Sermon Outlines by Dr. Curtis L. Barbery

SEVERAL SERMON OUTLINES

BY DR. CURTIS L. BARBERY

Deacon Sermons

AND

Sermons From the Book of Ephesians

Workers Together With God

Text: Acts 6

I. THE REASON FOR DEACONS

A. Dissension Within the Members (v.1)

B. Distraction of the Ministry (v.2)

C. Deficiency of the Ministry (v.1)

II. THE REQUIREMENTS FOR DEACONS

Dr. Luke speaks of a five-fold fullness:

A. It Was an Inclusive Fullness --"Holy Spirit"

B. It Was A Perceptive Fullness-- "Wisdom"

C. It Was A Responsive Fullness— "Faith"

D. It Was An Attractive Fullness- "Grace"

E. It Was An Effective Fullness— "Power"

III. THE RESULTS OF DEACONS

A. Saints Were Unified (v.7)

B. Sinners Were Justified (v.7)

C. Savior Was Glorified (v.7)

D. Satan Was Mortified

His internal attempts to distract from the ministry of the Word and the fellowship of the saints were defeated.

Deacons And The Early Church

Text: Acts 6:1-7

I. THE SITUATION IN THE EARLY CHURCH (V.1)

"And in those days"

A. Those were days of power (Acts 4:33).

B. Those were days of proclamation (Acts 5:28).

C. Those were days of persecution

D. Those were days of progress (Acts 6:1).

There was an increase in people. They were from different backgrounds, viewpoints, and needs. An increase in the number of people meant more problems, tensions, and difficulties.

II. THE STRIFE WITHIN THE CHURCH (V.1)

Its origin and expression. It originated with the Hellenistic Jews speaking Greek. Its expression was revealed in murmuring. What did the strife bring?

A. Discord among members (saved)

B. Distraction of the ministers (preachers)

C. Disgrace to the master (Jesus)

D. Distrust among the multitude (world)

III. THE SOLUTION OF THE EARLY CHURCH

A. There was a sensible administration (v.2-3)

1. Distinction was made between the ministers of the church-preaching the Word and serving tables.

2. Primary ministry could not be forsaken and passing ministry could not be ignored.

B. There was a sincere intercession (v.6)

C. There was a spiritual demonstration (v7)

D. There was servant cooperation

The Man Who Stood In The Gap

Text: 2 Sam.23:11-12

Introduction: There is a gap to fill for each of us.

I. A DIVINE COMMISSION- "Honor"

A. Inspires Courage To Stand

B. Inspires Confidence To Stand

C. Inspires Convictions To Stand

II. A DANGEROUS CONFLICT

A. Internal Conflict- "Self"

B. External Conflict- "Outward sin"

C. Infernal Conflict- "Satan"

III. A DEFINITE COMMITMENT-" He stood"

A. For the King- David

B. For His Kindred- People

C. For His Kingdom- Nation

IV. A DECISIVE CONQUEST- "Victory"

A. Divine- God given (Rom.8)

B. Degrading Victory -Enemies

C. Delivering Victory - People

Spiritual Guardianship

Text: Neh.7:1-4

Introduction:

The walls of Jerusalem suggest salvation, deliverance, or protection from enemies. We should guard the church because:

1. It is the place where God meets with His people.

2. It is the place where the people meet with each other in spiritual fellowship.

3. It is the place where the message of God’s grace and love is to go out into all the nations.

4. It is the place where the King of Kings would reign- Mt. Zion.

I. THE THINGS IN THE CHURCH NEED TO BE GUARDED

(v.2) "charge over Jerusalem"

A. The Doctrines of the church

B. The Members of the church

C. The Temporal interests of the church

D. The Work of the church.

E. The Reputation of the church.

F. The Civil privileges of the church

G. The Discipline of the church

F. The Under-shepherd of the church

These loyalties are needed because infidelity, slander, bigotry, and laxity threatens to lay waste the church.

II. THE MEN WHO SHOULD BE THE GUARDIANS OF THE CHURCH

"For he was a faithful man and feared God above many"(v.2).

