Honor GOD in HIS Church

Sunday School Lesson – Honor GOD in HIS Church – October 23, 2005

This is our fourth lesson in our series “Being Holy in an Unholy World”.

Our background scripture is Ephesians 3:14-4:16

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 3:14-16, 20 – 4:7, 11-13, 15

Last Sunday we studied the unity of all believers regardless of their National origin, birthright, education, health, wealth, social status, etc. through CHRIST and GOD building a living building. This living building is the body or the true church, not the brick and mortar church, which is being built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets with CHRIST being the Chief cornerstone.

Let’s review Ephesians 2:19-22, which is our spring board into today’s lesson.

19So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. 21 The whole building is being fitted together in Him and is growing into a holy sanctuary in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

GOD has a plan for each of us and today we will explore how GOD equips and enables us to carry out HIS plan for our life and to function within the living building in this unholy world.

Paul begins Ephesians 3:1-13 with a prayer, then quickly goes to his calling for ministry to the Gentiles.

It is like oh, let’s pray but before we do, I want you to be aware of this information before I get into my main objective for writing this.

Ephesians 3:1-13
Chapter 3
Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles
1 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 you have heard, haven’t you, about the administration of God’s grace that He gave to me for you? 3 The • mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight about the mystery of the • Messiah. 5 This was not made known to people[1] Lit to the sons of men in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 the Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I was made a servant of this [gospel]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of His power. 8 This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints!—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of the Messiah, 9 and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. 10 This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.[2] Eph 1:3,20; 2:6; 6:12 11 This is according to the purpose of the ages, which He made in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness, access, and confidence through faith in Him.[3] Or through His faithfulness 13 So then I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.

Paul reveals a mystery which had been revealed to the apostles and prophets. The mystery is the Gentiles are joint heirs, members of the same body and partners of the promise in CHRIST as the Jews. Again CHRIST unifies all people through THE CROSS. (Verse 6)

As you recall a mystery cannot be discovered by humans it must be revealed by GOD. Paul reveals that he was called to be the minister of the gospel of CHRIST to the Gentiles.

Paul is under house arrest in Rome and tells his readers not to worry because this is GOD’S calling for him.

Then Paul comes back to the prayer beginning with verse 14.

Let’s read Ephesians 3:14-16.
Prayer for Spiritual Power
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father[4] Other mss add of our Lord Jesus Christ 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 [I pray]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

Paul begins by saying I am expressing this on bended knee before THE ONE WHO can make it happen. This shows that what he is requesting from GOD is of utmost importance for his readers and they should pay special attention to it.

Paul use of the term “from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” has resulted in much discussion among Bible scholars. It seems that Paul is saying that GOD is in control of all things both in heaven and earth. This includes angels and human groups, which Paul calls families.

Paul is saying, you Jews and Gentiles see yourselves as different from each other but keep in mind that every created thing derives its existence and identity from GOD, including angels.
Paul is not just including Christian families but every family. The source of all human existence is from GOD.

So when it comes to knowing GOD, no group or family, because of their birthright, has an advantage over any other group.

CHRIST died for all and calls all humans to repentance. GOD does not want any to perish but have everlasting life. GOD will call all to accept CHRIST as SAVIOR but the choice is up to each individual.

In verse 16, Paul is praying that GOD will empower the Christian Jews and Gentiles in their inner person. What is the magnitude of this power? Paul asks GOD to provide the power from “the riches of HIS glory” or “the storehouse of HIS glory” to us through the enlightenment of our heart by THE HOLY SPIRIT. Then we are to allow GOD to work through us to manifest this power.

The statement “the riches of HIS glory” or “the storehouse of HIS glory” ties to Paul’s statement regarding “more than we can ask or think” in verse 20. Only GOD knows what is fully in HIS storehouse. We know about some of the gifts but other gifts remain a mystery; but GOD knows and HE will reveal them to us as HE decides.

We must NOT under estimate or limit GOD and what HE can and will do through those who are committed and are called to serve HIM.

Ground zero is the inner person. The inner person is where GOD enlightens the eyes of our heart. It is also where the intimate loving relationship with GOD comes together with understanding and acceptance. It is also where we grow and mature in CHRIST. It is the intimate part of our life where GOD knows exactly where we are spiritually.

GOD will not give HIS children something that will harm them. HE builds in each of us the character and the maturity necessary for us to be able handle the gifts and power necessary for the work HE has for us to do.

