Text: Eph 4:11-16
Introduction
A. Edward Everett Hale, the distinguished poet and former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, eloquently said: "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, that I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do."
B. Theme 2013 – Involvement In The Work of the Ministry.
C. Involvement is a scary word: “I don’t want to get involved.” But can you? Matt 7: 21
Discussion
A. What Is Involvement?
To be engaged in – To be a part of; to be a participant.
You are not involved until you are engaged in the work.
Involvement Methods: Time, Energy, Money
Many would prefer to pay someone else to do it.
B. What Is Edification?
Greek oikodomē - building up Rom 15: 2
C. Why Involvement in Edification?
It is Commanded: Teaching them to observe all things. Matt 28: 20
It is Expected: Ye ought to be teachers. Heb 5: 12
For Continuity: The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Tim 2: 2
For Maturity: That we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Col 1: 28
For Equipping the saints: The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph 6: 17
For the Growth of the body: For the edifying of the body of Christ. Eph 4: 12
It is God’s Work: For the work of the ministry. Eph 4: 12
For the Truth: For the unity of the faith. Eph 4: 13
To Know God: And of the knowledge of the Son of God. Eph 4: 13
To be Perfect: Unto a perfect man. Eph 4: 1
To be Like Christ: unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Eph 4: 13
For Steadfastness: We be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine. Eph 4:14
D. I Am Only One: But The Sum of Every One Is A Whole.
Every Member’s Involvement Maximizes the Church’s Effectiveness.
Many people’s unwillingness to get involved will handicap the church.
Helen Keller : “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
E. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
God does not require from us what we cannot do. Matt 25: 23
We will be judged by what we can do but did not. Matt 25: 27
F. What I can do, that I ought to do.
There is no excuse- Remember the one talent man. Matt 25: 26
Church Work is EVERYONE’s business. Luke 6: 46
G. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do.
Your talent is by the grace of God. Matt 25: 14, 15
God will require of you in the day of judgement. 2 Cor 5: 10
H. Why are some not involved?
Fear: I was afraid. Matt 25: 25
Selfishness: Why should I get involved? Phil 2: 21
Apathy : Indifference, Unconcerned, uninterested.
I. Edification is Building Up the Body.
You either build or destroy.
Try leaving a new car park outside for a year.
Try leaving a child alone and don’t teach him anything.
We put a lot of emphasis on our children’s education. We neglect spiritual education.
God wants us to teach. Heb 5: 12
J. Why Be A Bible Class Teacher?
Bible class teachers are special workers in the Kingdom. Those brothers and sisters that serve as faithful Bible class teachers deserve our thanks, support, and encouragement for their efforts.
A Bible class teacher who teaches well, brings a soul nearer to heaven.
K. Be involved or be cast away.
The church at Ephesus lost her first love. Rev 2: 4
The church at Laodicea was lukewarm: Be zealous or be removed. Rev 3: 16, 19 3) Many do not realise that they are spiritually dead – Be involved or be cast out.
L. God wants all of His children to be teachers. Heb 5: 12
Teachers need to be a godly example, serving as a model for their students to imitate.
Teachers must be learners: “A teacher must be one who knows the lesson or truth to be taught” – The Seven laws of Teaching by James Milton Gregory
Conclusion:
A. Get off the side-lines, and get involved.
B. Story: A man was watching a fire until someone said to him, “Your wife is in there.” Suddenly, he is spurred to action. He runs to the back door, flings it open, crawls into the living room and drags her to safety. He saves her life, for she is his wife. Would he have become involved if it had been somebody that he did not know? If it had been his neighbour’s house down the street would he have become involved?
C. God has given you a number of talents and He wants you to use them to serve Him.
D. You can teach someone. There is no excuse for not involved in teaching.
E. What does the cross mean to you?
If all the lukewarm folk would fire up
If all the disgruntled folk would sweeten up
If all the dry bones would shake up
If all the gossipers would shut up
If all the lazy ones would pick up their cross we would be on the way. We will have a Great Revival.
F. Involvement is never easy: but it has its reward. 2 Tim 4: 8