A. They must be duly appointed (v.2).

The porters, singers and Levites were appointed.

B. They must be truly sympathetic.

The men who helped to rebuild the city would be the most likely to defend it.

C. They must be wisely cautious (v.3).

The gates of Jerusalem were not to be opened until the sun be hot.

D. They must be sufficiently numerous (v.3).

"Watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem."

E. They must be eminently pious (v.6).

"And feared God above many."

III. THE WAY IN WHICH THE CHURCH MAY BEST BE GUARDED

A. Having regard to the church in times of special danger

B. Having regard to the church at points it is most liable to attack

C. Having regard to mutual co-operation among watchers.

D. Having our trust in God to supply what human imperfection cannot supply.

Sermons From the Book of Ephesians

By Dr. Curtis Barbery

1. The Church In Heavenly Places

Text: Eph. 1:3

Introduction:

The Christian is in the heavenlies. He is brought into the realm of heavenly possessions and experiences because of his association with the risen Christ.

The Christian experience is a Heavenly experience because it is brought about by the Heavenly Spirit.

I. The Heavenly Place of Conviction

A. The Holy Spirit Pursues Us

B. The Holy Spirit Penetrates Us

II. The Heavenly Place of Conversion

A. Animated by the Spirit

B. Accepted by the Sovereign

III. The Heavenly Place of Consecration

A. In Living for Christ

B. In Laboring for Christ

IV. The Heavenly Place of Communion

A. With the Savior

B. With the Saints

V. The Heavenly Place of Celebration

(See Ephesians 5:25-27)

A. Our Completeness in Number- (a whole people)

B. Our Completeness in Nature- (a holy people)

C. Our Completeness in Nearness-

(Home with the Lord forever)

CONCLUSION:

1- The Christian’s past experience is heavenly- sins forgiven.

2- The Christian’s present experience is heavenly- Spirit fortified.

3- The Christian’s prospective experience will be heavenly- At home with the Lord.

2. The Shepherd Of The Sheep

(This sermon is relative to the church at Ephesus.)

Text: 1 Pet. 4:1-4; Acts 20:28

Introduction:

Both of these texts admonish the shepherd. It says "Take heed to yourselves." The first care of the Spiritual Shepherd is for Himself, then the flock.

1. Your walk of discipline before the flock.

2. Your words of doctrine to the flock.

3. Your work of dedication among the flock.

I. The Sovereign’s Church

"The church" in Scripture is called:

A. A Building- Where He enshrines it- a lasting union.

B. A Bride- Where He embraces it- a loving union.

C. A Body- Where He expresses himself through it- a living union.

1. By the cost He paid- Blood

2. By the call He makes- Church-called out ones

3. By the care He takes- Appoints overseers

II. The Shepherd’s Charge

"Holy Spirit made overseer"

A. To find the sheep - Evangelism

B. To feed the sheep - Edification

C. To forego the sheep - Direction

D. To fight for the sheep- Protection (internal & external enemies)

E. To favor the sheep- Affection (to be for, endorse, friendly, kind, regard, or approval)

III. The Servant’s Crown

A. Seeing the Savior magnified

B. Seeing sinners justified

C. Seeing saints edified

D. Seeing Satan mortified

IV. The Sheep’s Commitment

A. Sheep are to follow the Shepherd

1. Willingly

2. Obediently

3. Sacrificially

4. Continually

B. Sheep are to furnish the Shepherd

1. Fellowship

2. Fleece

3. Flesh, etc.

C. Sheep are to favor the Shepherd

"Love Him"

Conclusion:

As a shepherd, are you committed to faithfully serving the sheep?

As a sheep, are you committed to faithfully following the shepherd?

3. How To Have An Effective Ministry

(This sermon is relative to the church at Ephesus.)

Text: Acts 20:17-38

Introduction:

The successful Gospel preacher must envision the following basic principles: 1- Sin 2-Sinners (souls of men) 3-Savior (from sin) 4- Satan (the enemy of souls) 5-Salvation- (its method, etc.).

