Sermon Outline 1.19.25
Sermon Date: 1.19.2025
Sermon Title: Church Growth
Text: Ephesians 4:15-16
Theme: The Church “grows” when it reflects the maturity found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Main Idea: The church is commanded to have the same mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2), a maturity that grows from all its members into the world.
I. Introduction
A. Paul warns us about spiritual big babies (Ephesians 4:14).
B. Characteristics: indecisive, gullible, and manipulative.
C. Immaturity sneaks up on us as individuals and as a church.
D. Key Question: What is God’s purpose for the church?
E. Common answers: missions, social justice, a safe retreat.
F. Paul’s answer: God wants His church to grow up—to be mature and reflect Christ.
II. God’s Purpose for the Church
A. What is church growth? More buildings, people, money?
B. Spiritual Growth: Growing Up into Christ (v15)
A. The body is designed to work together.
Illustration: A body with mismatched or underdeveloped parts.
When the church isn’t unified, it’s like a body out of proportion.
Each part plays a role in building up the body. No one is a spectator; everyone contributes to maturity.
Growth leads to love, and love fosters growth.
Love is the defining characteristic of Christ’s disciples (John 13:34-35). It binds the Church together and motivates service (Colossians 3:14).
Application: Serve others with a Christlike love that prioritizes their needs above your own (Philippians 2:3-4).
III. The Two Marks of Maturity in the Church
A. Speaking the Truth
B. Speaking in Love
How do we speak truth and love to one another as God does with us?
1) Before confronting someone about sin, ensure your concern is grounded in God’s Word, not personal opinions because only Scripture is the ultimate source of truth (John 17:17).
2) Before addressing someone else's sin, pray for God’s guidance. He may want to change you or have you pray (maybe for a month) rather than confront that person to know your motive. Do you want to be noticed, get back at someone, or have a bad day and feel like lashing out at someone? Spend time in prayer beforehand.
3) Ask what you contributed to the problem. Often, the problem you see is a problem you contributed to.
4) If you confront someone, follow Matthew 18—avoid gossip and address the issue privately and respectfully.
5) Are you demanding perfection of the person? Remember, only Christ is perfect, so approach others with grace and understanding, knowing your struggles.
6) Are you willing to help them grow, as love means offering support, not just criticism?
Sermon Title: Church Growth
Text: Ephesians 4:15-16
Theme: The Church “grows” when it reflects the maturity found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Main Idea: The church is commanded to have the same mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2), a maturity that grows from all its members into the world.
I. Introduction
A. Paul warns us about spiritual big babies (Ephesians 4:14).
B. Characteristics: indecisive, gullible, and manipulative.
C. Immaturity sneaks up on us as individuals and as a church.
D. Key Question: What is God’s purpose for the church?
E. Common answers: missions, social justice, a safe retreat.
F. Paul’s answer: God wants His church to grow up—to be mature and reflect Christ.
II. God’s Purpose for the Church
A. What is church growth? More buildings, people, money?
B. Spiritual Growth: Growing Up into Christ (v15)
- Speaking the truth in love is how growth happens. 1 Cor 8:1: Knowledge puffs up; love builds up.
- Christ is the standard of maturity for every believer. Philippians 2:5: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
- Growth is not just doing more or adding more, but being transformed in character.
A. The body is designed to work together.
Illustration: A body with mismatched or underdeveloped parts.
When the church isn’t unified, it’s like a body out of proportion.
Each part plays a role in building up the body. No one is a spectator; everyone contributes to maturity.
Growth leads to love, and love fosters growth.
Love is the defining characteristic of Christ’s disciples (John 13:34-35). It binds the Church together and motivates service (Colossians 3:14).
Application: Serve others with a Christlike love that prioritizes their needs above your own (Philippians 2:3-4).
III. The Two Marks of Maturity in the Church
A. Speaking the Truth
B. Speaking in Love
How do we speak truth and love to one another as God does with us?
1) Before confronting someone about sin, ensure your concern is grounded in God’s Word, not personal opinions because only Scripture is the ultimate source of truth (John 17:17).
2) Before addressing someone else's sin, pray for God’s guidance. He may want to change you or have you pray (maybe for a month) rather than confront that person to know your motive. Do you want to be noticed, get back at someone, or have a bad day and feel like lashing out at someone? Spend time in prayer beforehand.
3) Ask what you contributed to the problem. Often, the problem you see is a problem you contributed to.
4) If you confront someone, follow Matthew 18—avoid gossip and address the issue privately and respectfully.
5) Are you demanding perfection of the person? Remember, only Christ is perfect, so approach others with grace and understanding, knowing your struggles.
6) Are you willing to help them grow, as love means offering support, not just criticism?
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