world.  In order to obey these great commands:

 

Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

 

Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

 

c)  Evangelists, called missionaries, are essential to carrying, preaching, and teaching the Gospel to those the local churches cannot reach.

 

2.  The Pastor and Teacher.  One and the same man!  Though punctuation is not inspired, it is right here.  Learn English. 

 

Ephesians 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

 

Semicolons mark the end of one thought and the beginning of another.  “apostles;”  “prophets;” “evangelists;”  Now, look at pastors and teachers.   There is no semicolon between “pastors and teachers.”  The word “and” ties two equal things together in English.

 

a.  Simply stated, the God-called pastor is also a God-called teacher.  This is clarified in 1 Timothy, the first of the Pastoral Epistles, where the qualifications of the “bishop” or pastor are given.

 

1 Timothy 3:1-2  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.  (2)  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

 

b.  The value of the pastor-teacher is obvious in verses 12-16.

 

1)  You find the perfection of the saints!  Vs. 12  The word perfecting means to be “completely furnished.”

 

2 Timothy 3:14-17  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (fully equipped)

 

2)  You find the work of the ministry!  Vs. 12  Winning a lost world to Christ is not my job!  It is not your job!  It is OUR job!

 

2 Corinthians 5:17-18  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  (18)  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

 

3)  You find the edification of the local church!  Vs. 12  The use of the word edifying, in relation to the local church, means architecture or to fitly build the church.

 

Ephesians 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.  (Everyone has a part in the work of the church so, if you are not doing anything, a part of the work goes lacking.)

 

4)  You find the unity of the faith!  Vs. 13  By faith, Paul meant the fullness of the Scripture.  It is more than just salvation; it is much more than just doctrine; it is the fullness of the Christian life!

 

1 Corinthians 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 

5)  You find the fullness of Christ!  Vs. 13  As full of God as you can get; as full of the Holy Ghost as you can get!

 

Ephesians 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.  (So filled with God that you overflow in the presence of a lost world.)

 

6)  You find the protection of the doctrine! Vs. 14  Not susceptible to false doctrine.  Knowing what the Bible says and being able to recognize and spiritual enough to avoid false doctrine.

 

Romans 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

 

7)  You find the fellowship of love!  Vs. 15  Charity covers a multitude of sins!  If you love me, you can both tolerate and live with me.

 

John 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.