I. The Manner of His Ministry (v.18)

A. Reality - (v.19a) "Serving the Lord."

B. Humility- (v.19a)

C. Sincerity- (v.19b) Tears and temptation

D. Charity- (vv.19-20) Tears - (Rom. 9:1-3)

E. Fidelity- (vv.19, 20, 27)

F. Integrity- (v.33) Paul worked willingly with his own hands (vv.33-34).

G. Sacrificially- (v.24)

Paul was willing to lay his life on the line for Christ and Christ’s Gospel.

II. The Message of His Ministry (v.21)

Paul preached the three R’s of true religion. From the first day until the last day his message remained the same.

A. Repentance toward God (v.21)

B. Reliance upon Christ (v.21; Acts 16:31)

C. Resignation to the Holy Spirit (vv.23-23)

III. The Mission of His Ministry (v.24)

His mission was threefold:

A. To finish his course (v.24; 2 Tim.4:7-8) Ill.: His life’s purpose

B. To find and feed converts (vs. 20, 28)

C. To fortify the Christians (vv. 31-32)

CONCLUSION:

1. Paul prayed for these believers (v.36) "for and with them".

2. Paul presented these believers to God (v.32).

4. The Epistle To The Church

Text: Eph. 1:1-2

Introduction: The Book of Ephesians shows us how God creates Christians and therefore, the church.

The consequences of sin severed the life cord of man from God. Sin separated man from God and man from man.

This epistle reveals how man is reconciled to God and to man.

The Christian church has her calling and consummation in Christ. There is no way for man to be right with God, himself, or his fellow-man, except through Christ.

Here God is seen creating a saint out of a sinner, thus, making him fit for both Divine and human society. God does not reconstruct human society to make it fit for man still in his sins.

Seven times in the Scripture, the Holy Spirit brings us to Ephesus:

1. The first time we see the body of Christ (Acts 18:19; 20:28).

2. We see baptism (Acts 19:1-7).

3. We discover a battle (Acts 19:23-41).

4. We have burden (Acts 20:17-38).

5. We find the business (1 Cor. 16:8-9).

6. We note the blessings (Eph. 1:3).

7. We have the burning (Rev. 2:1).

We can discover in Ephesians two main divisions.

The call of the church (chs. 1-3) - Emphasizing doctrine - the welfare of the Christian.

The conduct of the church (chs. 4-6) - Emphasizing duty- the walk of the Christian.

This epistle has been called "the Grand Canyon" of Divine revelation. That speaks of its depth and beauty.

It has been rightly been called “the Alps of Divine truth", speaking of its height and blessing.

I. The Penman of This Epistle (v.1)

The author of this letter was the Holy Spirit. Paul was its penman.

A. The seal of his authority as penman

"Apostle of Jesus Christ"

B. The sphere of his activities as penman

His words and works wee in the realm of the will of God.

II. The People of This Epistle

A. The local saints of God

1. Their location at Ephesus

2. Their position in Christ

B. The larger saints of God

"In Christ, Asia, world"

C. The loyal saints of God

Faithful in Christ Jesus.

III. The Promise of This Epistle

A. A purifying promise

"Grace be to you" - sanctifying grace

B. A unifying promise

"Peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ"

C. An edifying promise (ch. 6:21-22) "an edifying ministry"

Conclusion:

1. Be a Paul to give instruction and inspiration.

2. Be Timothy---a person with whom they can share their experience of God.

3. Be a Barnabus, who encouraged them in the Lord.

5. Praise To God

Text: Eph. 1:1-14

Introduction:

The object of our praise is the Holy Trinity. It is comprised of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We ought to praise Him for:

1. His glorious (magnificent) grace (v.6)

2. His gracious (gratifying) glory (v.12)

3. His generous (abundant) gain (v.14).

The central thought of this Epistle is the realization of disunity in nature, in man, in time, in eternity, between God and man, and the conviction that all disunity can only become united when all men and power are united in Christ.