HE teaches and prepares each of us for the moment HE will manifest HIS gift and power through us.
GOD prepared Moses for the work HE would do through Moses to get Pharaoh to release the Israelites from Egypt and to carry their assignment to completion. GOD told Moses to throw his staff on the ground and it became a snake. GOD told him to pick it up by the tail and it became a staff again and other demonstrations of HIS power.

I would want GOD to give me a training session before my staff became a snake rather than getting surprised. Once Moses gained confidence in what and how GOD works then Moses knew all things were possible through GOD.

GOD’S power is awesome and HE is able to do more than we can ask or think. HE allows HIS gifts and power to be manifested through us when we can handle it. As with any gift we must accept it, understand what it will do once we know what it is and then use it. GOD is THE ONE WHO will instruct us how, when and where to use our gift or gifts, according to HIS plan and purpose.

The disciples had a problem with the proper use of power.
Let’s read Luke 9:51-56 - The Journey to Jerusalem
51 When the days were coming to a close for Him (JESUS) to be taken up,[21] His ascension He determined[22] Lit He stiffened His face to go; Isaiah 50:7 to journey to Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead of Him, and on the way they entered a village of the • Samaritans to make preparations for Him. 53 But they did not welcome Him, because He determined to journey to Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”[23] Other mss add as Elijah also did 55 But He turned and rebuked them,[24] Other mss add and said, “You don’t know what kind of spirit you belong to. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s lives but to save them.” 56 and they went to another village.

The disciple’s reaction to a situation is to call fire down from heaven. Power in immature or reactionary people is very dangerous.

I remember many years ago I was having a very honest discussion with GOD about spiritual gifts. I wanted certain gifts and HE would not give them to me. I was very upset, questioned GOD if HE loved me and pleaded with GOD to give me an answer. HE did.

You know our FATHER is so awesome. Here is the way HE answered my question.

Before I tell you the story here is some background information.
THE LORD has blessed Flonnie and me with four wonderful GODLY children. I might add and eight, so far (this does not refer to their behavior but to the number), wonderful GODLY grandchildren.

Our eldest son is Ted and our youngest son is Brad. Our two daughters are in the middle. They might say two beautiful flowers between two thorns. When this revelation happened Ted was about 24 years old and Brad was about 10 years old.

THE LORD said to me, “You have two sons?” Yes, I replied. “You have a shot gun?” Yes. “Would you give your shot gun to Ted?” Yes. “Would you give your shot gun to Brad?” No. “Do you love Ted more than you do Brad”? No. “But you would give your shot gun to Ted but not Brad”. Yes “Aren’t both your sons?” Yes. “Why would you give your shot gun to Ted and not give it to Brad”? Because I have taught Ted gun safety and he knows how to use the gun and he would not hurt himself or someone else. “Is there a time you will let Brad have your shot gun?” Yes, provide I teach him gun safety, he grows and develops mentally and physically and I know he will use the gun responsibly and not hurt himself or someone else.

Then GOD said, “Now think on this.” “All the Gifts of THE SPIRIT are mine and mine to give when you are mature enough to handle them”.

GOD THE FATHER knows how to get to the heart of a matter.

When this encounter happened, I had taught the Book of James. It is about being a mature Christian. I asked GOD to make me a mature Christian. My idea or motive or selfish or egotistical intention was to be a mature Christian so I could have the Gifts of THE SPIRIT. I wanted the power.

If GOD had granted my request at that time in my life, it would have been a spiritual ego trip for me. We think GOD sprinkles us with Holy Dust and we are changed in an instant. It can happen quickly, depending on where we are spiritually but most often GOD takes HIS time to prepare us for the work HE has for us.

GOD answered my request; just not like I thought HE would. I needed to mature as a Christian. There was no magic Holy dust to make me mature in an instant. Instead GOD cleaned my clock, so-to-speak and started a rebuilding, maturing process that is still going on to this day. I was stripped to the very foundation of CHRIST. All phony notions and ideas about being a Christian were stripped away. I was stripped to the foundation of CHRIST.

During this rebuilding process I have never doubted my salvation. I knew I was GOD’S child and I was secure in HIM. I knew I was going to heaven, if I died, based upon what CHRIST had done for me.

GOD takes every step with us along life’s journey. GOD is in the business of building character and maturing us to prepare us to serve HIM.

Place your hand in HIS today and let HIM be THE LORD of your life.




Let’s read Ephesians 3:20-21.

