The memory verse for this week is Ephesians 5:15-17 from the New Century Version. It says, "So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times."
Be wise. Use every chance you have for doing good. What does that look like? That's what we want to look at this week. Let me start by talking about responsibility. What's your responsibility as a follower of Christ and a member at COV?
Ephesians 4:14-16 (NIV) gives us insight into this.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
#1. GROW UP AND MATURE SPIRITUALLY. (Ephesians 4:14a)
Then we will no longer be infants
#2. DON”T BE TOSSED & BLOWN BY FALSE TEACHING . (Ephesians 4:14b)
tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching
#3. DON’T BE IMPROPERLY INFLUENCED. (Ephesians 4:14c)
and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
#4. EVERY DAY, BECOME MORE & MORE LIKE JESUS CHRIST. (Ephesians 4:15)
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
#5. FULFILL THE MISSION GOD HAS FOR YOU. (Ephesians 4:16)
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
How are you doing in regard to the five areas above? What time and resources are you giving/dedicating to these areas of your life?
It's my Job job here at COV to equip you for your ministry. The Bible teaches this very clearly. One day you're going to stand before God and He's going to ask you two questions. First He's going to say, "What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?" And I hope you already know the answer to that one. "I've given my life to Him. I've made Him my Lord and Master. I've committed my life to Christ. I've accepted Him for salvation."
Then He's going to say, number two, "What did you do with what I gave you?" You have some natural talents. You have some abilities. You have some spiritual gifts. Where do you think you got those interests? God put them in your life. He didn't give you that talent and ability just to use on yourself. He meant for you to use it to help other people and to serve other people. When you use your talent, your ability, your interest to help other people that's called ministry. Our job as pastors and teachers is to help equip you for your ministry.
Ponder these things today. I love you guys. Stay faithful. Stay the course. ENDURE!
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