Christ is the Center in whom all things unite and the Lord who unites all things.

The key thought of Ephesians is the gathering together of all things in Christ Jesus (v.10).

In these verses we find God’s word of grace in our salvation.

I. The Plan of The Sovereign (vv.3-6)

Here we have the eternal work of the Father in making us His children.

A. His appointing us to be children (v.4)

1. Election looks backward and tells us when and where we were chosen.

2. Predestination looks forward and tells us why we were chosen.

B. His adopting us as children (v.5)

Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into His family and have all the rights and privileges as sons.

C. His accepting us as children (v.6)

No man can be accepted of Holy God who is devoid of righteousness (Isa. 64:6). This acceptance comes us entirely as a work of God’s grace.

Illustration: The little sheep and ewe.

II. The Purchase of the Son (vv.7-12)

Here we have an eternal work of Jesus the Son of God in our behalf. It is a work totally outside of us.

A. His redemption for us (v.7)

Redemption means to "buy back", or to "release by ransom."

1. Released from the curse of the law (Gal.3)

2. Redeemed from the death penalty due to our guilt

3. Redeemed from the slavery of inherited bondage through heredity and depravity. (Rom. 8:1, 33, 34; Gal. 3:13)

B. His remission for us (v.7) We are forgiven for Jesus’ sake.

C. His revelation to us (v.9) (Matt.11:27)

D. His riches to us (v. 11)

III. The Performance of the Spirit (vv.13-14)

Here we have the internal work of the Spirit bringing about the Father’s plan and the Son’s purchase in our personal experiences.

A. The Spirit pursues us (v.13)

Trusting Christ presupposes:

1. The heralding of the Gospel

2. The hearing of the Gospel

3. The heeding of the Gospel

B. The Spirit’s presence in us (v.13)

He is the seal:

1. Seal speaks of identity

2. Seal speaks of authority

3. Seal speaks of reality

4. Seal speaks of security

C. The Spirit’s pledge to us (v.14)

"The earnest of the Spirit"

6. The Pastoral Prayer For The Church

(Prayer #1)

Text: Eph. 1:15-23

Introduction:

The greatness of man’s ministry can be contributed in a large part to his prayer life. There are two prayers of Paul recorded in Ephesians.

This prayer was prompted by the past experiences of these believers. His prayer was also prompted by the present experiences of these believers.

In this prayer of the Apostle Paul we should be able to see both the expression of their faith and of their love.

The essence of this prayer was for revelation and realization.

The Scripture speaks of "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation."

The indwelling Spirit is to function as their teacher and revealer.

He prays that those believers:

I. Would Know God’s Person To Enlarge Them (v.17; 3:17)

A. Their present relationship to Christ

These believers already knew Christ but it was for a deeper growing knowledge of Him that Paul prayed.

B. Their progressive resemblance to Christ

Now that they were in Christ, he longed to see them grow up into Christ in all things (4:15).

II. Would Know God’s Purpose To Encourage Them (v.18)

God has called the church to be Christ’s body, the fullness of

Christ, the visible part of the invisible Christ to an ungodly world. The hope of His calling is evident. The church now sanctified is to become the church glorified (5:27; 2 Cor.3:18; 1 Jn. 3:2).

A. Heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1)

B. Holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9)

C. High calling (Phil. 3:14)

III. Would Know God’s Possessions To Enrich Them (v.18)

Note the phrase, "The riches of the glory of his inheritance." It is said of God’s people, "Yet, they are thy people and thine inheritance (Deut.9:29)." The Scripture says, "For the Lord’s portion is His people, Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. (Deut.32:9)." The Bible also declares, "And they shall be mine when I make up my jewels (Mal. 3:17)." God was not satisfied in possessing the sun and stars. He wanted sons and saints.

A. The provision of His inheritance- riches

B. The position of His inheritance- saints

C. The purpose of His inheritance- glory

IV. Would Know God’s Power To Energize Them (v.19)

This wonderful working power is all that is needed for the commencement, continuance, and consummation of our salvation. This power is all sufficient for every demand made upon the saint in appropriating his wealth, in walking worthy of his calling, and in wrestling victoriously against Satanic powers.