20 Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think—according to the power that works in you— 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. • Amen.

This is the Amen to Paul’s prayer.

In chapters 1-3 Paul described the timeless role of the church. In chapters 4-6 Paul will explain how church members or members of the living body are to live to bring the unity that GOD wants.

Paul acknowledges that God is all powerful and HE goes beyond what we can ask or think. GOD ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are beyond our thoughts.

We do not like some of the decisions HE makes in our life but if we believe HE is sovereign, all powerful, all knowing and omni-present, then we have to trust HE makes the best decisions whether we agree or not. We may have to wait until we get to heaven before we will fully understand some of HIS decisions.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:1-6
Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ
1 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to • walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting[1] Or tolerating one another in love, 3 diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds [us]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. . 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope[2] Lit called in one hope at your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Paul challenges us as Christians to walk, which means living our everyday life such that we are worthy of our calling. We are called to be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world”.
As such others should see CHRIST in us. Our life should reflect CHRIST so others will want what we have.

Paul cautions us to:

Walk or live worthy of our calling as a Christian.

Walk in humility – a proper assessment of one’s self in regard to others; this is not having a poor self image but one who exemplifies the attitude of JESUS.

Walk in gentleness – gracious consideration and restraint when wronged; one whose emotions are under control.

Walk with patience – perseverance under affliction; not seeking revenge.

Walk accepting one another in love – this is a mouth full. This means “to endure”, “to put up with”, and “to show forbearance”.
Endue our brothers and sisters in CHRIST that we may not like to be around.

Satan uses our humanness to cause factions within the body of CHRIST. This works in a number of ways.

It can come from us who think we have arrived spiritually and others are just babes. We can get puffed up with spiritual pride as GOD uses us to accomplish HIS will in our life. Our brothers and sisters in CHRIST get on our last nerve. Either of these can cause problems in the body. We must watch out for these situations and work hard to keep the unity of SPIRIT within the body.

To keep unity we must keep in mind there is:

One Body – the living body of believers
One SPIRIT – THE HOLY SPIRIT
One Hope – Eternal life
One LORD – CHRIST THE HEAD of the body.
One Faith – the content of what we as Christians believe.
One Baptism – more than water baptism. It includes baptism by
THE HOLY SPIRIT, which we all receive when we accept CHRIST as our SAVIOR. This is not a second blessing but can seem like a second blessing when we commit our life to CHRIST and when GOD manifests HIS power through us.
One GOD
One FATHER

GOD is working within each of us who are different to accomplish HIS will and purpose. We may say can they be a Christian and act in such a way or do such-and-such. GOD uses us all. Some of us may be used to knock the rough edges off others or to challenge us or GOD uses us to challenge them or to work in their life.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:7, 11-13, 15

7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the • Messiah’s gift.

11 And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, [growing]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.

15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ.

Verse 7 is a key verse. “Grace” used here refers to a special gift or an ability to serve GOD, which CHRIST, THE MESSIAH has given to every believer. CHRIST is the source of the gifts and gives them to serve and build up the body. The gifts are manifested by THE HOLY SPIRIT.

CHRIST has given each Christian at least one spiritual gift. HE has given to some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

Apostles – eyewitnesses of THE LORD JESUS who HE appointed to be witnesses for HIM. An apostle is sent out as an authoritative delegate. Are there apostles today? I think so. They are sent on a mission by CHRIST.

Prophets – those to speak GOD’S word – predictions and proclamations. It means “one who speaks”. Some prophets declare new revelation. Most prophets simply preach the truth GOD has already revealed. Prophets speak to edify, encourage, enlighten and consolation.

As we read earlier, Paul in Ephesians 2:20 identified apostles and prophets as the foundation of the living building and of which CHRIST is the chief cornerstone.

Evangelists – those who travel about preaching the gospel. Evangelists have the gift of making the gospel clear to the lost.

Pastor and teachers – interesting these are presented as a unit. A pastor should also be a teacher.

Pastors are shepherds of the flock of GOD.

Teachers are separate leaders. Scripture tells us teachers will be held more accountable. (James 3:1 1 Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment) We who teach present scripture and the revelations of scripture and GOD with understanding. We cannot hide behind ignorance. We present truth with knowledge of what it means.

Not all teachers are Pastors but all Pastors are teachers.

The purpose of the spiritual gifts is (1) to train the saints (2) in the work of ministry and (3) to build up the body of CHRIST.