A. Resurrection power- Relationship

B. Exaltation Power- Lordship, rule, creation

C. Domination Power- Headship, rule, church

Conclusion:

As His body, the church in a sense completes Christ. He would be no more complete without His church than Adam was without Eve.

1. Here we have the believer’s hope that beckons us.

2. Here we have the believer’s inheritance that blesses us.

3. Here we have the believer’s power that backs us.

7. The Creation Of A Christian

Text: Eph. 2:1-10

Introduction:

Sin in its effect separated man from God and man from man. God is seen in this passage as He creates a saint out of a sinner, thus making him fit for both a Divine and human society. He does not reconstruct human society to make it fit for mankind still in their sins.

1- The hope of His calling (1:18)

2- The riches of His glory (1:18)

3- The greatness of His power (1:19)

I. The Plight Of The Sinner (vv.1-3)

The condition of the sinner without grace is as follows:

A. He is dead (v.1)

(Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 5:12)

1. Legally (Jn. 3:18; Eph. 1:3)

2. Spiritually (Eph.2:1; 4:18; 1 Jn. 5:12)

3. Eternally (2 Thess. 1:9; Rev. 20:14, 15)

B. He is depraved

1. Body - diseased

2. Soul - darkened

3. Spirit- dead

C. He is dominated (vv.2-3)

1. World (v.2)

2. Satan (v.2) (Jn. 8:44; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Tim.2:26)

3. Self (v.3) (Rom.8:5)

II. The Power Of The Savior (vv.4-5, 8-9)

The Savior’s power (authority and ability) are expressed:

A. Love (v.4)

1. Unmerited (1 Jn. 4:10)

2. Unselfish (Jn. 3:16)

3. Unending (Jn. 13:1)

4. Unlimited (Rom. 6:23)

B. Life (v.5) (Rom. 6:23)

1. Abiding (Jn.10:28)

2. Abundant (Jn. 10:10)

3. Overflowing (Jn. 7:37

C. Liberty (vv.8-9)

From: (Lk.4:18, 19) (Lk. 19:10)

1. Direction of world (Jn.16:33; Gal.1:4)

2. Dictation of Satan (Col.2:15; Col. 1:13)

3. Domination of Self (Rom. 8:2; Gal. 2:20)

III. The Pathway Of The Saints (vv.6, 7, 10)

When saved by God’s grace men walk in a new pathway. (2 Cor. 5:17)

A. Wealth (vv.6-7; 1:3, 11)

1. Pardon of sin (1:7)

2. Power of the Spirit (5:18)

3. Prospect of glory (5:7)

B. Worship (v.6; 1:20)

1. High Priest (Heb. 10:22)

2. Sacrifice

3. Faith

Worship then serve.

C. Works (v.10)

1. Motive of service is love

2. Might of service is the Spirit

3. Magnitude of service is life-long

(In my life holiness--through my life witness)

8. The Nature Of The Church

Text: Eph. 2:22

Introduction:

The church is divine in nature because it is the "Church of the Living God."

The Apostle Paul tells these elders of the church at Ephesus in Acts 20:28-

1. It is God’s church because of the price he paid for her- His blood

2. It is God’s church because of the call he makes to her-

The word "church" means "called out ones."

3. It is God’s church because of the care He takes for her.

God gives her overseers.

I. The Foundation Of The Church

A. The person of Christ (Matt.16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11; 1 Pet.2:1-8)

B. The people of Christ (2:20)

C. The precepts of Christ (Matt. 7:24-27)

II. The Furnishings Of The Church

A. The attitude of love flows within the church (4:2, 15, 16; 5:2, 25)

B. The illumination of light found in the church (1:18; 5:8)

C. The atmosphere of liberty felt in the church

"By one Spirit" "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty."

III. The Function In The Church

A. The grace of God must be experienced. (3:2, 7; 6:24; 2:8, 9)

B. The gifts of God must be exercised (4:7; 3:7; 4:11)

C. The glory of God must be expressed (3:21)

1. God’s glory is our salvation (1:6, 12, 14)

2. God’s glory is our service

Conclusion:

1. The presence of God will be sensed in His church.

2. The purpose of God will be served in His church.

3. The praises of God will be sung in His church.

9. The Glorious Church

Text: Eph. 3:20-21; Acts 11:21

Introduction:

The church of God as revealed to us in the Scripture is glorious in its commencement, continuation, and consummation.

The Bible and the church stand together. While the church had its roots in the Old Testament, it is predominately a New Testament institution. It is in the New Testament that we find the origin of the church, the pattern of the church, the mission of the church, the early history of the church, and the heavenly prospects of the church.

I. The Origin Of The Church

A. The Sovereign Thought It

B. The Savior Bought It

C. The Spirit Wrought It

II. The Operation Of The Church

A. An instrument for the Savior

B. An inspiration to the saints

C. An influence on society

III. The Outcome Of The Church

A. Its conquest- taken out of the world

B. Its celebration- married to Christ- bride

C. Its coronation- crowned for its ministry

D. Its continuation- through eternity

Conclusion:

In Ephesians 5:27 Paul speaks of the church’s future glory.

1. The church will be complete in number.

2. The church will be complete in nature (perfectly holy).

10. The Second Prayer For The Church

Text: Eph. 3:14-21

Introduction:

The Apostle Paul, like Jesus his Savior, was a man of prayer. Most of his prayers were not for himself but for sinners and saints. Here he is praying for the church at Ephesus. There are three elements in his prayer to be considered:

I. The Invocation Of This Prayer

The invocation of his prayer has a three-fold basis:

A. His responsibility to pray (v.14)

"For this cause" = reason

B. His reverence in prayer (v.14)

His posture- Acceptable prayers have been offered by

God’s servants in various positions and postures-----

1. Standing- (Mk.11:25; 1 Kings 8:22)

2. Kneeling- (Luke 22:41; Ps.95:6)

3. Falling on the face- (Matt.26:39)

4. Lifting up hands- (Ps. 28:2; 1 Tim.2:8)

C. His relationship in prayer (v.14) "Father"

II. The Petition In This Prayer

He prays that these believers may know:

A. The presence of Christ (v.17)

"That Christ may dwell (feel at home) in your hearts by faith (Eph. 3:17).

His presence brings security.

B. The power of Christ (v.17)

1. To discharge duty

2. To resist temptation

3. To endure tribulation

His power brings stability.

C. The passion of Christ (v.18)

Four dimensions of His love:

1. Wide- (world wide)

2. Length- (eternity to eternity)

3. High- (up to heaven’s throne)

4. Deep- (to the depths of the depravity of sin)

This brings serenity and peace.

D. The Plentitude of Christ (v.19)

This brings satisfaction and fullness to meet needs.

III. The Benediction Of This Prayer

In Paul's benediction, the will and work of God is recognized.

A. He confidently recognizes the work of God (v.20)

He affirms his faith in God’s work.

B. He submissively realizes the will of God (v.20)

He willingly accepts God’s will.

Conclusion:

Paul concludes in this benediction by recognition of:

1. The grace of God (v.1:6)

2. The goodness of God (3:20)

3. The glory of God (3:20)

11. The Unity Of The Church

Text: Eph. 4:1-16

Introduction:

It is a beautiful thing when brethren, the church, dwell together in unity. It is a tragic thing when they do not.

The unity of the church is a spiritual unity. The uniformity of the flesh is not the unity of the Spirit. It is organized by man and fails. Unity is created by God and lasts.

1. The Lord Jesus prayed for this unity.

2. The early church is a pattern for this unity.

3. The Apostle Paul preached this unity.

4. The church today is to practice this unity.

I. The Plea For This Unity (v.1)

"I beseech you"

A. This unity is produced by the Spirit of God.

"The unity of the Spirit."