The word “train” was a medical term, which originally referred to setting a broken bone. As used here it means to mend, restore and prepare. Later it came to mean to “equip” or “equipment”.

Notice verse 13 – “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of GOD’S SON, growing into a mature man or woman with a spiritual stature measured by CHRIST’S fullness”.

So CHRIST has given us gifts to train us as Christians to train fellow Christian in the work of our calling for the purpose of building up the living body.

When will training stop?

When the body reaches unity and full maturity when compared to and measured by CHRIST and HIS example; that is when the living body fully reflects the character of CHRIST – HIS servant attitude, unselfishness, unconditional love, kindness, compassion, humility, holiness, willingness to suffer wrong for others and the list goes on.

Spiritual gifts are to be used as GOD directs us to use them.

How did JESUS make HIS day to day decisions?

JESUS was obedient to THE FATHER. HIS one purpose was to do the will of THE FATHER. THE FATHER taught HIM.

John 5:30 – JESUS is speaking.

30 “I can do nothing on My own. I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 8:28-29
28 So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the • Son of Man, then you will know that I am [He]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , and that I do nothing on My own. But just as the Father taught Me, I say these things. 29 The One who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”

1 Corinthians 12: 1-30 tells us about spiritual gifts but pay special attention to verse 11. GOD gives gifts as HE chooses.
Diversity of Spiritual Gifts
1 About matters of the spirit:[1] Lit About things spiritual brothers, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know how, when you were pagans, you were led to dumb idols—being led astray. 3 Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything.[2] Lit God acts all things in all 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial: 8 to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of languages, to another, interpretation of languages. 11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each one as He wills.
Unity Yet Diversity in the Body
12 For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 So the body is not one part but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I’m not a hand, I don’t belong to the body,” in spite of this it still belongs to the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I’m not an eye, I don’t belong to the body,” in spite of this it still belongs to the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But now God has placed the parts, each one of them, in the body just as He wanted. 19 And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? 20 Now there are many parts, yet one body. 21 So the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” nor again the head to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, all the more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those parts of the body that we think to be less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unpresentable parts have a better presentation. 24 But our presentable parts have no need [of clothing]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. . Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, 25 so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. 26 So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. 28 And God has placed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next, miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, managing, various kinds of languages. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in languages? Do all interpret? 31 But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

Paul also tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that agape love is the greatest gift of all. Agape is self-giving love. It is the type of love which demands nothing in return. It is the love CHRIST had for us as sinners and the world when HE gave HIS life upon THE CROSS. HE gave HIS life without demanding that we accept HIS free gift of eternal life.

1 Corinthians 14:1 tells us to desire the spirituals gifts.

1 Corinthians 14:1-19 – deals with speaking in tongues, interpretation of unknown tongues and the gift of prophecy. It also mentions revelation, knowledge, prophecy and word of instruction.

Acts 11:28 - A prophet named Agabus predicted a famine through the revelation of THE SPIRIT.

Acts 21:10-11 – THE HOLY SPIRIT told the prophet Agabus, that "the owner of the belt would be captured by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles". That belt belonged to Paul. This happened to Paul.

Pay special attention to Romans 12: 6-8. When you have a spiritual gift, use it.

Romans 12:3-8 Many Gifts but One Body
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith; 7 if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; 8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

The Bible lists spiritual gifts such as but not limited to:

Making money
Cheering people up
Helps
Service
Giving
Leading
Mercy
Administration
Wisdom – knowledge applied to GOD’S plan.
Knowledge – this is experiential knowledge as well as revelations GOD gives.
Faith – this is not faith as in accepting CHRIST but faith that results in those called to live and step where there are no steps; because GOD said to that them.
Miracles
Wonders
Healing
Prophesy
Tongues
Interpretation of tongues
Apostles
Prophets
Pastors
Teachers
Evangelists
Healing
Discernment

There are many gifts. The key is for us to use the gift or gifts GOD gives us.

Each of us has one or more gifts of THE SPIRIT.

What is your gift? Are you using your gift?

How do we discover our gift?

Many times a fellow Christian will tell us that they see a certain gift being manifested in our life but GOD can reveal it to us as well. If you ask GOD to reveal your gift to you, be prepared for the revelation to come to you in any number of ways.

When we belong to GOD through CHRIST we have the gift of eternal life and have the gift of THE HOLY SPIRIT who seals us and is our guarantee or down payment that we are the children of GOD. But we also have other gifts to serve our FATHER.