It brings us into union with Christ and unity with one another.

B. This unity is preserved by the saints of God.

"Keep the unity" This is done by selflessness (v.2)

Selflessness-

1. Lowliness-holy-humbleness
A scriptural estimation of one's self (Ill-Paul)

2. Meekness- our estimation of ourselves in relationship to God
Ill. Jesus

3. Long suffering without irritation or arrogance

Having patience and endurance but with patience and endurance.

4. Forbearing one another- Lovingly putting up with all that is disagreeable in other people.

5. Love- The motive of the above four.

II. The Place Of This Unity- (vv.4-6)

The basis for this unity is oneness in Christ. The unity has to do with the Holy Trinity.

A. The Holy Spirit

1. One body- the body of Christ

2. One Spirit- the Holy Spirit

3. One hope of your calling- Goal set before all believers.

B. The Lord Jesus

1. One Lord- The Lord Jesus Christ- His Lordship

2. One faith- The body of truth called the Apostle’s Doctrine (Acts 2:42)

3. One baptism- The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a
real baptism. Ritual baptism is by water. Our Lord may have been talking about His baptism of sacrificial sufferings for the sins of the world.

C. The Heavenly Father

One God and Father- God’s Fatherhood of believers

III. The Progress In This Unity (vv.7-16)

This progress is brought about by the Holy Spirit’s working in us and through us. He works in us as God’s saints and through us as God’s servants.

These spiritual gifts are given to believers and when properly exercised, promote the unity in the body of Christ.

A. The persons of these gifts (v.7)

1. We are to discover our gift or gifts.

2. We are to develop our gift or gifts.

3. We are to deploy our gift or gifts.

B. The purpose of these gifts

When the gifts are properly used they will:

1. Produce grounded Christians (v.14)

2. Produce growing Christians (v.15)

3. Produce glowing Christians (v.16)

4. Produce going Christians (v.16)

12. The Forgotten Command To The Church

Text: Eph. 5:18- 6:9

Introduction:

There are three attitudes that hinder the filling of the Holy Spirit in one’s life:

1. Ignorance (Acts 19:2)

2. Indifference -There were 380 absent on the day of Pentecost.

3. Iniquity- Sin in the heart.

The moral filling with the Spirit should be distinguished from His miraculous filling. Apart from the moral filling of the Spirit, wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants, and mothers cannot act toward one another as God commands.

I. The Must Of The Spirit-Filled Life

A. The Word of God commands it.

B. The work of God commands it.

C. The witness of God inspires it.

II. The Marks Of The Spirit-Filled Life

A. The realization of Christ’s abiding presence (Eph.3:17)

B. The reproduction of Christ’s holy life (Gal. 5:22-23)

C. The re-enactment of Christ’s supernatural power (Acts 1:8)

III. The Manifestation Of A Spirit Filled Life

The Spirit filled life is manifested with love. Being filled with the Spirit is being filled with love.

A. Personal life

1. Praising love (v.19)

2. Joyful love (v.19)

3. Thankful love (v.20)

B. Church life

1. Submitting love (v.21)

C. Domestic Life

1. Husband and wife sacrificing and submitting love.

2. Parents and children

a. Caring love

b. Obeying and honoring love

D. Vocational Life

Employer and employee

a. Laboring love

b. Respectful love

Conclusion:

Now can a person be filled with the Spirit?

1. There must be a craving.

2. There must be a cleansing.

3. There must be a claiming.

13. The Church Pleasing The Holy Spirit

(Grieve Not The Holy Spirit)

Text: Eph. 4:17-31

Introduction:

Do not cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Children of parents cause sorrow because their parents love them.

When we grieve the Holy Spirit, we do not loose our salvation but we do loose our joy and peace. Remember, He is the one who has marked you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete.

We may cause pain to the Holy Spirit or please Him.

The Holy Spirit is most happy in the atmosphere of love, joy, and peace.

I. We May Sadden The Holy Spirit

A. By unhealthy association (v.17; 5:11)

B. By unbecoming apparel (vv.22, 24)

C. By unholy attitudes (vv. 31-32)

"Outlook determines outcome"

"Attitude determines actions"

You attitudes and thoughts must be constantly changing for the better. You must be a different person - holy and good- clothe yourself with this nature.

D. By un-Christian actions (v.29)

II. How We May Gladden The Holy Spirit

A. By acknowledging His presence- person (v.30)

B. By accepting His pathway

C. By applying His presents- gifts- (vv.4, 7)

D. By acclaiming His praises- He praises Jesus in worship and witness

E. By affirming His power

14. The Church’s Warfare

Text: Eph. 6:10-24

Introduction:

The filling of the Spirit affects both the life and the labor of the believer.

The work of God is a spiritual work and requires the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish it.

The walk of the believer is a spiritual walk and requires the power of the Spirit to fulfill it.

The warfare of the believer is a spiritual warfare and requires the power of the Spirit to fight it.

I. The Church’s Adversary In This Conflict

A. The person of our adversary (Satan- real person)

B. The position of our adversary (God of this world)

C. The power of our adversary (Powerful but not all powerful or omnipotent)

1. Angelic forces (v.12)

2. Humanistic forces (v.12)

3. Spiritualistic forces (v.12)

D. The purposes of our adversary

1. To defeat the servants of God

2. To defile the saints of God

3. To doom sinners from God

II. The Church’s Armor Is Complete

Jesus is the essence of the church’s armor.

A. Our defensive armor

1. The girdle of truth- Christ is our truth.

2. The breast-plate of righteousness- Christ is our righteousness.

3. The shoes of peace - Christ is our peace.

4. The shield of faith - Christ is our faith.

5. The helmet of salvation- Christ is our hope.

B. Our offensive armor

1. The sword of the Spirit

2. The supplication of the Spirit

III. The Church’s Assured Conquest

Because we stand in the Lord Jesus, we share in His victory.

A. We must face the enemy (v.13)

B. We must fight the enemy (vv.17-18)

1. With the Word of God

2. With prayer to God

Conclusion:

The corporate church and the individual Christian must:

1- Accept God’s power for our warfare.

2- Affirm God’s purpose in our warfare.

It is for our good and His glory.

15. The Church Encourager

Text: Ephesians 6:21-24

Introduction:

Tychicus means "fortunate or fortuitous." He was a Christian in Asia Minor who traveled in advance of Paul as well as with him at times (Acts 20:4). Paul sent him to Ephesus where he delivered, and likely read, the circular letter, the Epistle to the Ephesians, to the church there (Eph.6:11). Then we went to Colosse and did the same with the Colossians (Col. 4:7). He also had a mission to fulfill in Crete (2 Tim.4:12; Titus 3:12). Paul speaks of him in affectionate terms-

"A brother beloved and faithful minister in the Lord," and "able to comfort your hearts."

I. His Characteristics

A. His Christianity

B. His reliability

C. His humility

II. His Contribution

A. To the unity of the church

B. To the ministry of the church

C. To the stability of the church

D. To the charity of the church

E. To the spirituality of the church

Reasons For Serving the Lord

1. We serve Him to express gratitude.

2. We serve Him to experience grace.

3. We serve Him to enjoy gladness.

16. The Church And Her Pastor

Introduction:

There are seven characteristics of Timothy, as God’s man, and the pastor of the church at Ephesus:

I. Timothy, The Pastor Who Was Saved (Tim.1:5)

II. Timothy, The Pastor Who Was Spirit-filled (2 Tim. 1:6-7)

III. Timothy, The Pastor Who Was Self-less
(Phil.2:20-21) "forgot himself"

IV. Timothy, The Pastor Who Was Sympathetic
(Phil 2:22) "He cares for others"

V. Timothy, The Pastor Who Was Seasoned
(Phil.2:22) "Works with others"

VI. Timothy, The Pastor Who Was Steadfast
(1 Tim. 1:13-14)